How does one have a 15.2h-15.3h GRP? Is it a breed or a type? Is it size based? If so, then how do you cross a GRP registered stud with a WB mare and get a “GRP” that is clearly not pony sized?
When breeding for a top of the line sized pony, you are going to get some that go over size. They are still registered as German Riding Ponies and can be used for breeding. Obviously, size wise, they are not ponies and can’t compete in pony classes, etc. The Weser-Ems is Riding Ponies AND small horses. Hope that helps:)
I don’t know which registry of “GRP” you are referring to, and Heather (hluing) already touched on this, but in Germany, Pferdestammbuch Weser-Ems covers 20 different “breeds” - ponies (including all sections of Welsh), plus small horses, plus certain other breeds in Germany that are not necessarily categorized as “warmbloods” (Friese, Knapstrupper. Tuigpaard, etc.).
In North America, the registry is affiliated with, and administered through, The Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society. It used to handle only Deutsche Reitpony (German Riding Pony) and Kleines Deustche Reitpferd (Small German Riding Horse), but in recent years, they have also licensed Connemara and Haflinger stallions that meet the requirements for those books (and I mean the WE “Connemara” and “Haflinger” books).
As for size requirements - Deutsche Reitpony standard is 138 cm - 148 cm. That is approx. 54-1/3 inch, to 58 + almost 1/3 inch (about 13.2h - 14.2h). Kleines Deustche Reitpferd standard is 149 cm - 158 cm. So 58+ just over 1/2 inch, to 62+almost 1/4 inch, or 14.2h - 15.2h. (Someone please check my math!) I also think they do allow a small amount of leeway, esp. if the pony/horse is from bloodlines that typically produce that type/size.
Another thing to consider - it is becoming more and more commonplace for people to breed warmblood mares to pony stallions to get “down-sized” horses. These offspring are inspected as foals, and there is no guarantee what size those foals will end up. Inspectors have to generally rely on the registry/book the stallion is approved into. IOW, if the foal’s sire is approved by WE, but not by Oldenburg, the foal cannot be registered as an “Oldenburg” - no matter what size the mare, or which books she is approved into. So a foal by a top of the line GRP, out of a warmblood mare, may very well end up topping the WE standard, and even if the inspectors think it might top out, they still can’t give it “Oldenburg” papers, because the sire is not approved for Oldenburg breeding. That puts it in the WE books - even though it may end up “over” 15.2 at maturity.
I was thinking of doing a GRP x Connemara and wonder what book they would put us in GRP or Connemara or just WE Pony Book? I suppose it might depend on which WE approved/Licensed stallion I used.
FWIW, i have one of those GRP x Warmbloods that was born this year. I am hoping to get her inspected into the Weser Ems book.
Momma is 16h daddy is 14.1 = hoping baby makes 15h but wont know for a couple years !
I didn’t know Weser Ems had a Con book… does that means when a Con stallion (or welsh for that matter!) is approved for Weser ems that means in the Con (or welsh) book?
i am so confused lol!
In Germany there are many breeds within WE. Like Down Yonder said, when they started coming to the US, it was for Reitponies or GRP part of the Weser-Ems. Since it is an open registry, you can use certain approved pony breeds like Welsh (very commonly used in Germany) and even Connemara (more unusual to see in a GRP pedigree in Germany). So when stallions over here were approved, it was for Reitpony books. Now I guess they have expanded a bit.
That was my understanding as well–not just with our stallion–but both mares are MMB WE inspected/approved/performance tested–but this was back in 2007/2009.
This just came across my FB news feed this morning its regarding removing the height restrictions for BREED awards at the National Dressage Pony Cup:
"For recognized traditional “Pony” breeds, there are no height requirements or measurement restrictions for the National Dressage Pony Cup Breed Awards. A copy of valid registration papers must accompany the entries or be presented to the National Dressage Pony Cup management no later than Friday September 6, at 6:00 pm EST. Scores from dressage tests ridden on September 7 & 8 at the MSEDA Dressage at the Park or National Dressage Pony Cup that fulfill the requirements will count towards the Pony Cup Breed Awards. Ponies meeting the height requirements will automatically be eligible for all National Dressage Pony Cup awards including Breed Award and must be ridden in National Dressage Pony Cup classes.
American Connemara Pony Society, Bashkir Pony, Chincoteague Pony, Dales Pony, Dartmoor Pony, Dutch Pony, Exmoor Pony, Fell Pony, Society of North America Fjord Pony, German Riding Pony, Hackney Pony, Icelandic Pony, New Forest Pony, Newfoundland Pony, North American Sport Pony Registry, Pony of the Americas, Quarter Pony, Shetland Pony, Welsh Pony, Welsh Cob Pony…"
Thought some might find it of interest.
so i wonder, if either of mine go over (rebel or Luna) would they theoretically be eligible for this even if they are 15h +
if so how cool!
i wish the pony cup was somewhere other than Kentucky. So far away and too close in time to regionals
For recognized traditional “Pony” breeds, there are no height requirements or measurement restrictions for the National Dressage Pony Cup Breed Awards. A copy of valid registration papers must accompany the entries or be presented to the National Dressage Pony Cup management no later than Friday September 6, at 6:00 pm EST. Scores from dressage tests ridden on September 7 & 8 at the MSEDA Dressage at the Park or National Dressage Pony Cup that fulfill the requirements will count towards the Pony Cup Breed Awards.
HAPPY DANCE!!! now of course I’m too poor to go and even if I won the lottery I have work commitments that would prevent me from going as well but this is absolutely fantastic!
Hey Honeylips, perhaps someone could suggest rotating sites for the National Dressage Pony Cup Breed Awards?! I would be willing to bet goodpony and I could/would be willing to bring at least a trailer load full of eligible beasts if it were to come to the West Coast :winkgrin:
ROAD TRIP! 
I was honestly never sure how they acquired that name-I think it should rotate annually like the American Eventing Championships to make it more accessible around the country–we’ve made that trip to KY twice with a pony. First for the Pony Stallion Test (right across the border in OH) and then again in 2010 for the World Equestrian Games–it is a huge undertaking to get out there from the West Coast.
I got at least four GOOD TO GO–and a few more coming on!
Yeah I have two (though one actually makes pony height); but, I just sold one local who I could/would bring as well so we’re good for at least 3. Something tells me having just been to TN, that I will likely have another one ready by the time something like this could be accomplished :winkgrin: Now if there were also in hand classes to boot I could already guarantee 4 and a spare 
I"m under the impression the “national pony cup” is a private business/show - run out of Cincinnati. Not affiliated with USEF/USDF other than having their show sanctioned. I don’t know anyone who works there but it might be worth an email? I"m sure the New England area would fill up a show as well if it rotated there also.
Looks like you’re right
http://www.nationaldressageponycup.com/aboutus.html
and I’d be willing to bet you’re right about New England too. My daughter participated there last year in Lendon’s dressage program, riding a Dutch Riding Pony. There were quite a few participants on the shorter stock.
Kelly Gage who posts as Tempichanges may also be able to shed some light on the efforts to start the show. I seem to remember she had some involvement a while back.
Count me in as another who would have ponies if a similar show were to come out West I will have at least two mares and a stallion that could compete next year. I would love to see something like that out here - it’s just too much for me to make the long hauls.
This may be a little off topic but I have a very well bred 17.1h Old. mare. It was recommended to me that she be bred to a sport pony because my desire would be to get a 16.1-2h offspring. But I never thought about the fact that the offspring may have limited eligibility for registration. Are WB breeders breeding very tall horses like this to ponies? Seems like a big risk…but the person who recommended it is a top breeder.
