A rider who is eligible may ride one pony for each height section, one pony in the medal and one pony in the jumpers (a maximum of eight). One Small Green, one Medium Green, one Large Green, one Small Regular, one Medium Regular, one Large Regular, one Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal mount, and one in the Pony Jumper Championship. Riders must be eligible for the respective age categories. 

• Small Regular Hunter Pony
• Medium Regular Hunter Pony
• Large Regular Hunter Pony
• Small Green Hunter Pony
• Medium Green Hunter Pony
• Large Green Hunter Pony
• Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal
• Pony Jumper

• Small Green Hunter Pony Champion
• Medium Green Hunter Pony Champion
• Large Green Hunter Pony Champion
• Grand Green Hunter Pony Champion
• Small Hunter Pony Champion
• Medium Hunter Pony Champion
• Large Hunter Pony Champion
• Grand Hunter Pony Champion
• Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Champion
• Pony Jumper Individual Champion
• Pony Jumper Team Champion

There are three classes in each hunter pony section.

• The model phase is held first and judged in hand. The ponies are judged on conformation, way of moving and soundness.
• In the under saddle phase, ponies are shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring and may be asked for an extended trot. Ponies are to stop easily and stand quietly. 
• In the over fences phase, ponies are shown over a minimum of eight fences at the required height for the pony’s section ( 2'3"- small, 2'6"- medium, 2'9"-3' large). 

There are typically at least 600 ponies that enter the USEF Pony Finals every year.

• Win a Championship or Reserve Championship in a Premier (“AA”) or National (“A”) Rated Regular Pony section between July 2 of the previous competition year and July 1 of the current competition year (ex. July 2, 2024 – July 1, 2025).
• Do you have questions about how show championships are awarded? HU155 outlines that Champion and Reserve Champion titles are awarded to the top two of the four horses that acquired the most points performing over a regulation course. In addition to these points, only these four horses receive half points for ribbons won in model classes and full points for ribbons won in one Under Saddle class. Please note that model classes may not be offered at all competitions.
• At the time of the win, the pony must have a USEF Annual or Life Horse Recording, a USHJA Horse Registration, and a valid measurement card. The owner of the pony must have an active competing membership with USEF and USHJA. The owner of the pony must be consistent between USEF and USHJA records.

• Win one Championship or two Reserve Championships in a Premier (“AA”) or National (“A”) Rated Green Pony section between December 1 and July 1 of the current competition year OR…
• If a pony that is eligible for the Green Hunter Pony section qualifies by winning a championship or two reserve championships in the Regular Hunter Pony section as outlined above, the owner can choose to compete the pony in the Green Hunter Pony section at Pony Finals. The pony cannot compete in both the Green and Regular Hunter Pony sections at Pony Finals.
• Do you have questions about how show championships are awarded? HU155 outlines that Champion and Reserve Champion titles are awarded to the top two of the four horses that acquired the most points performing over a regulation course. In addition to these points, only these four horses receive half points for ribbons won in model classes and full points for ribbons won in one Under Saddle class. Please note that model classes may not be offered at all competitions.
• At the time of the win, the pony must have a USEF Annual or Life Horse Recording, a USHJA Horse Registration, and a valid measurement card. The owner of the pony must have an active competing membership with USEF and USHJA. Ownership of the pony must match between USEF and USHJA. The pony must be eligible for the Green Hunter Pony section in accordance with the rules.

A rider must earn 30 points competing in Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal classes to qualify for the Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Final. The qualifying period is July 2 of the previous competition year through July 1 of the current competition year (July 2, 2024-July 1, 2025).

If a pony that is eligible for the Green Hunter Pony section qualifies by winning a championship or two reserve championships in the Regular Hunter Pony section as outlined above, the owner can choose to compete the pony in the Green Hunter Pony section at Pony Finals and can complete an entry blank for this section. The pony cannot compete in both the Green and Regular Hunter Pony sections at Pony Finals.

No, any rider who is eligible can compete on the pony. It does not have to be the rider who qualified the pony.

No, you may qualify using multiple ponies throughout the year (but only one per show) and show in the Marshall + Sterling/USEF Pony Medal using a completely different pony.

1. If you believe your pony is qualified but it is not showing on the qualified list – please pull the pony’s competition record. Review all of the competitions listed on the pony’s record during the qualifying period. Check the records for the competition you believe the pony the qualified at. If there are any points marked “BAD”, review the reason listed, and email [email protected] to resolve the issue. Any bad point issue regarding USHJA ownership records should be directed to USHJA, [email protected]. 
2. If you do not see the competition listed on the pony’s record, and the competition occurred less than 30 days prior, it is very likely that the results have not been received and/or processed. Please wait for the results to appear on the pony’s record, as we will not be able to confirm qualification without official results. The qualified list requires 24 hours to update.

The invitations will begin to be emailed out in May and will continue until the end of the qualifying period. Please allow a minimum of three (3) weeks after qualifying for the results to be processed before receiving your qualified email notification. Information and forms will also become available on the USEF Pony Finals website in May.

Please reach out to competition management using the contact information listed below to reserve a VIP table.

Email: [email protected] 

Website: kentuckyhorseshows.com

All entries are received and processed by competition management. Please contact Kentucky Horse Shows using the contact information listed below to verify your entries and payments. This information is located in the prize list as well.

Phone: 859-300-9899

Website: kentuckyhorseshows.com

The prize list will have all arrival information included for the current year including when each section needs to be stabled on the competition grounds. The USEF Pony Finals Rules within the prize list will include all information regarding the arrival of ponies to the competition grounds. For additional stabling questions, please call the Stable Office at 503-510-8797. 

All entries are received and processed by competition management. Please contact Kentucky Horse Shows using the information listed below to verify your entries and payments. This information is located in the prize list as well.

Phone: 859-300-9899

Website: kentuckyhorseshows.com

You can access information about USHJA clinics being offered here. Please contact USHJA using the information below should you have any additional questions regarding clinics during Pony Finals.

Phone: 859-225-6700

Email: [email protected]

To nominate someone for the Buttons N' Bows Sportsmanship Award, write a letter explaining why you believe the rider has shown exemplary sportsmanship. Please give specific examples explaining why you believe this person deserves the award. The letter can be sent using either of the following methods but must be received by the printed deadline in the prize list.

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: United States Equestrian Federation, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511

Write a letter explaining why you believe this parent goes above and beyond to support their young rider or barn mates. Give specific examples. The parent must have a rider participating in Pony Finals. The letter can be sent using either of the following methods but must be received by the printed deadline in the prize list.

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: United States Equestrian Federation, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511

Write a letter explaining why you believe the individual or group of individuals has provided distinguished service to the Pony Hunter/Jumper community. Give specific examples. The individual must be present at the competition to accept the award. The letter can be sent using either of the following methods but must be received by the printed deadline in the prize list.

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: United States Equestrian Federation, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511

This information will be posted on the Pony Finals Webpage by June. 

Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC. utilizes Show Management System for online entries. For additional information, please contact the Kentucky Horse Shows office. 

Phone: 859-300-9899

No, all green ponies will compete in one green section per height of the pony.