NPS New Rules

[Guestless]

I got my copy this morning.

I've only briefly read it, but I've got a couple of comments.

Firstly, I'm pleased to see they have listened to members and have introduced a rule that says:

A judge or his partner or his immediate family cannot judge and show on the same day at the same show.

Secondly, page 62 shows snaffle bits that are recommended for novice classes. These are eggbutt jointed, eggbutt mullen mouth, copper eggbutt, fulmer, french link, loose ringed and baucher/hanging cheek.

Under the pics it says "the above are recommended for NPS Novice Classes"

Under that again it says "wilkie snaffles are also permissible"

I wonder if that is a veiled comment that they are acceptable but not recommended......any thoughts?

Any other comments on the rules welcome. No nasty, malicious comments though please. It does appear that the NPS is listening to its members so I think we should contain our comments to constructive criticism or praise where it's due.

[bits]

so could you use a bit that wasnt recommended? or does it have to be one of those?

[Guestless]

bits said:

so could you use a bit that wasnt recommended? or does it have to be one of those?

I imagine you can use one that isn't there as it does just say recommended and not required. But I guess a judge could decide to mark down a rider for using a bit that is not recommended.

[bits]

so technically you dont have to use a snaffle for nps novices anymore?

[Guestless]

bits said:

so technically you dont have to use a snaffle for nps novices anymore?

No you still have to use a snaffle as the rules for the class still say "all ponies in novice classes must be shown in a suitable snaffle bridle". The page with the pics must just be to demonstrate the type of bits they are recommending.

[rhi]

so how about a bevel?

[Guestless]

rhi said:

so how about a bevel?

Doesn't mention bevel, but I imagine it will be in the same vein as the wilkie since they are similar.

[who checks]

How many people check inside a horses mouth? what may appear to be an ordinary snaffel bit on the outside could be anything but on the inside of the horses mouth!

This season in novice classes I have seen a wilki with a waterford mouthpiece, a snaffel that is as thin as a piece of wire, and that is just the tip of the iceburg. Hardly on the recommended list?

[bitty]

The person who checks is the one who doesn't mind getting their good clothes covered in froth or risking a law-suit if a small child topples off backwards. I think ponies aren't used to their mouth being checked by strangers in the ring, but, I often wonder, how do we know that a parrot-mouth for example isn't being missed?
Hopefully one can get an idea of a mouthpiece from the outside, but one probably has to rely to some extent on how happy the pony looks in the particular bit. At least we've got guidelines now, and they can always add more snaffles to the list if necessary next year.