What is gear check, and when does my child have to do it?

Gear check is the first thing that happens at any Pony Club rally, muster or event. Riders assemble at their designated place as soon as they are saddled and ready, and must stay until a club official has approved all their gear for safety, fit and compliance.

• Rallies and activities: a gear check is needed at the start of a rally or activity.
• Competitions: a gear check is needed before each competition (sometimes each phase of a competition). At any competition, event, camp or clinic the rider may not start their day without first presenting for gear check.
• Mounted or unmounted: the PCA Gear Committee considers mounted gear check best at competitions, and either mounted or unmounted at other activities. Each club decides whether members arrive unmounted or mounted.
• What checkers look for: gear that is safe (no weakened or damaged parts), comfortable for the horse, and the right size, fitted correctly, fit for purpose and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Training counts too: approved or mandatory gear for a discipline applies at both training (rally, muster, clinic) and competition level.

Source: Pony Club Australia National Gear Rules, effective 1 January 2026.