The Dutch Pony Championship will start again in 2026 with a new series of selection competitions for pony riders from all over the Netherlands. The competition focuses specifically on young sport ponies aged four, five and six and provides a stage on which these ponies can present themselves under their rider or amazon. In several selection competitions throughout the country, the best young ponies from the Netherlands are sought in the C, D and E categories.

The competition, which in recent years has become a fixture on the Dutch pony calendar, begins this season on a special stage: the first dressage selection competition will be held during the NK Dressage in Ermelo.

With this kickoff, the participants will immediately get the chance to collect their first points in the ambiance of one of the biggest national dressage events in the Netherlands. The young pony combinations ride their competition amidst the national dressage top and in front of a large audience that annually comes to the National Equestrian Center in Ermelo for the Dutch Championship.

NK Dressage: four days of top sport

The NK Dressage will take place from May 28 to 31, 2026 at the National Equestrian Center in Ermelo. For four days the grounds will be dominated by the National Dressage Championships, where the best riders in the Netherlands will compete for the title in various categories.

The program includes championships for Children, Juniors, Young Riders, U25 and seniors, as well as sections for para-dressage. In addition, national titles will also be competed in ZZ-Zwaar and Small Tour, among others, giving the event a broad picture of the Dutch dressage sport - from talented youth to established names from the international sport.

The program starts on Thursday with the first parts for various age categories. In the following days, finals and kürs to music of various championships will follow. Traditionally, the Heavy Tour Freestyle on Sunday is the sporting highlight of the championships, in which the Dutch title among the seniors will be decided.

In addition to the top sport, the NK Dressage is known for the lively atmosphere on the grounds. With multiple slopes where simultaneous competitions take place, an extensive program and a large field of participants, the event attracts many visitors each year. For equestrian enthusiasts it is a weekend where the complete Dutch dressage sport comes together. The grounds also include a large straw village with various stands where visitors can look around, shop and get to know different brands and organizations in the equestrian sports.

For the participants in the Dutch Pony Championship, participation during this event means a special start of the season. The young ponies and their riders or amazons ride their first selection in an environment where top sport, public and professionals come together and where the atmosphere of a major championship is clearly felt.

Visitors wishing to attend the NK Dressage can obtain tickets through the event's website, where the full program can also be found. LINK 

Competition Calendar Dutch Pony Championship 2026

After the opening at the NK Dressage, several selection competitions will follow throughout the Netherlands during the summer months. During these competitions, combinations can collect points for placement in the finals.

The Dutch Pony Championship is an open competition for pony riders and amazons with young ponies aged four, five and six years old. During the season the search is on for the best young ponies in the Netherlands within the C-, D- and E-pony categories, in which development, harmony, ability and presentation are central.

The calendar for the 2026 Dutch Pony Championship is as follows:

May 31, 2026 - Ermelo (NK Dressage).

June 13, 2026 - Heerewaarden

June 27, 2026 - Wezep

July 4, 2026 - Sint-Oedenrode

July 25, 2026 - Lunteren

Aug. 12, 2026 - Lunteren

The dressage final is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2026. The final location of this final will be announced at a later date.

For the show jumping riders, the denouement will take place at Jumping DPC in Lathum on Oct. 3, 2026. Registration for this event will open at a later date.

Registration open

Registration for the dressage selection competitions of the Dutch Pony Championship 2026 is now open. Pony riders and amazons who wish to participate can register through the usual registration channels.

With a calendar stretching from spring to fall and a season opening at the NK Dressage, the organization is looking forward to a new season in which young ponies and their riders can present themselves at appealing venues. By combining selection competitions at different locations during larger events, the Dutch Pony Championship remains a competition in which sport, talent development and competition experience come together.