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Walk through the hunter ring at Pony Finals, and you’ll see a picture-perfect lineup: ponies bred for movement, style, and classic good looks. But step into the pony jumper ring, and the picture changes a bit. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
In 2025, the pony jumper division welcomed over 140 ponies, a record-breaking number that reflected not only growth but also diversity. For many families, the jumpers have become a place where different backgrounds, breeds, and riding styles finally have room to shine.
A Ring Without a Mold
“The exciting thing about pony jumpers is that you can use all sorts of different types of ponies,” said international show jumper Sonja Ochadlik, who followed this year’s finals closely. Unlike hunters, which demand a specific way of going, jumpers are judged by performance on course. That flexibility opens the door for ponies who might not look or move the part in other divisions.
Ochadlik even noted one competitor listed as a Missouri Foxtrotter—a breed more often associated with trail riding than show jumping. Other ponies didn’t fit the stereotypical mold of “beautiful,” but they still got the job done safely and competitively.
This inclusivity isn’t just about appearances. It’s about access. Pony jumpers offer a space where families with less traditional or less expensive ponies can compete at a national level. That’s a stark contrast to the hunters, which have grown increasingly elite over the years.
Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, saw the results firsthand: “I really felt there was a lot more good riding and opportunity for a lot of different ponies. It made this a more democratic process than the pony hunters have evolved to become.”
For many kids, the jumper division created a new entry point into Pony Finals itself. Vendors even reported a wave of brand-new families in attendance, not just longtime Finals regulars.
Welcoming More Riders to the Sport
The ripple effect of that openness could be huge. By giving a place for ponies and riders who might not fit the hunter mold to compete at Pony Finals, the jumper division brings in fresh energy and new participants. While some hunter ponies did cross over, Klemm emphasized that the majority of entries were brand-new kids, ponies, and families discovering Pony Finals for the first time.
Pony jumpers may never look as uniform as the hunter divisions, and that’s the point. Their strength lies in inclusivity, variety, and opportunity. Whether it’s a fancy imported pony or a Missouri Foxtrotter, if it can safely and successfully navigate the course, it belongs.
That philosophy doesn’t just make the jumper ring more exciting. It makes the entire sport stronger and more accessible to our next generation of riders.
Want more insight from Sonja Ochadlik? Listen to her conversation with Piper Klemm on The Plaidchat and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for conversations with the most influential voices in the equestrian world.
