The Irish Pony Club

At every Pony Club activity a routine inspection, of rider, saddlery and pony is carried out at at the outset.

At all inter-branch and national competitions there is a tack inspection. At horse trials there will be three tack inspection, one for each phase.

It is important that parents familiarise themselves with the current tacksheets for all disciplines.

These can be viewed/downloaded on this website. Click here

There are strict rules regarding the standard of Riding Hat allowed in the Irish Pony Club.

It is mandatory for all Members to wear a protective helmet manufactured to one of the minimum standards listed below. It must bear the CE mark and a quality symbol, either the BSI Kitemark, the SAI Global symbol or the official Snell label with number.

The CE symbol on its own is not sufficient to ensure consistent standard of manufacture. The PAS 015:1998 and the Snell E2001 meet higher impact criteria and therefore give more protection.

For cross-country riding (including Eventing, Tetrathlon, Horse Trials, tests and training); a jockey skull cap, with no fixed peak, must be worn.



PAS 015
En 1384
SNELL 2001 with BSI Kitemark or ASTM F1163 with SEI

NB The prefix ‘BS’ on the EN 1384 standard does not mean that the hat has undergone batch testing by the
British Standards Institute – the hat must contain the BSI Kitemark as well.

The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit, the hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. It is strongly recommended that second hand hats are not purchased.

Hats must be replaced after a severe impact, subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon the amount of use.

Hats, with a cover, must be worn when mounted (this includes at prize-giving) with a chinstrap fastened at all times. For Dressage, Show Jumping and Mounted Games the cover shall be dark blue or black only.

The Official Steward/Organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply with these standards.

Hat Checks and Tagging

Hat Tagging is available at championships.

You should bring your hat to the Secretary's tent to have this carried out by officials who are familiar with the current rules regarding standards for hats. Tags are fitted when the hats have been checked by two officials that it complies to the required standard.

Hats fitted with a Pony Club tag will not need to be checked on subsequent occasions at tack inspections.

NO check of the fit and condition of the hat is implied. It is considered to be the responsibility of the Member’s parent or guardian to ensure that their hat complies with the required standards before they go to any Pony Club event, and also to ensure that the manufacturer’s guidelines with regard to fit and replacement are followed.