What is a Sport Pony?

Because Sport and Performance ponies have become so popular in recent years, and because the quality of the ponies has increased, various registries have formed to keep track of bloodlines, DNA, and to record the exploits of these ponies in the show ring.

One of these organizations is the American Warmblood Registry. It now has a pony division with guidelines for conformation and temperament, as well as movement. Ponies can be inspected and approved for registration if they meet the requirements.

The sport pony is generally modeled after the German Riding Pony. These ponies are bred by crossing pony breeds like the Welsh with standard breeds like Arabians, Thoroughbreds, or Warmbloods. Morgans, Appaloosas and POAs also influence the group. American Sport Horses can be from 13.2 hands high to 14.2 hands high. (A hand is about 4 inches) Other sizes are available from 11.2 hands to 14.2, which is generally recognized as the height limit for a pony.

Sport-Pony Links

American Sport Pony

International Sport Horses of Color

Choosing a Hunter Pony

Caspian Pony

American Warmblood Registry

Sport-Pony Breeds

Take a look at some of the breeds used to create these athletic ponies:

Thoroughbred

Quarter Horse

Pony of the Americas

Welsh Pony and Cob