American Sport Pony

The American Sport Pony is a newly recognized Warmblood type pony that is used for activities such as jumping, eventing, dressage, and showing. The ponies are a cross of horse breeds such as Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and other Warmbloods. ¹

Fast Facts

1. Origin: Germany in the early 1960s
2. Originally called the German Riding Pony
3. Height: Must be 14.2 hands or less
4. Colors: All are accepted in breed standard
5. Traits: good natured, intelligent, willing
6. Refers to a "type" of pony rather than an actual "breed"
7. The ponies are rated and registered with the American Sports Pony Registry
8. American Sports Pony Registry was founded in 1981

Registering Your American Sport Pony

Inspection and branding are scheduled yearly to grade your pony. You must register with an application and fee, and once the appropriate paperwork is received, you will receive a DNA kit. The inspection is based on four stages: Assessment of Conformation which assesses the appearance of the animal, Walk In-Hand which determines the straightness of the walk, Trot & Canter which evaluates the animal's gait, and Final Critique which is the overall assessment. ²

Registering Your UK Sport Pony

Any mare or stallion that is recognized as a sports pony are automatically eligible to be registered in the Sports Pony Stud Book. The book is the only specialized stud book recognized by the DEFRA and documents the breed and grade of the horse. By being registered the pony can be evaluated on sporting potential. ³

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