Last year marked the first time the Dutch Pony Championship was held, for four-, five-, and six-year-old sport ponies in categories C, D, or E. The competition drew many positive responses from riders, owners, studbooks, breeders, and judges, and produced some outstanding champions. This high-profile series of competitions will kick off again in 2023. The first entries have already come in. Will you be joining us?
Press Release
For dressage ponies, there are seven qualifying competitions held in various regions across the country, where you can earn points toward the finals. Dressage ponies must compete in at least two and no more than three qualifying competitions to be eligible for a spot in the finals.
Show jumping ponies can be entered directly for the final competition on Saturday, September 9, in IJsselmuiden. Many of last year’s participants have indicated that they would like to enter their ponies again this year.
Pilot Program for Riders Aged 18 and Older
New this year is a pilot program for riders aged 18 and older with their four-, five-, or six-year-old ponies in categories C, D, or E, at the selection events in Tolbert on July 22 and in Lunteren on August 16. This is a question that was asked several times last year, and organizers are now assessing whether there is sufficient interest to officially establish a class for this group of riders. Because these are pilot competitions, participation in the finals is not (yet) possible for this category.
High-quality sport ponies
Following the first successful edition in 2022, it’s clear that our sport ponies deserve a place in the spotlight. The Netherlands is home to fantastic, high-quality ponies with the presence, movement, and character to stand out in the sport—and everyone should know it! “We are extremely proud that we’ve succeeded in getting breeders and the New Forest Pony Studbook Netherlands, the Dutch Welsh Pony and Cob Studbook, and the Dutch Riding Horse and Pony Studbook (NRPS) excited about our idea that Dutch ponies are worthy of a championship,” said Lars Pronk, chairman of the DPC Foundation.
Valuable experience
“Thanks in part to the enthusiastic cooperation of the three major pony studbooks and the support of our sponsors, the competition can get underway again this year,” Pronk continues. “What’s more, thanks to the support of our sponsors—which we’re incredibly grateful for—we’re once again able to offer wonderful prizes. Because participating in the DPC isn’t just a great experience for riders and ponies—it’s also a celebration!”
Register
The question set, the competition schedule, and the registration form can be found on the website: www.dutchponychampionship.nl. The first match is sure to be a blast; we’ll be guests at the fantastic Van Uytert Stallion Farm in Heerewaarden. You won’t want to miss it!
Dates and locations of the tryouts
June 3, 2023, Heerewaarden
June 17, 2023, Vorden
July 1, 2023, De Mortel
July 22, 2023, Tolbert
July 29, 2023, Lunteren
August 16, 2023, Lunteren
August 26, 2023, Houten
September 9, 2023: Finals in IJsselmuiden – dressage and show jumping
The Dutch Pony Championship is the event where riders, owners, and breeders come together and where the connection between sport and breeding is forged.
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