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Master these 6 key skills to wow the judges in plaited pony classes

Success in show and show hunter pony classes is largely down to targeted practice, confidence and that touch of sparkle. Experts give their advice on how to train to ensure you impress the judges in this exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers on training for different types of show horse
Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • Training plaited ponies for success in show pony and show hunter pony classes this season requires both your young jockey and their pony to have done their homework over the winter. Meticulous preparation will go a long way in ensuring their success this summer.

    Whether your child is moving from a first-ridden onto a 128cm show pony, or they’re foraying into their final show hunter pony height section, refining the pony’s way of going and the rider’s ringcraft and showmanship is key to improve their odds in these highly competitive classes.

    Show pony and show hunter pony classes are only open to children and younger riders, with both sections having age restrictions. Show ponies are sectioned in the following heights; 128cm, 138cm and 148cm. Hunter ponies are split into four height categories; 123cm, 133cm, 143cm and 153cm. The main championships for both sections are at the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show, though there are countless opportunities for children to compete their ponies across the country on the local, national and county circuits.

    The show pony, also known as the children’s riding pony, must be suitable of carrying a child or young teenager safely in the ring. They must display exceptional manners, quality conformation, elegant yet straight movement and added sparkle and presence that is desired in all show animals. The hunter pony is a more substantial animal in type but must also be suitable for a young person to pilot. The hunter pony must be workmanlike but with quality and must go freely forward but safely and with manners. H&H has two detailed guides on what to look for in show ponies and show hunter ponies.

    6 focus points for training plaited ponies

    If you have children training plaited ponies in preparation for the coming show season, then these tips from two of the circuit’s most established pony producers are sure to help.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    Freelance equestrian journalist
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
    Alex Robinson

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