The Belgian Riding Pony is used for a variety of events in equestrian competition. This diversity allows young riders to experience the challenge and excitement of a competition on an able and athletic pony that is suited for the size of the smaller rider. The Belgian Riding Ponies that are used in competition can complete tests and be assigned a level in the competition that they can advance through with their young riders. Depending on the breeding and lineage of the pony, some of the Belgian Riding Ponies may even be gaited.
In competition, the measurement of the pony will matter in several circumstances and should not be over the maximum of 148 cm or 14.2 hands. Children, who are talented and are between the ages of 12 to 16 years, may compete on ponies which are 148 cm or below. There are special competitions both nationally and internationally, in which the ponies can compete. These special competitions include dressage, show jumping and eventing.
There are some disciplines in the United States that have special classes for competition that are restricted to ponies. These classes are primarily the pony hunter classes and the pony jumper classes. These classes require official measurements in order to compete. The United States Dressage Federation began licensing officials in 2003. These officials are to conduct the official measurements of the ponies which are eligible for the special Pony Dressage Tests. There are two dangers for the talented ponies. They can not only be too big to compete, but they can also be too small to compete. The ponies must measure over 148 cm to gain entrance in the CDI competitions, which includes the Olympics. However, any child or adult may compete with a pony of any size in the open dressage shows through the level of Grand Prix. They may also compete in the highest levels of eventing and show jumping. The height of the pony is not a factor in these competitions, only the determination and talent of the pony and the rider.
When the Belgian Riding Pony is participating in an eventing competition, it is in effect performing an equestrian triathlon. There are three different sports that make up the eventing competition. The pony must be well trained and have a fierce drive to compete in order to do well in this competition. The three areas of eventing are dressage, show jumping and cross country.
When participating in the dressage portion of the competition, the pony will have a chance to show how well it has been trained to respond to its rider. This is an opportunity for the pony to show off its natural athletic ability and willingness to perform. The pony should be able to respond to the talented young rider's minimal aids and do it in a smooth manner. The requested movement should be performed in an effortless manner.
The Belgian Pony will enjoy show jumping during the eventing competition. It is an opportunity for the animal to show off his or her athletic ability and leap tall railings in a single bound. With consistent training and dedication, the Belgian Riding Pony will do well in any competition that it participates.
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