First lead rein class this weekend, tips?

[katymay]

we have decided to brave our first lead rein class at a local pony club show this sunday, (if we can get said pony loaded)
this will be our first ever outing and Noah and Harry Hoof's first ever show,
think I am prepared as much as I can be in respect to kitting them both out but just wanted a few pointers please,
I know I have to put the lead rein on the noseband, do I lead from the ponys left side? also when it comes to the trot bit, does the child have to be able to rise to trot, he has only been riding about a month and is only four so can trot by hanging on for dear life! also we have a cub saddle which I expect we are going to get marked down for, we are not expecting to be placed at all but there are rosettes for all competititors so was hoping this would spur him on to doing more,
any tips or pointers please?
thanks

 

[Oddjob's Wife]

Thought you'd have had loads of replies Katymay, but here's my two pennies....yes you lead from the left and the rider should be able to do rising trot (only because it's a more elegant picture than littleuns hanging on). BUT it's a little show, just have fun! My guess is you'll do well on the cute factor, not because your son can't do rising trot or you don't have a showing saddle! Enjoy and post an update as to how you get on

 

[katymay]

Thought you'd have had loads of replies Katymay, but here's my two pennies....yes you lead from the left and the rider should be able to do rising trot (only because it's a more elegant picture than littleuns hanging on). BUT it's a little show, just have fun! My guess is you'll do well on the cute factor, not because your son can't do rising trot or you don't have a showing saddle! Enjoy and post an update as to how you get on

Thank you, we did try rising trot but his legs are so little he just couldnt lift off the saddle! at least we can put it down to experience and know what to expect for the next time,
will post piccies and an update on Sunday

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Always lead from the left. If your son can't do rising trot then just jig-jog along - enough so the pony is trotting but not very fast at all as it won't make your son bouce about as much - he will more bobble about. You should also only hold onto the end of your lead rein, the rest should be loose but at local level this doesn't matter quite as much as long as your rein isn't really short and you are actually leading the pony - it should be walking and trotting next to you, starting and stopping with you. The idea of a leader is more for the idea of a safety net. There to guide and reassure but the kid should ride the pony. Again at local level not so much. As for the cub saddle - again it's not too much bother at local level.

Most of all - have fun and enjoy your day no matter what!

Oh and for the unloadable pony - get 2 lunge lines, clip one either side of the ramp, put pony between them, cross them over and gradually close them over behind him thus creating on escape route and a winch should he stop. You do kinda need 3 people - 1 to take the pone and one on each lunge line but as he appears to be a small pony you may get away with one person on the lunges provided that said pony doesn't kick.

 

[Natti]

The best advice I can give is to have fun and don't be too nervous for them! If your nervous then both pony and rider will be so as well, and you don't want a nervous four year old ! Also, and this is the harsh truth, there will be better riders, ponies and leaders. Don't let this put you off, just remember that it's you first show and most importantly have fun!!

 

[Littlelegs]

Just have fun! Mine was doing them at 2, usually in either a pony pad or safari cub. At that age don't worry about losing marks for not rising or incorrect tack, judges are usually lovely & give all the non-placed kids a special. If its equitation its judged on riders ability, not excellent correct tack. Usually places end up being taken by older children who are already starting to control the pony themselves. As for the cub saddle, my daughter has been placed in those & pony pads. Last year she managed several firsts in them with different judges at local level shows so doubt its frowned on too much.