I read the prize list, reread the prize list, and still cant figure it out. Pony cup is obviously for ponies , but small horses can compete too? In what? Are they limited just to the open show part? Input from anyone in the know is appreciated 
they may be defining PONY using the FEI standard which is 148cm. This is slightly over 14.2 hands. The class is likely unique to the show so best to contact them directly for clarification
1 Like
I believe that it’s either height OR breed. Some pony breeds are still eligible to compete and receive breed awards even if they are oversize.
Not in dressage - for Pony Awards, they need a Pony Card - 148 cm without shoes, 149 with shoes. Measurement must be done at a show by TD and Vet.
There is some kind of program for Ponies and Small Horses - I saw that the other day! Small Horse is up to 16 hands - which doesn’t seem all that small…
1 Like
For the FEI pony classes yes, but the NDPC itself has developed year end award and championship to recognize those pony breeds and crosses that measure over height. For example, my Connemara cross measures 14.3. He can accumulate NPDC small horse points, compete at the championship show and I believe, someone correct me if I am wrong be eligible for the Connemara breed championship at the show (with papers). That was my understanding of the press release.
The measuring process is much much less formal the FEI pony measuring. I think they found that they were omitting a large population of ponies and small horses who cannot compete in the FEI pony classes but get lost in the sea of the big guys. I think it’s a good effort.
1 Like
As the owner and breeder of a PONY breed with heights all over the map it is nice to see recognition of that. I have section C & D welsh cobs. My ‘ponies’ have ranged in size from 13 hands to 15.1 hands. They all demonstrate indistinguishable pony characteristics and look very similar (because a few are related) just some with a slightly longer leg than than the others.
You may also be confusing the Pony Cup National Show with the Pony Cup Year End Awards.
This is the first year that the NDPC organization is also offering a year-end awards category for small horses.
http://www.dressageponycup.com/small-horse-year-end-awards.html
This is different than the pony cup show.
Points are accumulated over the course of the show season, at any USDF show.
To be eligible, the horse has to have a signed measurement form from your veterinarian.
1 Like
Yes thank you ArabDiva- that helps clarify a lot. I went back to look at the class list for NDPC and I understand now . (there are year end awards given to small horses based on breed, points are cumulative throughout the show year at really any USDF sanctioned show. Plus at the National Show they gave out small horse awards for the first time, although small horses did do the KDA open show not the pony cup classes). THanks 
This is my understanding as well. That might have changed/be changing with the small horse classes that they are introducing but even prior to that I believe there were breeds that were eligible to compete for NDPC awards even if over height, such as Haflingers.
