Submitted by Christine Rogers Stanton: I'm so grateful I shifted from bigger, taller rides to my wonder pony, Hampton's Bravada. I can actually use my leg! Bravada has good talent and a great mind, which has made it possible for me to bring her up from 30 days of "cowboy training" (followed by 2 years of being a mama) to Prix St Georges (and schooling beyond--we just earned my final Silver Medal score this June). Pony power!! Emma Lynn Photography
This July, we are highlighting “Small But Mighty” breeds on YourDressage!
We asked our social media followers to share a photo of their favorite pony, and tell us a little about them, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming gallery or to share a story about their partnership with the YourDressage community.
Riders who choose a pint-sized partner as their dressage mount could be eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as there are a number of pony breed organizations that are participating organizations.
LVG Prydar 12 year old Norwegian Fjord competing PSG🐴 Renee Casavant/Creek Dreams Photography – Laura F.PopTart x Popeye. This super sensitive GRP has finally found her job in the dressage arena with trainer Sandra Bussey and junior rider Delia Frenzel. – Sandra B.Peaches is my 14.2 Quarter Pony and my pony of a lifetime. She is 24 now, and retired from riding. She is living her best life here on our farm, grazing and being brushed. We’ve been together for 18 years this year! – Caitlin C.I was so excited to see an Icelandic at a dressage show (NEDA Spring 2022?) that I jumped up to take a picture! One of my very favorite breeds. If I had the means to have “extra” horses beyond my retiree and current dressage horse, an Icelandic would be my very first choice. I fell in love with the breed when riding in Iceland. They are the happiest, most wonderful little horses! 🤩 – Marielle W. This turned out to be Liv Robinson and Odin (From Tölt to Third Level)!This is Remi! My first pony he is new to the dressage life. He is a 17 year old Welsh Cross his favorite snack is sour patch kids and he is extremely goofy. 💖 – Aubrey S.14.3 hands, purebred Connemara gelding Wil’Ya Love Me. Competed through the advanced level in eventing. – Courtney W.My 13.2 HH Gypsy Vanner, Guinness Stout (Jack for short). I am a 5’9” rider and we compete 1st level. Photo by Morgan Chapman. – Sarah G.My beautiful pony, Smart Like Princess. – Joan E.Submitted by Madelynn Johnson; Lisa Michelle Dean PhotographyTino – when he is flying 🩵🌟🦄Sportfot image – Viviane P.15.3hh GRP “Tino” 6yo and so smart, already successfully competing at Third Level – and 90cm jumpers! As multi talented as they come! 🌟🦄🩵 Joanna Jodko Photography – Viviane P.Shout out for Cathy Routh and Max!! – Julie J.Our super pony is “Off the Grid” aka Chicken Nugget, a Mustang who was adopted from the Antelope Roundup in 2021. Seven months ago I bought him for my girls from his owner who had restarted him. Since that time he has proven to be an honest solid citizen who shines in the dressage ring. Pictured is my daughter Madelyn who is helping to bring him along for her younger sister. Both girls competed in Intro level tests last weekend as GMO members at their local pony club schooling dressage show. – Chrissy M.Submitted by Rhonda HolsteinManoravon Finnegan, a 22 year old (rare breed) New Forest Pony trying out western dressage! AGreenis Photography – Alexa F.“Ladies Man” aka Link. I got him for cheap from a dealer down south. He is the LOML and I take him everywhere ❤ I am 31 and 5’2 lol – Brianna M. USDF recommends all riders wear protective headgear and closed toe shoes when mountedIndy ( Devon Ridge Indira) is my 9 yo 1/2 Connemara 1/2 Lippizaner mare that I’ve owned since her 4 yo birthday 💗💗💗 Mane Vision Photography – Denise J.This is Cedarfield That’s My Trick (aka Trixie) who is a 5 yo Welsh cob. She’s currently showing first level and is super smart and talented. REE Photographics – Lydia C.Belle Amie Maserati – 2013 welsh part bred gelding (Sparks Will Fly x Fellner’s Ferrari/FITS Toandos Mountain Man) bred by Allison Skornik- 2025 NDPC PSG Open and 4th level AA champion. 2023 NDPC 3rd level AA Champion. 2019 Oregon Dressage Society President’s Choice Horse of the Year award recipient. He is a Region 6 celebrity, the king of serving humble pie, my best friend, and the best worst boy in the world. He has forced me to become a better rider and horsewoman, and has brought so many special people into my life ❤️
Photo by Ella Chedester photography in our first int-1! – Hannah S.Mi Fionn MacCool showing 1st, and jumpers/eventing. Stallion AWSSR Registered welsh cob x and have frozen to ship if anyone likes. 14hh He’s such a fun man! – Michele K.My 13.3 hand Friesian/Welsh ! Best horse ever! – Julianna M.Hansel is a German Riding Pony; Liz Crawley Photography – Christine B.This is my Vinny, my Dust Me In Gold. He’s a quarter horse/Gypsy Vanner cross. He is my first horse (well pony), my heart. He has the best brain on him, has put up with years of breaks and inconsistencies in our training while always remembering his previous lessons. He has safely toted around my son, my husband and myself for 12 years. He has visited schools for those with special needs without blinking an eye. Here we are conquering our first musical freestyle. He has made dreams come true. – Erin C.Our other star 13.1 hand Section C 3 year old filly Divine Design By SpringSong went to her first outing under saddle to the USDF Filming of Through the levels last week, where everyone couldn’t believe she was only 30 days under saddle. She then went on to do Materiale at her first show and was a star!! Ridden and Trained by Kylee McKereghan and Bred and owned by @SpringSong Welsh Cobs! Pictured with Janet Foy! – SpringSong Welsh CobsBean JF my grade Fjord. I went to go see him 36w pregnant and absolutely fell in love. Three years later he is the most perfect horse I could’ve ever asked for!! – Erica J.This is my wonder pony “I’ve got Dibbs” he is schooling 2nd level and teaching me many so many things that go far beyond dressage. He is 14’2 and truly an angel wrapped in a little red coat ❤️ – Kathryn P.She’s been riding dressage for about 10 years and has been with this pony for about 4 years. – Michele E.RFM Gypsy Magics King Arthur is a pint sized Gypsy Vanner! – Margaret F.This is Allegro Con Brio (aka Brio), my 14h Andalusian Cross. He was bought at auction, so I know very little about his past life, except that he was supposedly a Mexican Dance horse. He has been both fun and challenging to train as a dressage partner. – Amy R.HUR Somelike It Sweet – my 14.0 HH, 25 (yes, you read correctly!) year old Arabian mare still competing at Third Level. A 20-year partnership that is still going strong. We are hoping to debut a Third Level Freestyle next month. From an injury 10 years ago, where multiple vets said she was “done”/“retired”/“will never be rideable”, to now having so much fun and being incredibly happy, makes me so happy! #comebackpony Hannah Draughan Photography – Laura W.Sweet Mimi and MC Guion. From beginner to second level , they grew up together with love , respect and trust. – Sonoma Coastal EquesTraining CenterAt a whopping 12.3 hands 😂, my auction pony of unknown breeding, is so fun to ride and work with. He’s a great partner with enough heart to make up for his short legs and he gets better all the time. – Jennifer G.This is Malley our 20 year old German Sport Pony. She successfully showed up to second level and now is teaching children and young adults how to w/t/c and the more advanced students are learning leg yields. – Hill Crest Farm LLCThis is Sonic. 🤍 The most handsome, sweetest, and most perfect boy. Believe it or not, just a little over a year ago he was a wild pony. Now he’s fully embraced the good life—cookies, pampering, and all the love he can get.
He’s the perfect pony for my daughter, who makes sure he never goes without scratches, treats, and endless “good boy” compliments. Watching their bond grow has been the sweetest thing, and I don’t think either of them could love the spoiled life more. 🐴🍪 – Paige B.This is Pineapple. He’s the best, and knows he is the most handsome boy. He fears nothing, and would be shocked to learn he’s a pony. He is 8 yrs old just like my daughter. They’re the best pair, and take great care of each other. Pineapple is a big fan of cookies, and well, eating in general (can’t blame him). He loves scratches, and being told he’s a good boy 🩷 – Abigail B.Western but still dressage, two time grand champion western dressage at our county fair last week. 22 yr old Registered Haflinger mare trained, shown, and loved by my daughter. – Holly K.Victoria of Meadows Rock Pointe Ranch owned by Jamie Rhoads-Garrett Stable Kings Performance Horses 14.1.hh of sass and power, affectionately called the power pony or the pocket rocket. Killing it in training level this season and moving up to first soon! 5yo little mare as talented as she is pretty. – Josephine T.This is my Westfalen pony by the well bred German Riding Pony Golden State. We giggle over his mother whose name is RifRaf. She came out of the Angola (maximum prison)Penitentiary equine program. Together they produced a lovely athletic dressage partner for 5’1” 78 year old me! Came out this year at 2nd level. – Kathy N.Starberry Spiced Bourbon, my “very brown” 5yo Morgan Pony Mare at PVDA’s Summer Show last weekend competing in her first recognized event in Intro A and B. I am an adult amateur and have had Spice since she was 2. – Melodie W.Castleberry’s Ffor The Record — 3yo Cob stallion prospect and the MOST fun, pint sized, power packed pony to dance with!! ❤️ – Heather C.Fortunato Cavallo’s CarolAnn aka “Cricket” is our first rescue pony who became the face of our rescue, PJ’s Ponies. She is somewhat of a local celebrity and came from the kill pen all the way D4K and more. We paid $528 to bail her and she turned out to be PRICELESS to us. 💜 – Keirsten R.1986-midwest pony club rally. She was a superstar and lived to 36. My daughter pony-clubbed her when she was in her 20’s. Oakhill Starfire was THE best pony that ever lived. #connemaraponycommunity – Tara M.Ancan Crayola, my 13.3 hand Morgan pony. She took to dressage very quickly. Unshown at this point. I’d recommend Morgans to anyone looking for a fun, versatile pony. – Ann T.Beau, my 146cm arabian x welsh pony. sweetest horse in the world. – Michaela C.RWC ATREYU owned by Claire Philpott is an 11 yr old section D welsh cob….. Trey is an amazingly willing hard worker who rides like a big warmblood… he is showing I-1 this summer and schooling towards the Grand Prix … as his trainer i can tell you that Trey is a joy to be around and a dream pony for ME! I am thrilled to be on this journey w Claire and Trey.. he is a fabulous stallion!!! – Tracy R.My boy August and I at our first show together! 🥹 he is also a Norwegian Fjord! – Alex M.Dancin In Aruba HOF. 17 year old Silver Rated Haflinger mare. Owned by Donald Brown. Shown thru 3rd level schooling shows, 2nd level recognized shows. We also show Western Dressage. She is great to work around and is a solid citizen with an amazing work ethic. Truly a pleasure and up for anything!!! – Rachel J.Tide Creek Fergus- 15 year old welsh pony gelding. Shown through 2nd level and the best all around pony who’s always up for anything and my favorite adventure buddy! SusanJStickle Photography – Audrey P.
