ABOUT THE SOCIETY

Origins

The ‘Riding Pony breed’ originated in Britain.  The National Pony Society (Britian) was formed in the early 1900’s, the aim being “the improvement and encouragement of the breeding of high class Riding Ponies”.  The British Riding Pony, originally the result of crossing Thoroughbred or Arab with one of the Mountain and Moorland native breeds, is now normally the progeny of British Riding Pony sire and dam.

New Zealand Riding Pony Society

The New Zealand Riding Pony Society was initially formed under the title ‘New Zealand Saddle Pony Stud Book Society Incorporated’ in 1975.  Although the name has changed to ‘New Zealand Riding Pony Society Incorporated’ the concept which instigated the Society’s  formation is still a prominent feature.  Persons were concerned that no society or organisation was promoting the Riding Pony type based on the English Riding Pony (now known as the British Riding Pony), therefore the New Zealand Riding Pony Society was formed with the intent purpose of encouraging the breeding and improvement of saddle ponies in New Zealand, based on the Riding Pony type see Breed Standard.  The Society appointed ‘classifiers’ who inspected each pony that was nominated for acceptance to the society’s stud book.  The classifiers ensured that the Riding Pony type was being adhered to when accepting ponies for registration.  The first stud book was published in 1979.  Five volumes have been published to date.  Each volume contains numerous extended pedigrees and a number of photographs.

The Society recognises the input of Thoroughbred, Arab,  Welsh and other native pony breeds in developing the Riding Pony type.  Today the input of these breeds is moderate as many Riding Ponies have a Riding Pony sire and dam.

The Society is represented by a national council, NZRPS Council

Purpose of the New Zealand Riding Pony

First and foremost the Riding Pony is a show pony.  The emphasis on correctness of conformation is to ensure that Riding Ponies can perform at the highest level in the show ring and be free from hereditary unsoundness.  However, New Zealand Riding Ponies can be found competing very successfully in many aspects of equestrian endeavour.  Not only are they usually at the top end of a line up in the show ring, they can be found in the show jumping arena, the dressage arena, hunter jumping competitions, pony club competitions and out on the hunting and eventing fields.