Characteristics
Riding Ponies are more like a small horse than a pony, with small heads and ears. They are compact, with sloping shoulders and a narrow front. Their feet are tough and they possess strong limbs. They are well-proportioned with comfortable gaits and free-flowing movement.
There are three types:
- The show pony: the classic "show riding pony", show ponies resemble miniature show hack with pony features, and often contain Arabian or Thoroughbred blood. Show ponies are shown in three height sections - up to 12.2 hands high, 12.2 to 13.2 hands high and 13.2 to 14.2 hands high.
- The show hunter: similar to the show pony, but with more substance. The pony should be suitable to carry a child across country. Height class divisions are the same as for show ponies.
- The working hunter: stockier, more workmanlike, and expected to jump a short course of natural fences. Height class divisions are divided into 13 hands high and under and over 13 hands high. Fences should be no higher than 2ft 6 inches for ponies under 13 hands high and no higher than 3ft for ponies over 13 hands.
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