German Riding Pony

The German Riding Pony, or Deutsches Reitpony, is a German sport pony bred to give younger or smaller riders the movement, balance, and athletic ability of a warmblood in a pony-sized package. It was developed with influence from Welsh, Arabian, Thoroughbred, and other pony and riding-horse lines, then refined through performance selection. Good examples can be highly competitive in dressage, jumping, eventing, and all-around youth sport.

These ponies are often talented and sensitive, so they should not be chosen only because they are smaller than horses. Owners need training, saddle fit, dental and hoof care, and careful conditioning just as they would for a full-sized sport horse. Breeders select for rideability, correct gaits, jumping ability, and temperament suitable for children or juniors, which can be a demanding balance. Buyers should assess the individual pony's mileage and mind, since brilliance without steadiness can be too much for a beginner.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White