Dear Amy,
I have been a seasoned dressage competitor for many years, riding many lovely horses throughout the levels. I have always been petite, and now that I am older, I have purchased the most charming pony to be my next competition horse. We are only getting to know each other now, but I was wondering how to be eligible for pony classes and other opportunities. Any information would be much appreciated.
-Downsizing
Dear Downsizing,
How much fun it is to hear you have found your dream pony. There are so many opportunities for ponies now in dressage. They are not just for children anymore: Today they are popular with adult amateurs and even professionals. Ponies may compete at all the dressage levels, including the Grand Prix. Aside from the open classes, there are also many pony-only divisions to compete in. There is even a yearly competition where ponies from all over the country come together: the National Dressage Pony Cup championships. In 2026, this will take place over the Fourth of July weekend at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio.
So what determines if you are riding a pony and not a horse? The size, of course. A pony must stand not more than 149 centimeters (58.6 inches, or about 14.2½ hands) with shoes on, or 148 centimeters (58.2 inches, or just slightly over 14.2 hands) without shoes. This measurement is taken at the highest point of the withers.
You do not need to do anything special with your entry if you wish to compete your pony in any classes that are not pony-specific. You just have to enter, as you would with any other horse. If you are interested in pony classes, however, that is a different story. To compete in a pony division, you will need to have an official measurement to obtain a pony card from the USEF.
How do you go about getting your pony card? Measurements need to take place in conjunction with a USEF-sanctioned show. Unfortunately, measuring him at a schooling show or at home is not acceptable. In addition, in order for your pony to be eligible for measurement, you (his owner) must be a USEF member in good standing.
So who is allowed to measure your pony, and when is this done? When seeking a measurement, it is important to plan ahead. Dressage shows that include pony classes will offer a period of time during which you can sign up for a measurement appointment: This will be stated in the prize list. To make an appointment, it is wise to request a pony measurement when you send in your entry. You might also email or call the show secretary, because it is the secretary who will be the organizer for this procedure. Be prepared to have all of your and your pony’s paperwork: USDF and USEF numbers, owner’s identification numbers and so on.
It is also a good plan to practice before the measuring day. Make sure that your pony is willing to stand still and has a well-established halt that is square. He needs to be able to tolerate being touched with a metal bar pressed on his wither. He needs to be comfortable standing on a concrete surface. The actual process takes just a few minutes if the pony is cooperating, but can be more difficult if the pony is frightened or hard to manage.
What happens the day of measurement? Once you are at the competition, you will be notified of a time and location for the measurement, usually on the morning of the first day of the show. Before the measuring takes place, the show veterinarian, who is required to be present, will perform a soundness check. Although the pony card itself does not have an associated cost, the veterinary exam comes with a fee. The suggested price is $150, and the vet is not allowed to charge you more. During this brief exam, if any signs of lameness appear, your pony will not be eligible for measurement that day.
If all is well, the measurement may proceed. This part is done by the technical delegate, who must use an offiicial certified USEF measurement stick. A witness must be present during the measurement: It may be the veterinarian or another official from the show. During the measurement, your pony should stand still and square. The handler (who must be at least 18 years old) may lower the head to make it easier to determine the highest point of the withers. After the TD takes the measurement, they will submit it electronically to the USEF.
Assuming your pony is not over height, you will be given a temporary verification form to use at that show, and an official card will be mailed to you afterwards. If your pony is less than 8 years old, your card is temporary. It will be good for the calendar year and needs to be renewed annually. If your pony is 8 or older, you will get a permanent card with no expiration date or maximum age limit. In cases where there is no vet on call at the show, it is possible to get a temporary card, good for that show only, from another show official.
Do you really need to have a pony card? No. If you are not interested in entering specific pony-only classes, then it is neither mandatory nor necessary to carry a pony card. This measurement is up to you.
Who can ride in pony classes? There is a specific Pony Rider division that is restricted to youth riders between the ages of 12 and 16. In the United States, this division is based on the FEI Pony Rider division and has tests at the equivalent of the second and third level. To be eligible for this division, the rider must fit in the age category, and the pony must have his official pony card and be at least 6 years old. There is even a USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship.
Outside of the Pony Rider division, however, many classes are open to riders of all ages. If your pony is registered, he may even be eligible for a year-end award through his breed organization. As a discipline, dressage welcomes horses of all breeds and sizes, and smaller mounts are getting more popular with adults all the time. There is even a bumper sticker: Ponies = Happiness.
I hope this helps you and encourages you to get your pony card and show off your special pony. Enjoy this new journey, a little closer to the ground.