Forms and Information
Becoming a Measurer
Members wishing to become a measurer in their area can do so by following the procedures outlined below:
2. State the distance of the closest measurer to the applicant 3. Include contact details such as phone number, address and email. 4. Fill out a nomination form Upon receiving the letter, the State Committee will discuss the application at their next committee meeting and upon approval will forward the application to the National Committee for their approval. For further information please contact your State Delegate. |
Buying a Pony
Before embarking on the exciting adventure of purchasing your first Australian Miniature Pony, it is advisable to keep the following points in mind to ensure that the pony you choose is the perfect one for your needs.
You will need to be a financial member of Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. at the time of transfer. If you are not a financial member, the official transfer process will be delayed until you have joined - the papers will be held by Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. for safekeeping. Only Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. Registrar is authorised to use the Transfer Record on the back of the Recording/Registration Certificates, the owner/breeder/vendor/purchaser of the pony MUST NOT write on these certificates - this INVALIDATES THE CERTIFICATE. If you are buying a mare that is said to be in foal, ask the seller/vendor to provide you in writing what the conditions of the sale are, i.e. if the mare is guaranteed to be in foal, and if there is a live foal guarantee. Please note that a Service Certificate is required to be provided by the stallion owner if the mare has been served. All registered/appendix recorded ponies MUST BE BRANDED prior to being sold, you must be able to view the brands to check the identification of your potential purchase. The Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. are unable to get involved in purchasing disagreements between buyers and sellers, as these are civil matters. As a purchaser, you are advised to take responsibility yourself for the checking of pending registrations, foal recording certificates, adult registration, height measurements, brands, unsoundness, eligibility, etc. Showing Showing your Australian Miniature Pony can be a very rewarding experience and may provide you with the opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow Australian Miniature Pony Society enthusiasts, view other members' ponies, promote the Australian Miniature Pony and potentially enhance your own showing/handling skills and knowledge. The Australian Miniature Pony is exhibited at most Agricultural and Royal Shows throughout Australia. The Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. National Committee, some State Committees and also Area Groups organise annual shows specifically for Australian Miniature Ponies. These events are dedicated to promoting the Australian Miniature Pony, which is the highlight for many members and provides a wonderful display of Miniature Ponies in led, harness, ridden and novelty classes.
1. Tranquilized Ponies. 2. Height in excess of 87cms. 3. Overshot or undershot mouth (3mm maximum). When showing it is advisable to have a copy of your pony's registration papers (or foal recording certificate) with you on the day of the show - some shows require the originals to be produced if requested. For further information, please refer to the Standard of Showing, Standard of Excellence and Standard of Dress. General Care A balanced diet, fresh water, suitable environment and the application of commonsense will generally ensure your Australian Miniature Pony stays healthy and happy, with the addition of a few important factors:
Showing - Preparation: The preparation of your pony prior to showing is crucial in your ability to present a well groomed and well mannered pony. You will need to groom and educate the pony on what will be expected in the ring. You will also need to learn basic ring craft (handling) yourself. Before entering your first show it is advisable that you go along to a show and view Australian Miniature Ponies prepared for the ring and then watch how they work out, how the handler performs and try and develop an understanding of the showing process. Many exhibitors carefully clip/shave the longer facial whiskers/hair i.e. they trim the longer hair from the ears and also trim under the chin to present a neat and tidy appearance in the ring. Hoofs may have hoof black applied or a clear lacquer, or left natural. Best Presented Best Presented classes are often included at shows where there is a history of high entries in breed/age classes. The Best Presented Classes may be stipulated as Best Presented Male, Best Presented Female or simply Best Presented. The Best Presented Class is a non-points based class with the level of presentation similar to what you would expect to see in a "turnout class". The Judge will be looking for the best overall impression, made up of all areas of presentation that the exhibitor is able to influence. This class is normally judged in a static line-up however some judges will also require a workout to be completed to ensure the presentation also looks good whilst in work and that the overall picture of presentation is complete. Led Events Led events are based on the pony's conformation. Led events provide Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. members the opportunity to have the conformation of their Australian Miniature Pony assessed by a judge who is familiar with the Australian Miniature Pony Standard of Excellence. At all times the handler should appear to be in control of the pony, and obey the handling/work-out requests of the judge, ponies are worked on the right side of the handler and as much as is practicable the view from the judge to the pony should not be obstructed by the handler. Handler Classes Handler classes are usually advertised as age/sex specific i.e. Child Handler 12 - 17, Child Handler 11 years and under, Lady Handler, Gentleman Handler, Adult Handler or any combination specified in the program. A popular class at shows, the Handler classes provide Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. members the opportunity to both learn and display their handling skills in a judging environment. Fancy Dress Some Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. shows/events hold Fancy Dress classes for Australian Miniature Ponies where either the Pony or handler or just the pony is dressed up in a themed Fancy Dress costume. These classes can be great fun for both handlers and ponies. Safety in design and application should be your number one concern. Harness/Driving Introduction Harness classes for Australian Miniature Ponies have become more popular in the last few years as a performance option for ponies. Driving in harness can be very enjoyable for both the pony and driver. The following information is provided for Australian Miniature Pony Society Inc. members as a guide, all ponies respond differently to training and it may be obvious that some ponies may not be suited to Harness Driving. Ponies of any sex may be used in harness, however be aware that the same rules apply to driving stallions/colts as do apply for led events i.e. must be handled/driven by an Adult. Specialist Dress Standards Attire The colour and style should compliment the overall picture. It is important that bright coloured clothing that takes the eye from the animal or vehicle be avoided. Ladies should wear a tailored suit or skirt and long-sleeved jacket and blouse, sensible shoes or boots. Gentlemen should wear a suit or sports coat and slacks with a shirt and tie. Appropriate shoes or boots should be worn. Both ladies and gentlemen should refrain from wearing runners/sports shoes. Helmet It is a safety requirement that a helmet meeting ASNZ3838 (or equivalent European EN1384 or USA ASTM1163 helmet) which is not greater than 5 years of age from the date of manufacture, or have sustained a serve impact, be worn at all times whilst driving an Australian Miniature Pony in harness. This includes whilst being driven to the ring from the car park/float area, whilst competing in all Australian Miniature Pony Society harness events, whilst awaiting entry to the ring, and whilst departing from the show ring. Gloves Gloves to be worn in the show ring and usually made of brown or black leather. Apron/Knee Rug The driving apron or knee rug protects the driver and passenger from soil/grime whilst driving. If wearing an Apron, these are to be worn over the jacket for protection. A colour that suits the driver's attire and vehicle should be chosen (most drivers prefer a standard black apron made from semi-waterproof material - any embroidery should not be of sufficient size or type as to identify the driver/harness or pony). If driving with a passenger, a knee rug should be used which can suitably cover both the driver and passenger. Whip Drivers are to carry a driving whip, sufficiently long enough to extend equal with the pony's shoulders eg. English Holly Whip - but not long enough to extend further than the nose of the pony in harness. Harness Equipment & Care Winkers Winkers must be worn whilst competing in Harness events. Breast Collars Breast Collars are generally used on Australian Miniature Ponies instead of the traditional neck collar. The Harness The best traces have buckles near the breast collar, by which they can be lengthened to suit the pony. The reins should be sufficiently long to leave a margin of about 1 metre when the pony is trotting. When choosing a bit, select one that correctly fits the pony's mouth. Bits such as an eggbutt or half spoon snaffle are a good choice for most ponies. Care of Harness Harnesses perish very quickly if neglected, but if reasonable care is exercised it will last for years. Immediately the harness is bought in after use, it should be carefully dusted with a soft cloth. Any mud or sweat should be removed by sponging with water, and the leather kept pliable by using a commercially available leather dressing. The bit should be washed in clean water, thoroughly dried and rubbed over with a little oil suitable for the purpose. Show Classes Typically Harness classes at Australian Miniature Pony Society shows/events including Driving Classes for both Novice and Experienced Drivers, and Harness Pony Classes for both Novice and Experienced Harness Ponies. Harness Pony Classes The judge/steward will direct the driver to conduct a work-out and the judge will then be looking for effortless pulling in harness by an Australian Miniature Pony, a good flexion (poll to chest curve), fluid movement without exaggeration, obedience of instruction and the impression of both pony and driver being at one during the work-out. Occasionally, the judge will request the driver to come to a halt part way through the workout and possibly back up a short distance before continuing. Junior Classes Junior Drivers must be accompanied by a suitable experienced adult passenger with Harness Driving experience. Junior Drivers are members from the age of 6-17 years of age - no Junior Driver is to be left alone at any time in a Harness, nor are Junior Driver allowed to drive a colt/stallion in harness. Novice Classes Novice Classes may be included within the program to encourage beginners to show in Harness. They may be for Novice Drivers or for Novice Harness Ponies, in both instances the Novice entered must not have won 1st place in the same class type at any previous show/event. The Novice may elect to be accompanied by an Adult passenger with Harness Driving experience. Driving Classes As per Harness Pony classes, however the judge will be especially watching how well the driver of the harness pony is able to direct the pony only using the harness equipment available in as minimal an effort as required, i.e. minimal use of the reins. Occasionally Judges will ask for the Driver to drive with the reins in one hand only. Period Costume Classes Period Costume classes are held to encourage exhibitors to dress up in a period themed outfit (eg. Turn of the century), these are not turnout classes and points are not awarded for items. Some Australian Miniature Pony Society exhibitors even have harness vehicles made specifically for these events, such as 18th century scaled down replicas. Pleasure Pony Classes This is a class where the judge will be looking to see that the pony and driver convey an impression of real pleasure and enjoyment from the drive. Once judging has commenced, no change of driver will be allowed. The above provides a general overview of what to expect in an Australian Miniature Pony Society harness class - if you are competing in non-Australian Miniature Pony Society classes, you are advised to check with the show/event organisers as to what their expectations/guidelines are for classes. How to harness a pony information (prepared by Ann Oakford) - please click here |