We are new to showing and would like to let our daughters show in some local english leadline classes this summer.  How are the girls supposed to be turned out?  Do they need to wear jackets?  Do the garters straps have to match in color to the paddock boots?  What is the person leading the pony supposed to wear?  Where can I find a 12" english saddle?

Thanks in advance!!!

In leadline, the child should be dressed appropriate to the style riding. So if you're riding hunt seat, you'd need the helmet,hunt coat, breeches,boots etc. The handler should also be dressed appropriately. In western classes, the rider and handler are generally dressed alike but you don't have to. leadline shluldn't be a highly competeitive experience for the child, just some fun for them. Most classes aren't even placed- everyone gets a ribbon or something else. Just relax and have fun with the whole thing.

Ebay is a great place to buy childrens apparel and tack. No sense spending a ton of money on stuff they will out grow in a few months.

We are just looking for something fun for the girls to go and do - nothing serious.  Petsmart was closing down their horse section so we got most of their apparel quite cheap.  I even bought the next size up in case they get hooked.   So far I have beige jodphurs, one white and one yellow shirt, black zip front paddock boots, black garters, and I bought velvet covers for their helmets but it may end up looking tacky.  I might have to slurge and buy two new helmets.  The only thing I don't have are jackets (navy or Black?) and the pony saddle.  I biggest mistake that I have made so far is thinking that my daughters are going to "share" a pony.  What a joke.  I finally had to tell them both that the pony belongs to me and me alone and if they are good then I will let them ride "my" pony.

So if anyone has some children's apparel or a nice 12 or 13" english saddle please let me know.