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Showing Guidelines

Official guidelines for presenting Highland Ponies at affiliated shows. These standards help maintain the breed's natural characteristics and ensure fair competition.

Pony Presentation

Grooming Standards

The pony must be thoroughly clean with brushed mane and tail. The Highland Pony should be presented in its natural state to showcase the breed's true characteristics.

Not Permitted

  • • Pulling, plaiting or trimming of mane
  • • Trimming of forelock or tail
  • • Trimming of leg feather
  • • Cosmetic makeup of any kind
  • • Disguising white markings
  • • Trimming whiskers or ears

Required

  • • Thorough cleaning
  • • Brushed mane and tail
  • • Clean, well-maintained hooves
  • • Natural presentation
  • • Well-conditioned coat

Winter/Hunting Season Exception

For ridden classes in winter or hunting, clipping is allowed. However, whiskers, ears, and leg feather must remain untouched.

In-Hand Classes

Handler Turnout

Handlers should wear smart, appropriate clothing suitable for the show ring.

Stallion Tack Requirements

  • Strong stallion bridle
  • Straight bar or snaffle bit
  • Chain coupling
  • White lead rein

Mares & Geldings Tack

  • Show bridle or brass-mounted headcollar
  • Snaffle bit (if bridled)
  • White cotton or leather lead rope

Ridden Classes

Rider Turnout

  • Breeches with boots OR jodhpurs with jodhpur boots
  • Tweed jacket
  • Shirt and tie
  • Current-standard riding helmet
  • Gloves
  • Showing cane or whip

Pony Tack

  • Double bridle, pelham, or snaffle
  • Well-fitting saddle
  • Immaculately clean and safe tack

In-Hand Judging Procedure

1

Initial Walk

Competitors walk their ponies around the ring together.

2

Individual Trot

Each pony trots individually for the judge.

3

Positioning

Stewards position ponies for individual assessment.

4

Static Assessment

Each pony is assessed while standing correctly - the judge should see all four legs with front and back legs closest to the judge further apart.

5

Handler Position

Handler stands in front during static viewing, then moves to the side when the judge examines the front.

6

Movement Assessment

Ponies walk away and trot directly toward the judge to demonstrate movement.

Stallion Licensing Requirement

In order to compete in affiliated showing classes, a Highland Pony stallion of 4 years old and over must be fully licensed with the Highland Pony Society.

Learn about stallion licensing →

Interested in Judging?

Learn how to become an approved Highland Pony Society judge.

Judging Information