The Next Step Up From Leadline- Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me Tandem Classes Approved For 2016 Show Season

By: Brittany Bevis

Looking to give your little one a head start in the show pen, but not ready to let go of the reins just yet? Recently, several major breed associations have come together to fast-track a list of approved classes that will go into effect in 2016.

If your budding equestrian has progressed beyond Leadline but isn’t quite ready for Small Fry classes, these tandem classes are intended to fill that gap.

As part of this Next Generation Head Start initiative, Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me tandem classes will span a variety of disciplines. Some of the events that will be introduced for the coming show season include Toddler Trail, Are We There Yet Western Pleasure, and Hide and Seek Hunter Under Saddle.

Discussion is currently underway to determine how to add in-hand classes like Showmanship and Halter to the list of approved events. Suggestions have included the institution of a double lead or perhaps mandatory hand-holding at all times into the rule book. Baby-backpack carriers will only be permitted if the make and model has been approved by the individual breed association conducting the show.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether these Mommy & Me or Daddy & Me tandem classes might be the right fit for your budding equestrian competitor.

• Matching outfits aren’t required, but are encouraged and will garner additional points.
• Misbehaving while on horseback will not be tolerated whatsoever. A judge will have the right to institute a time-out mid-class if a competitor gets out of hand.
• Any titles won or points accumulated in these tandem classes will go on the show record of the child and not the adult. However, any prize money won will be subject to distribution by the parent.
• Being able to determine left from right and having the ability to count will be helpful for many of the pattern based classes.

For those looking to give their kiddos an even earlier start in the show pen, discussion has been swirling surrounding the idea of including classes for a much younger age division like Prenatal Poles, Baby Barrels, and a Novice Newborn division.

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting new lineup of classes coming at a later date.

If you haven’t already figured it out yet… Happy April Fool’s Day!