With intelligence, strong confirmation, and good health, this breed is proving to be one of the most popular ponies around today.
The German Riding Pony is referred to as a “miniature warmblood” because of its refined, horse-like characteristics.
In this article we will cover everything from their history to their characteristics, so read on!
German Riding Pony Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the German Riding Pony:
| Height (size) | 13.2 – 14.2 hands high |
| Colors | Brown, black, bay |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Common Uses | Dressage, show jumping, eventing |
German Riding Pony Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The German Riding Pony is a popular pony breed in Germany.
Around 1965, different English pony breeds, particularly Welsh ponies, were crossed with Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, and Thoroughbreds to create the Deutsche Reitpony.
The goal was to produce competition-quality ponies for children to ride in sport horse events.
These ponies were supposed to be more easily controlled by children than the big Warmblood horses.
At the same time, certain pony traits were supposed to be preserved, such as character, type, and willingness to perform.
At first, Thoroughbred and Arabian stallions were crossed with pony-sized Fjords and Haflingers, however, these efforts to create a sport pony in one generation did not result in the desired type.
Following the introduction of British pony breeds, mainly Welsh ponies, into the bloodline, a unique German riding pony type emerged by 1975.
In the 1990s, efforts were made to further develop the breed by the infusion of blood from other horse breeds such as Trakehners, Hanoverians, and Holsteiners.
However, these attempts were unsuccessful since the pony type and characteristics were often lost.
German Riding Pony breeders now employ certain bloodlines to consistently produce German Riding Ponies that meet the goal of creating a pony that matches the athleticism of a small warmblood.
The modern German Riding Pony breed is distinguished by its unique bloodlines, and all animals that are intended to be used as breeding stock must pass strict tests.
They are registered with Weser-Ems, a registration in Vechta, Germany, which collaborates with the Oldenburg registry.
Some Welsh pony and Arabian blood is still used from time to time.
With just a few imports and one breed registry allowed to undertake breeding stock inspections, the German Riding Pony breed is still relatively new to the United States.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Deutsche Reitpony”
Temperament/Personality
Gentle disposition
Physical Characteristics
The German Riding Pony more closely resembles the phenotypic of a full-sized horse than the majority of other pony breeds.
The only pony-like feature is the head, which creates the impression of a gentle disposition and friendly nature.
Even though the ideal height is 13.2 hands to 14.2 hands, in CDI FEI-sanctioned competitions, ponies up 14.8 hands tall are allowed to compete against full-sized horses.
The German Riding Pony is a breed of pony that was created specifically as a sport pony for younger riders.
It has a way of moving that is smooth and very horse-like, making it appropriate for dressage as well as jumping.
Colors
Brown, black, bay
Height (size)
13.2 – 14.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
770 – 880 lbs (350 – 400 kg)
Blood Type
Pony
Common Uses
Pony sport horse competitions, sometimes known as “tournaments”, are quite common in continental Europe.
Children and teenagers up to the age of 16 may compete with their ponies in the eventing, dressage, and show jumping categories of these tournaments.
The German Youth Championships, the European Championships, and the Preis der Besten are important tournaments for pony riders.
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Horse-like movements
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Germany
Ancestors
Dulmen Pony, New Forest Pony, Welsh pony, Anglo-Arab, Arabian