Tack rule Tuesday

For my entire riding life, this style of hook and loop Peacock safety irons has been the stirrup of choice for young children on ponies.

You see these everywhere, at riding schools and in the show ring.

It's the kind of detail model horse tackmakers love, so fifteen years ago, I talked my friend, Tiffany, into making me a couple pairs in 1:9 scale.

One went on a saddle for her, another on a commission. 

There was actually a third pair that was supposed to be for me, but we're not going to talk about those. Suffice it to say, they are no longer of this world.

Which, coincidentally, is what's about to happen to full scale peacock irons, at least as far as the American competition world goes.

Effective December 1, 2025 the use of these irons will be banned by both the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Pony Clubs.

Although not terribly common, I know there are a few saddles with peacock irons floating around the hobby. They are still fine for fine non-competitive set-ups, but I'd probably swap them out for a pony hunter entry, especially after December. 

That's the kind of thing some judges get really picky about.

Fortunately - in the real world, at least - there are a lot of other safety options.

I haven't seen most of these filter down into the hobby yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Some of these come in a lot of fun colors, but be warned, you're only going to see black and silver in the hunter ring and only silver in equitation.

Anyway, that's today's tack shop scoop. Go forth and ride without rubber bands on your irons!