August is the month so many children look forward to in the world of hunter/jumper show ponies. It’s the highlight of the year for many with a week-long festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Known as the USEF National Pony Finals, pony hunters from all over the United States come together to compete at this prestigious event. Check out some of the highlights and fun facts below, and be sure to tune in to catch some ultimate cuteness on the live stream here.
It all began in 1959 with the British National Pony Society and the British Show Pony Society that challenged America to an international Pony Hunter Competition for the best U.S ponies and riders to compete head-to-head with the best British ponies and riders. In 1967, the American Horse Shows Association created the Pony Finals as a national event, open to members who met the qualifying criteria. Today, The USEF Pony Finals is the most prestigious and celebrated event of it’s kind in the United States consisting of the Regular Hunter Pony and Green Hunter Pony Finals, a three phase competition judging the ponies conformation, way of moving and jumping ability.
There are at least 500 ponies who compete at the USEF Pony Finals each year!
To qualify, one must be champion or reserve champion at an “AA” or “A” Rated Regular only section between July 2 of the previous competition year and July 1 (Ex: July 2, 2020-July 1, 2021).
The ages of riders vary for who can compete on Small, Medium, and Large pony hunters. For example: Small pony hunters allow riders ages 12 and under, Medium pony hunters allow riders ages 14 and under, and Large pony hunters allow riders 18 and under.
Attending this year’s event? Remember to go shopping and take something home with you (or your child rider). Souvenirs are a must. Be sure to check out the Belle and Bow Equestrian tent for exclusive Pony Finals bows, shirts, and accessories. It’s the place to shop if you’re a pony kid!
While the competitors are serious in the show ring, they sure do like to have fun out of the arena! Pony Finals week is filled with fun for the whole family and barn team, especially with games, socials, and one of our personal favorites, the golf cart competition! The teams go ALL out in some serious costumes. This was one of our past favorites from the golf cart competition awhile back… Talk about a Derby good time!
For the tentative schedule for the 2021 USEF Pony Finals, go here. https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/-JsT23cgHek
Looking to watch online? See the broadcast here: https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/2021ponyfinals/
