A German Riding Pony is classified as a small horse and is a warmblood in small format. The particularly good-natured animals are popularly kept as sport horses and as leisure horses. The German Riding Ponies are versatile and are especially often used as riding horses for children and young people. However, they are also good driving horses and with their good character they can also work as therapy horses. Here you can learn everything about a German Riding Pony.
Table of Contents
Facts & figures
- Origin: Germany
- Main breeding area: Germany, Europe
- Distribution: Worldwide, mainly Europe
- Height: 53 – 58 in
- Appearance: Sporty, Clear traits of the warmblood and the pony
- Colors: All colors allowed
Main use: Leisure and riding horse, driving horse
Breeding history of the German Riding Pony
The German Riding Pony is a young horse breed, whose breeding history began in 1965. At that time, pony breeds of English descent were crossed with each other. These were Welsh Ponies, Arabians, Anglo Arabians and English Thoroughbreds. The goal was to obtain small, elegant horses that could be ridden, especially by children and young people.
These horses were then to be used in tournament sports, since at that time interest in equestrian sport was growing rapidly. Initially, the animals were raised in the Westphalia and Weser-Ems area. Later, however, the breeding expanded, so that the German Riding Pony is now popular and widespread not only throughout Germany but also throughout Europe.
Origin of the German Riding Pony
The German Riding Pony originated in Germany, more specifically in the Western Palatinate, where breeding of the small riding horses began. The breeding efforts were intended to produce a reliable sport partner for children and youngsters. During the first breeding attempts in 1965, various English ponies were paired with different English and German warmblood breeds.
Due to the first successes, the breeding was quickly advanced. From the end of the 60’s, the German Riding Ponies were bred according to plan and were able to convince owners in sport and in private keeping. Initially, breeding was extended to the entire Rhineland and is now even practiced throughout Germany. English pony breeds were primarily involved in the breeding – mostly the Welsh Pony was used and especially helped to shape the small pony head of the German Riding Pony. For size and good character, Anglo-Arabians were added as refiners, as well as Arabians and other English Thoroughbreds. When the first riding ponies were born, small warmblood breeds were added to the breeding program, which clearly shaped the image of today’s riding ponies.
Appearance
The German Riding Pony is often compared to the German Riding Horse because the two breeds are very similar, but a German Riding Pony is smaller. With the breeding a stock size between 54 and 58 inches is pursued. This breed can be found in all kinds of colors. The small horses have rather long withers, also the croup of the animals is relatively long, whereby the depth of the rump turns out to be small. Due to the crossbreeding with Arabian horses, the head of the German Riding Pony is small but very noble. The small warmblood has a strong and broad neck. In comparison to the other body proportions, the nostrils of these animals are relatively large. Children immediately trust the horses because of their friendly looking eyes. The entire musculature of the small horses is very plastically developed. Although a German Riding Pony resembles the German Riding Horse, breeding plans to maintain distinct pony characteristics.
Impressions of the pony breed
How tall is a German Riding Pony?
The average height of the German Riding Pony is 54 to 58 inches.
German Riding Pony in Video
German Riding Pony – Character traits
A German Riding Pony is known for its perfectly balanced nature and positive character. The animals are remarkably uncomplicated and sociable. At the same time they do not lose in any way their willingness to learn and their readiness to work. During the tournaments one recognizes again and again the great nerve and courage of the ponies. The owner can rely on his German Riding Pony in every situation. In addition, the warmblood is known for being extremely robust, but also very friendly. Despite the hardness of the small horses, they also have an extremely sensitive side, which should not be forgotten with all ambition in riding.
How much does a German Riding Pony cost approximately?
The price of a German Riding Pony always depends on the training of the animal, the age and the pedigree of the particular horse. As a rule, the price is between 5,000 and 10,000 US-Dollar.
Use of the German Riding Pony
The breed of the German Riding Pony is primarily used in tournament sports. So that children and young people can also actively participate in equestrian sports, the small warmblood was bred. Thus one finds it predominantly as a sports horse. Especially in the disciplines jumping, dressage and eventing the small horses are very often represented. However, due to their positive nature, these animals are also well suited as leisure horses. In this area, too, they are ridden primarily by children, who quickly find an approach to the friendly animals. In recent times, the German Riding Pony has also shown great talent as a driving horse, which is why the small horse is increasingly seen in front of carriages. Due to its firm hooves, a German Riding Pony proves to be exceptionally sure-footed on any surface and has a well-balanced gait.
Characteristics of the German Riding Pony
The German Riding Pony is now the most widespread and popular pony breed. The special thing about these small horses is that their friendly disposition makes them easy to handle even for children. Even though the animals are small and sociable, they always need conspecifics around them. The ponies should never be kept alone.
Since a German Riding Pony has a particularly great urge to move, care should be taken at all times to ensure that the animals have sufficient exercise. They prefer to be kept in open stalls or at least spend as much time as possible in the pasture. Many ponies tend to be overly corpulent, which is why a German Riding Pony should also receive an appropriate diet and amount of feed.
Can an adult ride a German Riding Pony?
A German Riding Pony is considered a small horse and can also be ridden by slim and light adults. However, these should not be heavier than 132 lbs, otherwise the horses back will be too much stressed.
German Riding Pony – Hereditary diseases
Since the German Riding Pony is still a rather young horse breed, no hereditary diseases have crept into the breeding so far. However, due to the proportion of pony blood, German Riding Ponies often tend to be overweight. Especially if the actually very athletic horses do not get enough exercise or are fed too much concentrated feed, excess pounds quickly accumulate in the animals. Excess weight in horses, as in all other animal species, is harmful to the cardiovascular system and the animal’s joints.
Known horses of the breed
So far, no German Riding Pony has been able to make an appearance in film or television. Nevertheless, the animals are very popular riding horses and can also achieve quite a few successes in children’s and youth tournaments. One of the most famous animals are the stallions Don’t Worry and Dornik B, which could not only win many tournaments, but also characterize the breeding line until today.
How long can a German Riding Pony live?
The life expectancy is about 20 to 25 years with good care.
