Buy a mini show pony with tips and tricks from a top breeder

If you’re looking to buy a mini show pony for either lead rein or first ridden classes, continue reading for expert advice on how to source the correct partner for your young child.

What is a show pony?

The show pony, also known as the children’s riding pony, is a type of pony that has its own defined category within showing.

Show pony classes are usually divided into height sections with each class possessing its own rider age limit.

The four individual classes run 128cm, 138cm, and 148cm sections with a single championship, and lead rein and first ridden show ponies have their own separate classes culminating in their own mini championship.

Show ponies should be elegant, graceful and mannerly, suitable for a child or young person to show. They should possess clean limbs, balanced yet expressive paces, pretty heads and a good length of rein.

Show ponies are judged on an individual show and on their conformation.

The highest level of show pony classes are governed by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS). In the UK, the riding pony stud-book is still administered by the National Pony Society (NPS) — first formed in 1893 as the Polo Pony Stud Book Society.

Show ponies are presented plaited up and in a bridle with a coloured browband. Jockeys wear navy jackets and short jodhpur boots.

What are the restrictions on mini show ponies?

In the lead rein and first ridden show pony classes, ponies must not exceed 122cm.

Under BSPS rules, riders in lead rein classes must not have attained their eighth birthday before 1 January in the current year. Riders must not be under three years of age. In first ridden classes, a rider is not to have attained their 10th birthday before 1 January in the current year.

In tiny tots first ridden classes, riders must be under eight years of age. Lead rein tiny tops competitors must be aged under five.

Show pony classes are hosted at most shows across the country, from local level to national championships.

What makes a good mini show pony?

Claire Smalley and her mother Ann breed show ponies under the Barkway Prefix. Ponies from the Barkway Stud have won accolades at all major shows, including the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show.

Top ponies from the stud include Barkway Take That, Barkway Black Jack, Barkway Moonfair, Barkway Mr McGregor, Barkway Huckleberry, Barkway Sweet William, Barkway Precocious and Barkway Blackberry. Their home-breds have dominated the line-ups at the HOYS and the RIHS.

“Temperament is key with mini ponies of any type,” says Claire. “You need a pony that is trainable, safe and sensible, especially when it is for a young child. A show pony, though, also needs to have that look-at-me quality. If they are going into the show ring they need to stand out and have a little spark about them that catches the eye.

“Conformation wise, the pony must be of quality. I would not buy anything that is over at the knee. I like a big front and a good shoulder, and a visible position for the saddle. Mini ponies don’t need such a huge engine, but I do like nice, big movement. When you look at a pony everything should be correct and look like it belongs together. A weak back end is never good. Also, something I think I’ve inherited from Mum, is a liking for a very pretty head; it’s the first thing you see.

“I have never been particular about coat colour,” Claire adds. “There are some people who can’t look past some colours, including chestnuts, and favour others, particularly black ponies, but in my opinion colour shouldn’t matter. I also think something a bit different stands out!”

Do lead reins and first riddens differ in type?

Claire says the type of pony you choose will depend on what job you want it for.

“A first ridden will be scopier, have a slightly bigger frame and should stand over more ground than a lead rein. A first ridden should also differ in type to an open 128cm contender,” she says. “We’ve previously had two black youngsters in the field and while from afar they looked very similar, on closer inspection they were of a different type. One was dinkier and more petite, the ideal lead rein, while the other had more scope and range, though not bigger in height, so more likely to be a successful first ridden.

“It can be beneficial for people to take their first riddens out in lead rein classes at the beginning of their careers, however, to gain experience and learn,” Claire adds.

How much should I pay for a mini show pony?

The prices of mini show ponies will vary depending on many factors, including the show ring CV of the pony.

“The market can vary greatly,” says Claire. “But over the past 20 years we’ve sold three-year-old ponies for between £3,000 and £4,000, on average. Breeders work hard to match bloodlines, keep the mare, get the foal on the ground and keep the pony until it’s aged three or four. If we sell it for around this mark then we’re not making money; it’s definitely a labour of love!

“A pony that has been in the ring and has enjoyed success could easily be worth between £10,000 and £15,000, especially if it’s a safe first ridden with a good temperament,” Claire adds.

Where should I buy a mini show pony from?

There are online sale sites such as Whickr that have show pony lead reins and first riddens advertised throughout the year.

Where you source your new pony from will depend on what stage you would like the animal to be at.

“It depends on your experience, your own set up and your personal finances,” Claire says. “And it also depends if you want to buy a ready made pony or you would rather do it yourself. If you want a pony that is ready to go and you have a child who is of the right age you might be looking at a pony that’s with a producer or in a private home. If you’re wanting a new face you can approach breeders. You’re likely to get more quality for less money if you buy something that is not established.”

I’ve agreed to buy a pony, now what?

It is strongly recommended that you arrange a pre-purchase vetting. As the pony is for a child, asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this. If you do have a pony on trial, it is important that you insure it.

Let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it with this in mind. If you want the pony for the show ring, ask the vet to inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its career, but do bear in mind that vets are not showing judges.

It’s also worth sharing with the vet the age and experience of the junior rider the pony is intended for, and whether you intend to place the pony with a professional producer or have the pony at home, so they can consider on the pony’s temperament during the assessment, too. Small ponies can also be susceptible to laminitis so you may want to ask the vet to consider this risk.

“Whether or not to proceed with a vetting does depend on how experienced you are, for example, would you be able to spot if a pony shows signs of lameness?” Claire says. “If you are in any doubt about anything then cover yourself with a vetting, and it also depends on how much money you are spending on a pony. I’ve had ponies vetted, and others not, though it’s always a gamble when buying a horse or pony.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

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Freelance equestrian journalist

Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.