Key Changes for 2026:

The NPS wishes to highlight the following key changes to the 2026 Rule Book:

New Class Name

The Unregistered Pony classes have been re-branded as PUBS classes (Ponies of Unknown Breeding)

Updated Tack Rules
The definition of a snaffle has been updated to exclude any leverage bits defined as a bit with any external extension below the main bit ring Correctly fitted martingales are allowed for warming up.

Neck straps are permitted.

Crank nosebands are not permitted in any class.

Welfare & Conduct
The definition of sensory hairs has been expanded and a rule on visible blood has been added.

Further definition has been added to appropriate use of the whip.

Jewellery
Rule 3.3.h on the wearing of jewellery has been updated and simplified.

WHP courses & penalties
The definition of a refusal has been updated and clarification added on safety cups and course content.

RIHS WHP Qualifiers
As only ponies owned by current NPS members can entered the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M WHP qualifiers, membership cards will not need to be shown to the judge to be awarded the qualification for the Royal International Horse Show. All qualifications will be verified by the NPS office.