A healthy Australian Miniature Pony can pull one or even two adults in a cart. Driving is appealing because not only can the driver enjoy it, but their passenger can to. If you haven't (or not for a long time) you could try approaching other driving people. Most drivers are happy to offer help or advice if needed. 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 Australian Miniature Pony Society member.

Harness/Driving - 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 grater 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/Driving - 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.

Harness/Driving - 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. What to expect in the ring.

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 no-Australian Miniature Pony Society classes, you are advised to check with the show/event organisers as to what their expectations/guidelines are for classes.