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.
Led Classes
Led events are conformation events and are usually the best supported classes at shows. 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.
Best Presented Classes
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 (with the sex specified referring to the Australian Miniature Pony's sex, not that of the handler). If there are two best presented classes and these are for male and female, geldings are to be shown in male classes. 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.
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 a 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 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.
