The English show pony is the envy of the world with many being exported to ride, compete and breed in all corners of the globe. Some astronomical prices have been paid for a winning pony, but often when they change riders and stables they do not continue their winning ways. Producing the pony and rider as a partnership at the highest level is not an easy thing to do.

The Lead Rein Pony

Show pony classes begin with the leading-rein class which is for ponies suitable for a child of three to seven years of age. The ponies must be four years old or over and not exceed 122cms. There may be two classes provided for lead rein ponies: not to exceed 117cms and exceeding 117cms not exceeding 122cms, riders of three to seven years of age.

The ponies must be shown in snaffle bridles with the lead rein attached to the noseband. Judges will be looking for a pony with correct conformation, good movement, a good front and with perfect manners. Two types of pony are popular in this class: the miniature blood pony with lots of quality and movement and a real eye-catcher and the sturdier pony usually of Welsh origin with a good bombproof temperament.

The First Ridden Pony

These ponies should be four years old and over and must not exceed 122cms. They are to be ridden by children up to ten years of age and again must be shown in snaffle bridles. These ponies are required to walk and trot when all together. They are asked to canter during their individual show, and the judge will be looking for a well-mannered pony which goes quietly and freely forward with the child in charge of the situation.

Often ponies can be seen in both the lead-rein and first-ridden with different members of a family, although it is rare for a top lead-rein pony to do as well in first-ridden classes. On the whole a good first-ridden pony is more forward going and has a scopier outlook together with a longer stride.

There is also a First Year First Ridden Class for ponies not to exceed 122cms with riders up to the age of eight.

The 128cms (12.2hh) Ridden Show Pony

The 128cms show pony class is for ponies four years old and over which does not exceed 128cms and ridden by a child up to thirteen years of age. In the class the judges will expect a quality, well-mannered pony which, in their opinion, is suitable for a youngster to show.

128cms ponies can and do vary in type as some have a predominance of Welsh blood in them. The ones with too much native blood are inclined to be thick in the shoulder and lack the free-going movement required. The top 12.2hh pony should be more refined than the first-ridden and should include a change of rein at the canter and a few strides of gallop during the individual show.

The 138cms (13.2hh) Ridden Show Pony

The 138cms show pony class is for ponies exceeding 128cms but not exceeding 138cms and ridden by children up to fifteen years of age. It is one of the strongest classes to win with some of the most correct and beautifully bred ponies in it. At this height the judges will be looking for ponies that really cover the ground and which are polished and fluent in their individual shows.

The 148cms (14.2hh) Ridden Show Pony

The 148cms show pony class is for ponies exceeding 138cms and not exceeding 148cms ridden by children up to seventeen years of age. The 148cms pony is the hardest pony to find. This pony should possess correct limbs and a good sloping shoulder, together with the all-important pony head. It should be forward-going, bold in its outlook and able to gallop really well and give individual shows that are completely in control and a pleasure to watch.

Other Classes

There are several other classes that have been added over the years including Novice, Restricted & Mixed Height, the Pairs Of Ponies, Side Saddle, Small & Large Intermediate Show Riding Type.

The Intermediate Show Riding Types are typically divided into two classes: exc. 146cms but not exc. 153cms and exc. 153cms but not exc. 158cms. Both these classes are for riders up to 25 years of age.

The British Show Pony Society also provides classes for Show Ponies which are:
not exc. 128cms for riders up to 13 years of age
exc. 128cms but not exc. 133cms for riders up to 15 years of age
exc. 133cms but not exc. 138cms for riders up to 15 years of age
exc. 138cms but not exc. 143cms for riders up to 17 years of age
exc. 143cms but not exc. 148cms for riders up to 17 years of age.