I have very limited knowledge of showing upper level or internationally, so forgive the stupid question.
Why can’t ponies show CDIs?
They can. Why do you think they can’t?
Seldom Seen was a pony.
http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2012/03/29/seldom-seen-connemara-crossbred-going-all-way
Perhaps you are confusing this with the fact that adults can’t ride in FEI PONY classes. They can’t. However, from what I gather from the rules, nothing prevents anyone from competing a pony in an FEI class that is not restricted to ponies.
FEI rules now prevent any equine 149cm (with shoes) 148cm (without shoes) or below from competing in CDIs with an adult in any class. Ponies do compete in CDIs/CDI-Ps in the pony FEI classes but they must be ridden by children 16yo or younger.
Adults CAN ride ponies in the FEI classes of PSG/I1/I2/GP classes at USEF shows just not in CDIs.
Seldom Seen competed before this rule was written and NorthForks Cardi measures OVER pony size and that’s why he is able to compete in CDIs.
I’ve never understood this rule. Especially in the Junior division. A junior cannot take a pony to NAJYRC, which is unfortunate. Why limit that pony and rider to second level (fei ponies).
I think it’s because the people who make the rules for FEI are stupid. 
I understand that sometimes in the past, ponies have magically grown enough to go over height when they transition to FEI with an adult, as in the case of Stroller, the 1960 show jumping silver medalist.
Because the powers that be know that ponies rock, would win everything, and look so darn cute doing it. Everyone else would just go home crying. 
[QUOTE=honeylips;8255423]
FEI rules now prevent any equine 149cm or below from competing in CDIs with an adult in any class. Ponies do compete in CDIs/CDI-Ps in the pony FEI classes but they must be ridden by children 16yo or younger.
Adults CAN ride ponies in the FEI classes of PSG/I1/I2/GP classes at USEF shows just not in CDIs.
Seldom Seen competed before this rule was written and NorthForks Cardi measures OVER pony size and that’s why he is able to compete in CDIs.[/QUOTE]
Thanks… Apparently I’m actually more up to date on some rules that don’t apply to me than I thought…
As far as the magically growing bigger than pony size, I don’t see why it even matters, as it’s not a pony class. Seems silly to limit those horses and riders…
Because nobody wants to get their ass handed to them by 14 hands of adorable.
Because the ponies would get so many cuteness points they would beat all the horses. It would be like getting beat by your kid brother.
[QUOTE=honeylips;8255423]
FEI rules now prevent any equine 149cm or below from competing in CDIs with an adult in any class. Ponies do compete in CDIs/CDI-Ps in the pony FEI classes but they must be ridden by children 16yo or younger.
Adults CAN ride ponies in the FEI classes of PSG/I1/I2/GP classes at USEF shows just not in CDIs.
Seldom Seen competed before this rule was written and NorthForks Cardi measures OVER pony size and that’s why he is able to compete in CDIs.[/QUOTE]
Thanks honeylips. Where can I read that rule? I spent a good deal of time reading the rules and missed that one completely!
Yup. “No Ponies In CDIs With Adults” is just as stoopid as “Every Judge Must Retire From International Judging At Age 70”.
[QUOTE=hoopoe;8256746]
http://www.fei.org/fei/disc/dressage
FEI rule book is here[/QUOTE]
Yes, I do realize where the FEI rules are located, and that is what I was reading. I was hoping someone could direct me to the specific article and/page where that rule is written.
CDI covered by article 422.1.4 FEI dressage rules
USEF competition covered by DR119 USEF dressage rules
Aside from the cuteness factor I really am curious as to why this is a rule? It almost seems like it would be unfair to petite adult riders who may be more physically suited to ponies?
FEI 422.14
1.4 Horses of any origin may take part in International Dressage Events provided they are a minimum of six (6) years of age. Junior tests: minimum six (6) years; Young Riders/Prix St. Georges/Intermediate I: minimum seven (7) years; tests above Intermediate I: minimum eight (8) years. Horses at all levels must have a height at the withers exceeding one meter
and forty eight centimetre (1.48 m) without shoes, with the exception of Children’s events (CDI-Ch) where Ponies are allowed.
Thank you honeylips.
Maybe someday, a million years from now, me and my 14hh pony will reach that level and will make a stink about it
[QUOTE=normandy_shores;8257653]
Maybe someday, a million years from now, me and my 14hh pony will reach that level and will make a stink about it ;)[/QUOTE]
I think you should. Sounds like a fantastic idea. What a completely stupid rule. I totally agree everyone’s just shivering in their boots. Ponies would be done with the one tempis in 1/4 of the diagonal and have to do way more passage steps, and maybe they wouldn’t know what to do with a pirouette of 10 steps? Pshaw.
