The Australian Riding Pony, more commonly known as the Australian Pony, is one of the few breeds of ponies that has been specifically bred to be a show pony, exhibiting a refinement and horse like appearance that is not typical of many of the other pony breeds.
The concept of a refined type of riding pony for dressage, eventing and children's level show jumping and pleasure riding is not new. Riding pony types have been bred for over a hundred years in several parts of England. The last 30 years or more the Australian Riding Pony has been bred and further refined within Australia and has become one of the most popular children's ponies in the country.
The unique aspect of the Australian Riding Pony is that new bloodlines can be added upon approval by the Riding Pony Stud Book Society. This means that new lines such as Arabians, smaller Thoroughbreds and even other pony breeds can be added to the lines that make up the Australian Pony.
The first forefathers of the Australian Riding Pony were imported to Australia in 1973 in the form of a Thoroughbred/Welsh Pony cross stallion by the name of Aristocrat of Flawforth. Shortly after two more British Riding Pony studs were imported, which lead to the first official breeding programs in the country.
Initially there were no events or competitions for the Australian Riding Pony, but the first classes were soon added to the Melbourne and Adelaide Royal Shows which attracted the interest of many horse breeders and trainers throughout the country.
Famous stallions from Welsh Pony breeds and other breeds that have greatly influenced the Australian Riding Pony include Zephyr, Solway Master Bronze, Bonnie Charlie, Keston Royal Occasion and Falconhurst Reprise.
The various Pony Registries in Australia all offer Newcomer type classes and are very geared to getting children involved in the riding, training and caring of horses.
Australian Riding Ponies can now be found in breeding farms internationally in countries such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and even in South America.
Field days are popular and somewhat informal events for Australian Riding Pony owners. In these events there are different levels of shows and competitions as well as parades to show the horses and a chance to listen to speakers and interact and network with other Australian Pony owners.
The Australian Riding Pony is one type of competition pony that is an excellent eventing pony. They are strong enough and flexible enough to compete in dressage events as well as the show jumping and open course jumping that is required in this demanding sport.
Although considered a pony, the Australian Riding Pony is more than capable of carrying a full sized adult with ease. These ponies are extremely athletic and also have a gentle and loving personality that makes them a wonderful horse for any type of rider.
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