THE FRENCH RIDING PONY

 

 

 

 

 

History

The French Riding Pony is a cross-bred pony resulting from the covering of French mares (mares registered from 1976) by pony stallions (Connemara, New Forest, Welsh…) or by Arab stallions.

Today there is no real breed standard for the French Riding Pony, but the trend is mainly towards producing a sport pony. In the recent years, there has been an increasing infusion of outside bloodlines from German, Belgian and Dutch Stud-Books.

 

Conformation

The French Riding Pony stands from 125 to 148 cm at the withers. (13.2 hh to 14.2 hh).

His looks are that of a small horse, with its gaits and sport ability, linked to the hardiness of a pony.

He must be smart looking while showing a good temperament.

His physical characteristics must be typical of a small horse :

 

Main breeding areas

The greatest numbers of French Riding Ponies are found in the West of France, in Mayenne, Normandy and Brittany,
where there are many broodmares.

However, the French riding Pony is all over France, and is more and more exported abroad.
He is in fact an excellent sport pony, and is often sold for top level competition.

 

Figures

Registrations of French Riding Ponies grew from 95 in 1977 to 1300 in 2000.

As for all pony breeds, there has been a slow decrease in the registration numbers since 1997.

 

A pony for alls and all

The French Riding Pony is a versatile mount.

He is used for competition in every field (Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage, Driving) where he shows a real quality, including at the top level, but he can also be used as a leisure riding pony :
trail rides, hacking, and even in pony racing.

The French Riding Pony should be a good-looking saddle pony with good paces, a good jumping ability and a good temperament suitable for children.

Many riding schools and pony-clubs use French Riding ponies for schooling.
These ponies can adapt to beginners and to riders who wish to start competing, and the best of them are liable to go on with their rider, up to the European level.

The French Riding Pony’s size means he can also be ridden by adults, making him a perfect pony for the whole family !

 

Facts and Figures