They should excell in all of the traditional Sport Horse disciplines, such as Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing and Competitive Driving. They should prove to be talented and suitable mounts for either children or adults.

The model for individuals in this division will be that of the Deutsches Reitpony, or German Riding Pony. These ponies are described as possessing, among other attributes, an elegant head and neck, well defined withers, substantial frame, good feet and legs, and a willing disposition. In Germany this type is commonly achieved through the crossbreeding of several English pony breeds such as the Connemara and Welsh Pony, with Thoroughbred, Arabian, and occasionally warmblood stock. In North America the Quarter Pony, Morgan, POA, and others are also very influential. It is the intension of the AWR to offer a USDF All-breed award in this division, as well as sponsor special classes for these ponies at In-Hand shows around the country. The first of these sponsored shows will be the Pacific Eventing Center's Sporthorse Extravaganza show in Wilton, CA 6/26-27/99.

Stallions: Stallions without a documented Show Record who are applying for a Breeding License must be Performance Tested in basic dressage, jumping and/or driving. Free jumping is always required.

Mares: Mares without a documented Show Record must be Performance Tested in the disciplines listed above unless they have a proven record as broodmares.

All Ponies: All ponies have to be inspected in hand on the triangle (for conformation, etc.) and free jumped in a jumping chute. Only ponies with a score of 7 or higher will receive a brand. Foals will receive a brand if qualified with a score of 7 or higher. Only American Sport Ponies who are branded qualify as breeding stock. All American Sport Ponies will receive registration papers and will be eligible for special awards at AWR sponsered shows.

Height: 138 - 148 cm (13.2 - 14.2) American Sport Ponies being inspected as breeding stock may fall outside this ideal range.

Colors: All

Conformation:

Head: Small and regal with defined jaws (no puffiness), a clean throatlatch, kind eyes, nostrils that are large and wide and small ears.

Neck: Long, wide and well set on, narrowing towards the poll.

Body: Refinement obvious more so than in any other pony breed with emphasis toward an athletic riding type. Exhibits a longer neck, higher and more pronounced withers, a longer croup that is slightly sloping with a tail set at medium height and slender through the girth.

Limbs: Dry limbs with flat knees, correct alignment, dense and medium sized hooves.

Movement: Regular and correct cadence with a large stride. Even, energetic and elastic rhythm. No exaggerated knee action. Exhibits significant impulsion from the hindquarters.

Special Hallmarks: An easy keeper, good natured ready and willing to go, courageous and intelligent.

This Fall the AWR Inspection Jury has had the pleasure of inspecting several ponies newly registered in the new AWR Sport Pony Division. There have been ponies presented at nearly every site across the USA, and their quality has been superb. In Fact, at two sites a Sport Pony has walked away with the Overall Sire Championship! Several pony stallions have obtained their three year Provisional Breeding Licenses, and their scores and contact information will be included with the complete inspection results published in The AWR Stallion Directory thes Winter.

The AWR has found our Sport Pony members to be an enthusistic and highly motivated group of owners and breeders. We want them to know that we consider them and their lovely ponies a valuable addtion to our studbook.

Quality Seen, Now Proven

Two of the first ponies ever to be graded into the new AWR Sport Pony Division are turning out to be shining ambassadors for our new studbook. Mystic Night and her full sister Bailwick Night Magic won both the Site Championship and the Reserve at the AWR inspection in Newton, WI in August of this year. Since then these mares have won a huge cache of championships and awards, both singurlarly and as a driving pair. Our thanks to Vicki & Jim Bodoh for helping us prove and proclaim the value of these wonderful ponies!

International Sporthorse Auction, February 14th, 2000

Mida Farms Inc. is proud to announce its second International Sprothorse Auction to be held on February 14th, 2000 in Wellington Florida.

Our goal is to promote and support American breeding programs. We aim to help breeders sell their top quality young-stock by providing a fabuous sales environment and to help buyes select the "Stars of the Future', by bringing the best horses in the World to a beautiful facility, where each year they are able to see up to 50 horses tried and tested.

All at one fabulous location.

We are limiting the number of entries so we recomment that you return your application farm as soon as possible. We will accept 1999 foals and horses born in 1996, 1995, 1994, and 1993 with trainning or show results applicable to their age groups. Further information can be obtained by calling Marina Wilson-Billane at 561-790-5867 or sending an e-mail to Midafarms@aol.com

Parties interested in more information or registration materials should contact the AWR headquarters in Davis, CA at (530)757-1377 or e-mail:awr@davis.com.