Pony of the Year

Marriage’s Riding Club Pony of the Year

Over the last 24 years, Marriage’s has been running a ridden showing competition for riders under 16 and their ponies. The competition comprises up to 60 qualifying classes at local shows across East Anglia and the South East, with four area finals and a grand final at Ponies (UK) South Show.

The classes ask a number of questions of both pony and rider. The judge is looking for an obedient and willing pony, ideal for riding club activities. The class will include flatwork and a few jumps, which remain the same height for all ponies. This makes it particularly impressive when a smaller pony comes out on top. Riders also have to negotiate two hazards, which vary from show to show, but will test the rider’s control of the horse.

Rosettes are awarded to third place in the first round and to tenth place in the Area Finals, with all ten having the chance to compete in the Grand Final the following May. Class winners also receive vouchers for a quantity of Marriage’s feed, redeemable at stockists across the area. The areas are divided as follows: Essex; Suffolk; Norfolk; South (Surrey, Sussex, Kent). There are usually between ten and 15 local qualifying events in each area.

The competition grows larger every year and riders, not to mention parents, take it very seriously at times. It is a popular concept with many because confirmation is not strictly part of the marking. This allows good ponies to do well, even if they are not your typical ‘show pony’.

Local qualifying classes are listed here.

Finals are listed here.

For more information, please call 01245 612019.