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Competitions


The National Pony Society offers a whole host of exciting competitions that cater for everybody. Whether you are aiming for Horse of the Year Show or the Royal International, or have a Novice pony, are a young rider, show in hand, prefer workers or flat classes, and whether you have a plaited pony or a Mountain & Moorland, there is a class for you.

 

With so many different championships to aim for, it can be a little confusing even for experienced competitors so we have produced summary tables below to guide you.

Silver Medal Classes

Silver Medal Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
M&M In Hand Silver Medal Kilmannan Stud Summer Championship for youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society, which have won their NPS affiliated M&M In Hand class. N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) Foals are not eligible. Ponies qualifying in Scotland can choose to go forward to either the Scottish Finals or the NPS Summer Championships
M&M Ridden Silver Medal Standinghat Stud & Show Team Summer Championship for stallions, mares and geldings, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society, which have won their NPS affiliated M&M Ridden class. Exclused Working Hunter Pony, First Ridden and Leading Rein classes. As per class rules Rider as per qualifying class rules, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) Ponies qualifying in Scotland can choose to go forward to either the Scottish Finals or the NPS Summer Championships
Show Pony In Hand Silver Medal Saracen Horse Feeds Summer Championship for youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 148cms at maturity, registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook, which have won their NPS affiliated Show Pony Breeding In Hand class. N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) Foals and part breds are not eligible.
Show Hunter Pony In Hand Silver Medal Litton Stud Summer Championship for youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 153cms at maturity, registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook, which have won their NPS affiliated Show Pony Breeding In Hand class. N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) Foals and part breds are not eligible.

Show Pony & Show Hunter Pony Ridden Classes

Show Pony & Show Hunter Pony Ridden Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
Open Ridden Show Pony/Show Hunter Pony Kellythorpes Stud Summer Stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 148cms (Show Pony), 153cms (SHP), registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook Any suitable bridle Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) 4 sections
Novice Ridden Show Pony/Show Hunter Pony LP Pallet Equestrian Sands Summer Stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 148cms (Show Pony), 153cms (SHP), registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook. Ponies not to have qualified for RIHS or HOYS, before 1st January in the current year. Pony not to have won a first prize of £10 or more in any affilaited SP/SHP class (excluding Leading Rein or First Ridden) Snaffle bit Rider as per qualifying class rules, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) 4 sections
Show Pony/Show Hunter Pony First Ridden Palmfields & C E Fuller Summer Mares and geldings, not exceeding 122cms registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook. Any suitable bridle Any suitable bridle Ponies may not be ridden side saddle
Show Pony/Show Hunter Pony Leading Rein Palmfields & C E Fuller Summer Mares and geldings, not exceeding 122cms registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook. Snaffle bit Rider not to have attained their 8th birthday (Show Pony) or 9th birthday (SHP) by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle

Show Pony & Show Hunter Pony In Hand Classes

Show Pony & Show Hunter Pony In Hand Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
Show Pony In Hand NPS Area 10 Summer Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 148cms at maturity, registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.
Show Hunter Pony In Hand Menedh Stud Summer Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 153cms at maturity, registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.
Home Produced Show Pony In Hand Betty Skeet Memorial Summer Home Produced Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings, not exceeding 148cms at maturity, registered in the appropriate section of the NPS British Riding Pony Stud Book, or other approved studbook. Please see the Rule Book section A 3.6 for the definition of Home Produced N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.

Mountain & Moorland Ridden Classes

Mountain & Moorland Ridden Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
Open M&M Ridden Ringside Stud Summer Stallions, mares and geldings five years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Intermediate M&M Ridden Peasedown Stud & Jess Talbot Summer Stallions, mares and geldings five years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. A pony is not eligible to compete if it has qualified before 1st January in the current year for: i) The M&M Ridden Championship final at Horse of the Year Show or ii) The M&M Supreme Ridden Championship final at Olympia. iii) The M&M Ridden Championship Final at Longines Royal International Horse Show Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Young Pony M&M Ridden Dargavel Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four, five or six years old, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Any 4 year old that qualifies for the final, but does not submit an entry for the final, will retain it’s novice status as a 5 year old Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Novice M&M Ridden Picton Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Please see rule book for the full list of requirements for this class Snaffle bit. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Junior M&M Ridden Ryehouse Native Show Team Summer Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Any suitable bridle. Rider Class 1 – Under 14 years Class 2 and Class 3 – Under 18 years
M&M First Ridden Showing Classics Summer Mares and geldings four years old and over not exceeding 128cms, registered in the main body of the following Breed Society stud books: Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B Any suitable bridle. Rider not to have attained their 12th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle
M&M Leading Rein Showing Classics Summer Mares and geldings four years old and over not exceeding 122 cms, registered in the main body of the following Breed Society stud books: Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B Snaffle bit. Rider not to have attained their 9th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle. Handles on saddles are permitted
Novice M&M First Ridden Bryndefaid Stud Summer Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 128cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B. The pony never to have won a first prize of £5 or more in any First Ridden Mountain & Moorland classes or qualified for the NPS M&M First Ridden final before 1st January in the current year. Any suitable bridle. Rider not to have attained their 12th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle
Novice M&M Leading Rein The Kings Head Summer Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 122cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B. The pony never to have won a first prize of £5 or more in any Mountain & Moorland Leading Rein classes or qualified for the NPS M&M Leading Rein final before 1st January in the current year. Snaffle bit. Rider not to have attained their 9th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle. Handles on saddles are permitted

Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony Classes

Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
M&M Open WHP (RIHS) NPS & NAF Royal International Horse Show Stallions, mares and geldings five years old or over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies may be measured at the judge’s discretion, and must be within the specified height range for their breed Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Riders may only ride one pony in each class. 4 height sections
M&M Open WHP Topspec Summer Stallions, mares and geldings five years old or over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies may be measured at the judge’s discretion. Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Riders may only ride one pony in each class. 4 height sections
M&M Intermediate WHP NPS Area 5 Summer Stallions, mares and geldings five years old or over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies may be measured at the judge’s discretion. The pony never to have qualified for the M&M Working Hunter Pony (Horse of the Year Show or RIHS) finals before 1st January in the current year Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Riders may only ride one pony in each class. 4 height sections
M&M Novive WHP NPS Area 25 Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four years old or over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies may be measured at the judge’s discretion. A pony is not eligible to compete if, before 1st January in the current year, it has done any of the following: i) Won an open NPS affiliated M&M WHP class ii) Won a class at an M&M WHP (Horse of the Year Show or RIHS) qualifying round iii) Qualified for the NPS M&M Novice or Intermediate WHP final at the NPS Summer Championship show iv) Qualified for an M&M WHP final at Horse of the Year Show or RIHS in previous years or in the current year Snaffle Bit. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Riders may only ride one pony in each class. 4 height sections
M&M Junior WHP Team Murphy Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four years old or over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies may be measured at the judge’s discretion Any suitable bridle. Class 1 – Under 14 years. Class 2 – Under 16 years. Class 3 – Under 18 years. except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). 3 height sections
M&M First Ridden WHP Stevenson Brothers Summer Mares and geldings four years old or over, not exceeding 128 cms, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Any suitable bridle. Rider over 5 years but under 12 years (see rules in section A 3.2). Riders who have qualified for the (Horse of the Year Show or RIHS) M&M WHP Championship before 1st January in the current year, on any pony, are not eligible Ponies may not be ridden side saddle

Mountain & Moorland In Hand Classes

Mountain & Moorland In Hand Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
M&M In Hand Equestrian Marketplace Summer Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.
Home Produced M&M In Hand Saracen Horse Feeds Summer Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book, subject to Home Produced rules (see rule book section A 3.6) N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.

Open & Mixed Classes

Open & Mixed Classes Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
Open Working Hunter Pony (Plaited) Rivervalley Stud Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four years old and over, in possession of an equine passport. Ponies' manes must be plaited. Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, bar Cradle stales (11) and Nursery Stakes (13) except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) 5 sections including cradle & nursery stakes
Home Produced Ridden Rosettes Direct Summer Qualifiers run in conjunction with other NPS open ridden classes, both M&M and plaited. Subject to Home Produced rules (see rule book Section A 3.6) Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Amateur Ridden Summer Stallions, mares and geldings four years old and over, registered as a BRP or approved stud book, or in an appropriate M&M stud book. Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) Please see definition of Amateur in the rule book page 52
Part Bred Ridden Mole Valley Farmers Summer Stallions, mares and geldings Four years old and over. .

Class 1- Part Bred Arab. Horse/pony to be registered in the partbred or anglo arab section of the Arab Horse Society with a minimum of 12.5% Arab blood.
Class 2- Part Bred M&M. Horse/pony to be registered in the partbred section of one of the M&M studbooks with a minimum of 12.5% of that breed blood.
Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) 4 sections
Part Bred In Hand Mole Valley Farmers Summer Stallions, mares and geldings Four years old and over. .

Class 1- Part Bred Arab. Horse/pony to be registered in the partbred or anglo arab section of the Arab Horse Society with a minimum of 12.5% Arab blood.
Class 2- Part Bred M&M. Horse/pony to be registered in the partbred section of one of the M&M studbooks with a minimum of 12.5% of that breed blood.
N/A Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2) 4 sections
Ottergayle Hack & Riding Horse Breeding Cases Sheet Metal Fabrications Summer

Winter NPS Competition for Mountain & Moorland Ponies

Winter NPS Competition for Mountain & Moorland Ponies Class Sponsor Winter/Summer Final Rules Bit Requirement Handler/Rider Age Additional Notes
Open M&M Ridden NPS Area 10 Winter Stallions, mares and geldings five years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Confined Novice M&M Ridden Winter Stallions, mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies not to have won a first prize of £10 or more in any Ridden M&M class. Any suitable bridle. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
Pure Novice M&M Ridden. Hirstmund Stud Winter Stallions, mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Ponies not to have been placed first in any Ridden M&M class (excluding Leading Rein or First Ridden) Snaffle bit. Rider any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2)
M&M First Ridden Winter Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 128cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B. Pony not to have won a first prize in any First Ridden Any suitable bridle. Rider not to have attained their 12th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle
M&M Leading Rein Winter Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 122cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B Snaffle bit. Rider not to have attained their 9th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle. Handles on saddles are permitted
Novice M&M First Ridden NPS Area 25 Winter Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 128cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B. Pony not to have won a first prize in any First Ridden class. Any suitable bridle. Rider not to have attained their 12th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle
Novice M&M Leading Rein Williams & Nash Memorial Winter Mares and geldings four years old and over, registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Not exceeding 122cms. Dartmoor, Exmoor, Shetland, New Forest, Welsh A and Welsh B. Pony not to have won a first prize in any Leading Rein class. Snaffle bit. Rider not to have attained their 9th birthday by 1st January in the current year Ponies may not be ridden side saddle. Handles on saddles are permitted
M&M In Hand Leyhills Winter Youngstock, stallions, mares and geldings registered in the main body of their respective Breed Society stud book. Any suitable bridle or halter. Handler any age, except stallions (see rules in section A 3.2). Foals are not eligible.