Under current Department of Agriculture legislation it is illegal for any person to travel anywhere in the country with horses without the animal’s passport.  Please be aware that Department Officials have the authority to enter premises (i.e. Shows/Centres) and randomly verify whether those present have adhered to this law.
Sanctions will be imposed on any member found to be in breach of these regulations – See Appendix 11 of the S.J.I. Rule Book.

The Ball will take place in the Johnstown Marriott Hotel on Saturday 23rd January 2010

Tickets priced at €50 for adults and €25 for children and are on sale from 1st November from Katy Saunders - Tel: 00447764 534562.

All accommodation must be booked directly with the Hotel which has kindly offered a special weekend rate - apartments for families are also available.  Please mention the Pony Awards Ball when making the booking to avail of the discount.

• Spurs – 128cm and 138cm pony riders are not allowed to wear spurs Neck of spurs worn by 148cm pony riders must not exceed 1.5cm in length.
• Stirrups – Stirrups used should be of correct size. They should have a minimum of ½ inch or 12mm clearance for safety. Please note that stirrups which are too large or too small are also not safe. Magnetic stirrups are not recommended.
• Safety Irons where worn must be fitted correctly
• Riding Hat chin straps must be fastened and correctly fitted at all times when mounted Pony Competitions – No Grade D pony should jump against the clock except in a League Final.
• Under 8/10 is one class and therefore a pony may only compete once either in the Under 8 or Under 10 sections and not in both 
• Assistance by leading a pony at any time during the round of a competition is not allowed
• Article 302. 9. Only correctly fitted hind fetlock boots are allowed to be worn on ponies, anywhere on the showgrounds. This does not affect boots / bandages worn on forelegs. The total amount of equipment allowed to be added to an animal's leg, front or hind (single or multiple boots, fetlock rings etc) is 500g (shoe excluded) 
• Pony Competitions – No Grade D pony should jump against the clock except in a League Final.
• A pony may not be led at any time during the round of a competition. This does not include assistance to enter the arena or to leave the arena after a fall of pony or athlete. 
• Body Protectors:The Pony Committee, in the interests of safety, wish to draw pony riders attention to Article 293.3 in the Rule book which recommends the use of Body Protectors. The Committee strongly recommends the use of properly fitted/approved body protectors as the benefits of these cannot be underestimated.
• Reins: No draw reins/running reins are allowed while jumping in the practice area.
• Only running, unrestricted martingales are permitted. Any schooling device where reins are attached to something other than directly to the bit, are not allowed.
• Bits: No combination bits are allowed.
  When Pelham bits are worn the rein may not be attached solely to this. Rubber/leather or sheepskin chain guards must be worn behind chains when worn.
  No Chain or strap is permitted behind gag or elevator type bits. A Wellop bit is now permitted in Pony Classes. To view the Approved Pony Bits click here
   

Horses

• Children in their 13th year are not permitted to ride horse stallions
• Children in their 13th year cannot compete on a horse above 1.20m with spread of 1.40m unless approval has been obtained from the relevant Standing Committee for that horse/athlete combination. Written application must be made to the relevant Standing Committee who will seek a report on competence from a Level 2 Coach.
• It is to be encouraged that horse/rider combinations would participate in Regional Training

Downgrading your Pony
For information on downgrading your Pony, click here

Code of Ethics click here

Use of Bute
For information on use of Bute, Click Here

Hors Concours

• Ponies competing Hors Concours may not win a prize or token of any kind.
• It is the responsibility of the rider/owner/agent to mark 'H/C' on the jumping ticket.
• Ponies may only participate H/C in a lower grade and within their height category.
• The same pony may not compete with a registered ticket in any later competition, on the same day, at the same show, having once participated Hors Concours.
• A pony may jump twice H/C on the same day in competition lower than its own grade.
• A pony may jump Hors Concours on the first day of a 2 day show or one of longer duration and then jump in competition on the 2nd or later days.

All members are reminded that they are not allowed to compete as owner, rider or to officiate in any capacity other than Medical Officer, Veterinary Officer, First Aid or Farrier, at Shows not affiliated to S.J.I, which offer a prize fund in excess of €50/£50 per class.  Members may participate at events approved by their governing bodies such as AIRC, Irish Pony Club, Eventing Ireland, Dressage Ireland, Interschools and equivalent Northern Ireland bodies etc.  In the event of a breach of this Rule, members may face disciplinary procedures.

Owners please ensure that if you are competing in a class restricted by points, that you comply with this and do not deprive a potential winner of their place on the podium on the day.  If you are unsure of the number of points your horse/pony has, you can check these on our website – www.sji.ie or contact the S.J.I. office on 045 852230.
Please be aware that non compliance will cause enforcement of Article 301.4.2