Sverigeponnyn

Winner of Sverigeponnyn 2020, Tilda Törnberg and Poetic Vanilla Ice.
Photo: Johan Lilja

The cup is open to pony riders with a pony of up to 140 cm to the withers. The riders ride a jumping course over small fences and are judged on how well they handle their pony over and between the obstacles. This type of competition is called jumping equitation and at Scandinavium it will take place before a panel of judges, and commentary will be provided by a commentator. Pony riders from all over the country can qualify, and a number of qualifying rounds will be held during the autumn and winter. A few lucky riders will reach the final, which is a dream for many a rider, as well as a memory for life.

The cup is open to riders that previously or currently have not qualified for the Swedish Pony Championships, and/or have not participated in the finals of the GP Pony Cup or Sweden’s Pony Cup. Riders can only ride ponies of up to 140 cm and they can only ride in one qualifier.

The number of riders qualifying from each round will depend on the number of riders participanting. However, there will be a limit of 80 participants in each qualifier.

If 2-20 riders participate, one rider will qualify

If 21-40 riders participate, two riders will qualify

If 41-60 riders participate, three riders will qualify

If 61-80 riders participate, four riders will qualify

What is jumping equitation?

A judge uses a protocol to assess the rider’s seat, rhythm, impact and tempo over the course, as well as the rider’s choice of path to the fences. The rider should have good balance in the saddle. The judge looks at the rider’s seat both over the fences and between them. It is important to remain steady over the fences, adopt and maintain a good position on your pony and have good balance.

The rider’s aids and their impact on the pony will also be taken into consideration by the judges, and maintaining a good position in the saddle is a key factor. The perfect equitation round is characterized by rhythm, fluency and precision. The judges want to see a rider who has planned their path, and has good rhythm and control. Rider’s aids are intended to help the pony execute better jumps and the pony should respond willingly to these aids (legs, seat, arms, hands as well as voice commands). The rhythm should be adjusted to suit the way the pony works and jumps, and preferably it should be an even rhythm.

Jumping equitation is popularly referred to as style jumping, but it is not a beauty pageant. As long as the riders are well presented this should be sufficient to create a good impression. The pony’s mane should be braided and it should be natural and well-kept. If your pony has a very long mane, it is probably a good idea to do a running braid in order to secure the mane.