Key Changes for 2025:

The NPS wishes to highlight the following key changes to the 2025 Rule Book:

• A new competition for Unregistered Ponies who have a basic ID passport with no verified parentage. National finals for both in hand and ridden. Ponies to be judged as a practical family all round pony displaying good manners, correct way of going and functional conformation
• Rules on acceptable bits have been updated to include – Only smooth rounded mouthpieces on bits are acceptable. Bits with wire mouths, square mouths, or those that have been modified from the manufacturer’s original form are not acceptable in NPS classes.
• Tack and bits may be subject to inspection at NPS affiliated shows.
• The adverse use of schooling whips or any other whip or cane is not permitted within any area of the showground.
• Competitor impartiality rules have been updated (Rule 3.1.c)
• Competitor ages have been raised for in hand classes and show pony leading rein classes – No child under the age of 7 as of the 1st January in the current year may compete in in hand classes (except young handler classes) and may not show a stallion /colt as per rule 3.2.c and – Rider not to have attained their 9th birthday for both Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies (Leading Rein) by 1st January in the current year.
• In NPS qualifying Ridden classes, excluding Leading Rein and First Ridden, a minimum of 6 ponies must be stripped but not necessarily the first 6. The judge has the discretion not to strip a pony, if to do so would constitute a Health & Safety risk (eg due to adverse weather) or if the judge has already seen the pony stripped in an earlier class at the same show on the same day.
• NPS Novice WHP Rule addition – Ponies that have won more than 5 BE points or 200 BS points, at home or equivalent abroad before 1st January in the current year, are not eligible to compete in novice working classes.