Pony Talent in the Spotlight: Experience the Dutch Pony Championship final in Lathum

After months of exciting selection competitions, training and growth, the moment is approaching that every participant has been working towards with full courage and ambition: the grand final of the Dutch Pony Championship 2025. On Saturday, September 6, Lathum will be the beating heart of the young pony dressage sport, where only the very best 4-, 5- and 6-year-old ponies together with their talented riders will compete in an unforgettable sporting battle.

The DPC has in a short time grown into the top event for young ponies in the Netherlands, a stage on which the future of dressage sport is formed. From novice talents to promising stars, on September 6 they will all show what they are capable of, under the watchful eye of an expert jury and an enthusiastic audience.

In addition to the sporting spectacle, the final offers a multifaceted program with inspiring clinics by top trainers, special prizes that reward sportsmanship and well-being, and special recognition for the breeders who lay the foundation for these young champions, as well as a great additional prize for the combination with the highest point total of the day. The event thus brings together the entire pony world, from riders and trainers to breeders and enthusiasts.

With the support of our valued sponsors and the leading Dutch pony studbooks, this fourth (?) edition of the Dutch Pony Championship is a highlight not to be missed, where passion and quality go hand in hand.

On to the final: these combinations are preparing for the DPC final The participants who will compete in the final on September 6 in Lathum earned their place through a clear and carefully constructed selection process. Spread across the country, six selection competitions took place, where young dressage ponies could show their qualities to a skilled panel of judges. Each combination had to ride a minimum of two and a maximum of three selections to qualify for the finals, with the average of the two best results determining placement.

The ponies were judged on a fixed evaluation scheme in which walk, trot and canter count double, in addition to parts such as carrying and suppleness, harmony, general impression as a dressage pony and conformation. This provided a complete picture of the ponies' aptitude, presentation and potential.

Approximately 70% of the participants in each age category advanced to the final, with a limit of 15 starts per class. In the four-year-old division, 15 combinations will eventually compete, in the five-year-olds 14 and in the six-year-olds 10. All ponies that have distinguished themselves during the season and are ready to show their best side one more time during the final.

Wondering which combinations have qualified for the finals? Check out the full list of 2025 DPC finalists here.

Fairness and top prizes complete the final In addition to sporting class and competition focus, there is also plenty of attention during the final to the values that form the basis of a healthy sports culture. For the first time, therefore, the Rower & Rub Fairness Award will be presented: a special prize for combinations who show in their final test that respect for the pony, harmony in riding and sportsmanship are at least as important as the final result. In each age category - four-, five- and six-year-olds - one combination is honored with this award. With this the DPC makes a clear statement: good riding is more than just scoring points.

In addition to this ethical recognition, a special grand prize awaits the combination with the highest point total of the day. Thanks to main sponsor Prestige, this combination will receive an exclusive saddle of top quality, a prize that not only radiates prestige, but is also a tangible support in the further training of young ponies within the sport. The combination is thus literally and figuratively helped in the saddle towards a successful future.

These additional prizes are a fantastic addition to the rich prize pool made possible by our wonderful sponsors again this year. In addition to the Fairness Award and saddle, participants can count on beautiful medals, sashes, rosettes and, of course, champion blankets. All these prizes make the finals extra festive and ensure that every success is celebrated in a big way. Exactly as we like to do at the Dutch Pony Championship: with lots of enthusiasm, appreciation and a real celebration of young talent!

Breeders in the spotlight: indispensable force of future pony talent At the Dutch Pony Championship, we greatly appreciate the indispensable role of breeders. Therefore, breeders of ponies who achieve a podium place - place 1, 2 or 3 - on the final day receive a special breeders' bonus, provided they are present. In this way we put not only the riders, but also the breeders in the limelight and recognize their valuable contribution to pony and sport development. After all, behind every champion pony is a breeder who laid the initial foundation. At the DPC, we are proud to honor them.

Learn from the Best: clinics from top trainers During the finals, both participants and visitors can participate in exclusive clinics given by top trainers Febe van Zwambagt and Laurens van Lieren. These clinics are designed especially for riders who want to learn and grow, whether or not you are qualified for the final. Also for those who want to participate next year or just want to ride a clinic in this special ambiance, there is still the possibility to register. The trainers will share valuable insights and practical tips to bring technique and cooperation with the pony to a higher level. A unique opportunity to develop yourself and your pony!

Come experience the pony talent live in Lathum!

On Saturday, September 6, Hippisch Centrum Lathum is the place to be for everyone who loves ponies and dressage. Whether you are a participant, breeder, enthusiastic supporter or curious visitor, this day guarantees wonderful performances, inspiring clinics and a great atmosphere. Be surprised by young talent, learn from the best and enjoy being together within the DPC spheres.

Thanks to the important support of the Dutch pony studbooks NRPS, NWPCS and NNFPS, as well as our fantastic sponsors, the Dutch Pony Championship can continue to grow and put even more young talents in the spotlight.

We cordially invite you to join us for this unique event in Lathum at House at Lathumweg #2. Until then!