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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. |
