The Belgian Riding Pony is considered one of the premium dressage ponies throughout Europe and the breed is consistently represented in national and international equestrian events and competitions around the world.
Belgian Riding Ponies are now popular throughout the world and can be found in Pony Club registries in such countries as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and even in countries in South America. Not only are the ponies exported for competition, but there are also breeders that are expanding the public exposure to these refined ponies and increasing demand worldwide.
The spirited yet cooperative nature of the Belgian Riding Pony makes them an ideal mount for those children and young adults that want to make the move to a more competitive type of pony, while still remaining in the pony categories for competition. This breed can be ridden and competed with at higher and more advanced levels than many of the non-show type pony breeds.
There is a keuring tour held annual for all Belgian Riding Ponies that are to be registered or entered into the stud book. This is a type of performance test and inspection that assures all horses entered into the Belgian Pony Studbook meet or exceed the outlined criteria for entry. The keuring tour moves the judges to several pre-set locations and horse owners then bring their Belgian Riding Ponies to the tour site for their inspection appointment.
While specifically developed for the show ring, the Belgian Riding Pony is also a good all round riding pony for children and small adults. They are capable and athletic and very prized for their all round abilities, not just their show potential.
The Belgian Riding Pony Cup is held annually at the Flanders Christmas Horse Show in Mechelen, Belgium. This competition provides opportunities for Belgian Riding Ponies to compete against each other in a variety of events and competitions.
Belgian Riding Ponies are not just used for dressage and show jumping, they are also used for other sports and events that require speed and agility. Western barrel racing and pole bending competitions are ideal for the breed and there is increasing number of Belgian Riding Ponies finding their way into high level competitions in these types of events.
Rather than a distinct breed the Belgian Riding Pony is a type of show pony that has been developed to provide younger and smaller riders with an outstanding competitive pony that is capable of dressage, show jumping and any other type of equestrian sport. Infusions of Arabian bloodlines as well as that of other show pony breeds have helped to develop the Belgian Riding Pony for the show ring.
The European Pony Championships that are held annually are a real highlight to the pony competition circuit. In these events teams of pony riders from different countries compete to win medals, trophies and honor for their country. While the Belgian Riding Pony is not as common as some of the other riding pony breeds or types, they are steadily increasing in their popularity and numbers at these international competitions.
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