In Australia, as well as most of the countries of the world, show jumping, hunting and eventing are popular sports. Show jumping involves the pony and rider competing on a set course, usually in an enclosed area or riding arena. Each horse and rider must complete a set course of jumps, typically of a variety of styles and types. Some jumps are straight rail jumps, others are double and triple rail jumps, wall jumps that give the illusion of being solid, jumps over other types of obstacles and even jumps that include water. Each competitor is judged not on style but on the accuracy of completing the course without knocking over any jumps, as well as the time it takes to complete the course. Penalties are assigned for faults such as a jump knock down or a refusal. The course must be completed within the time allotment.
Hunting competitions involve a more open style of course that is designed to mimic or represent the type of terrain and conditions a horse and rider out hunting in the countryside would encounter. Not only must the horse complete the jumps but it also must be able to cover the extended areas of ground between the jumps in a timely and effective manner. The hunter course has more variations in the course and is not usually done on a completely flat surface.
Eventing, sometimes known as three day eventing, combines dressage, show jumping and hunter style (cross country) events in which the horse must compete in all three sections. Training the horse to compete in eventing means that the horse must be trained in both jumping as well as dressage and endurance type training programs.
Training the Australian Pony for jumping events is very similar to teaching any other type of horse or pony. Since the breed is naturally athletic and has both Arabian and Thoroughbred blood they are often very natural jumpers, and excel at the lower level jumps and competitions. Their size is really all that restricts them from higher level jumps. Training for jumping can start at any age but the earlier the concept is developed the better. Jumping training starts even before the horse is trained under the saddle as the ponies can be worked in a round pen or even on a lunge or lead over basic jumps and very low level obstacles. The key is having the pony develop a natural balance when jumping and teaching the right collection when approaching the jump.
Once the Australian Pony reaches two to three years of age they are ready for full training with a light rider. Starting with very basic jumps and courses the pony and rider gradually learn how to work together as a team on the course, and jumps are increased as the pony and rider gain confidence and ability. Once the pony and rider can effectively complete the basic course they are ready to start in pony club type events for novice riders and ponies. Staying in the right pony and rider.
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