CSHA LAUNCHES BREED REGISTRY FOR CANADIAN SPORT PONIES

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Canadian Sport Horse Association has launched an exciting new initiative for pony breeders: the Canadian Sport Pony registry.

It will have similar origins to the Canadian Sport Horse Association, through encouragement, development and regulation of sport ponies in Canada from an evolving to distinct breed.

“There has been overwhelming support for a truly Canadian sport pony registry in Canada. The CSHA recognizes that there are many high quality Canadian-bred ponies that currently have limited opportunities for registration,” says CSHA national board member Joanna Fast, who helped to develop the Canadian Sport Pony criteria. “As a result, the CSHA has developed a new sport pony studbook within the structure of the CSHA. The new sport pony studbook will offer a registry that will have similar standards and procedures as the horse studbook of the Association.

“We are excited to promote the development and improvement of Canadian-bred ponies. The registry will focus on the advancement of ponies that can excel in various areas of sport.”

Given the diversity of ponies that compete in the various disciplines, the Canadian Sport Pony will welcome a wide range of ponies into the registry.

The breeding aim of the Canadian Sport Pony registry is to produce a pony of sport body type between 11 and 15 HH with a good disposition, capable of competing successfully at all levels of competition in hunter, jumper, dressage, eventing and combined/pleasure driving.

The Canadian Sport Pony studbook will mirror the structure of the CSHA but will have separate books. Ponies can be registered in one of five books: the Pre-Stud Book, Mare Book, Mare Book II, Stallion Book and Main Stud Book.

Canadian Sport Pony stallion and mare inspections will be similar to the procedures of Canadian Sport Horse inspections, with stallions scored on conformation, movement, free jumping as well as temperament. Mares will be judged on conformation and movement, as well as temperament. Mares will not be required to free jump.

Performance Premiums will be similar to CSHA, with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Stallions can also achieve performance premiums through their offspring’s achievements.

Sport pony owners who have their ponies inspected and registered during this inaugural year will be offered generous discounts on registration and inspection fees.

Canadian Sport Pony classes will be held in conjunction with CSHA shows, including classes at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and year-end awards will be given.

“The CSHA is delighted to offer this new registry for Canadian pony breeders. We will work hard on providing opportunities for the advancement, promotion and improvement of sport ponies across Canada and recognizing the achievements of Canadian-bred ponies,” says Ms. Fast.

By: Tracy Hanes

For more information on the Canadian Sport Pony registry, contact the CSHA:

Phone: 613-686-6161
Email: csha@canadian-sport-horse.org