Competition: the outfit of the young rider

The official dress code for pony competitions

In competitions, the young rider wears an outfit similar to that of an adult: a competition jacket, light-coloured polo or shirt, white or beige trousers, boots or jodhpur boots with mini-chaps, and a compliant helmet, fastened as soon as they are on horseback. The rules for each event specify the requirements, which are more flexible in clubs than in official competitions.

Full grip trousers, like the Premier Equine Brava, have silicone grip on the whole inside of the leg, helping the child stay stable in the saddle. The Premier Equine Derby and the Red Horse Topper complete the choice, available in children's and girls' cuts, to present themselves at the awards ceremony in impeccable dress.

Boots or jodhpur boots and mini-chaps: keep up with growth

Children grow quickly, and a pair of jodhpur boots paired with mini-chaps, like those in suede from Q-essentials, are easier to replace than tall boots with every growth spurt. The mini-chaps cover the calf, protect it from stirrup rub, and give the appearance of a boot. The Black Fox Cheyennetoo fur-lined boots or the Q-essentials Thermo keep feet warm during winter competitions.

Boots, like the Horze Portland with crystals, the Horze Rover or the QHP Romy, should be chosen with a bit of extra height, as the leather compresses with use; wide models, such as the Q-essentials Jessy, are suitable for strong calves.

Back protection and airbag vest: the young rider's safety

The back protector, like the Swing with a zip closure, protects the back and chest in case of a fall; meeting the EN 13158 standard, it is required in cross-country events. The airbag vest, like the Helite Zip'In for children, inflates in a fraction of a second when the rider separates from the saddle, thanks to a CO2 cartridge connected to the saddle by a strap. It can be worn alone or zipped onto a compatible jacket.

After each deployment, the cartridge is replaced, like the child Equiline cartridge, and the vest is checked before remounting. The helmet should be replaced after any hard fall, even without visible damage.

The rest of the outfit

The competition outfit is completed with light t-shirts and polos worn under the jacket, jumpers and sweats for warm-up, jackets and parkas for waiting their turn, training trousers, and hunting caps, all gathered on the children's page.

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Frequently asked questions

What colour trousers for a pony competition?

White or light beige remains the rule for competitions, with a light polo or shirt worn under the jacket. Have a second pair of dark trousers for warm-up and muddy terrain, to keep the white pristine until their turn.

From what age should a back protector be worn?

There is no minimum age: the back protector is recommended from the first jumping lessons and required in cross-country. It should be chosen based on the child's back length, without restricting their arms or pressing on the saddle when sitting.

How to choose a young rider's helmet?

Measure the head circumference above the eyebrows and choose a helmet that meets current standards, which doesn't move when the child shakes their head. The harness should be adjusted to allow a finger to fit under the chin and be fastened at each session.

How to wash full grip trousers without damaging the silicone?

Turn them inside out and wash at thirty degrees with a gentle detergent, without fabric softener or tumble drying, as these ruin the grip. A gentle stain remover applied before washing will tackle leather and grass marks.

Is a jacket required for a first pony competition?

It depends on the event's rules: some clubs allow a polo in club colours, while others require a jacket. Check before entering, and prefer a lightweight, stretchy jacket that doesn't restrict a child's arms.