CANADIAN PONY CLUB TURNOUT GUIDELINES

OBJECT: to demonstrate the ability to present a horse to its best advantage as for a horse inspection, trot-up, vet check, etc.

TURNOUT:
Handler: clean breeches/good repair, jacket, ratcatcher/shirt, hat with harness done up, hairnet, boots clean in good repair; whip optional - no more than 30" long.

Horse: bridle, clean/well fitted; mane braided, tail style optional; hooves oiled all the way around; trimmed, face/fetlocks/outside ears; sheath/udder/dock clean; eyes/nose muzzle clean.

Preferably, use firm level ground.

IN HAND
Reins held in two hands - hip in outside hand
Must release the head during movement and keep the neck straight.  Walk/trot must be relaxed but forward.  Try to emulate the rhythm/stride of the horse.
Must move straight away from the "judge/examiner", checking over shoulder occasionally to see if still straight.
Move straight toward a marker (or assistant) so hind end can be seen.
Halt. Turn 1/4 to right so side view can be seen.  Finish with 1/4 turn to right so front view can be seen.
Trot directly back to the "judge/examiner".
Keep eyes up at all times and look at point or person where you are headed.
When standing a horse up for observers, stand the horse to show off its best features: i.e. viewing from near side, place off fore slightly behind the near fore to show off the shoulder to best advantage and the off hind slightly ahead of the near hind to show the hip/hind leg well.

Can stand from the front - with one hand on each rein, or to the side of the head - in both cases ensuring that you are not between the observer and horse at any time - i.e. move as the observer moves.

Decide whether the horse needs practice or warmup by doing so ahead of time.  Possibly have a helper assist the trot up.  Smile and say "Good morning!"

These guidelines are just that — a guide.  Examiners are looking for an alert, sharp presentation of an immaculate horse and handler so be sure your turnout and body language reflect this.