Pony Project Competition
What is Pony Project Competition?
We’re excited to announce a brand-new Youth Pony Project Competition! This event is designed for talented youth who want to showcase their horsemanship skills while giving a pony a great start. Participants will select a project pony to work with over the next few months, focusing on the fundamentals—walk, trot, lope, back up, side pass, circles, and basic obstacles. To track progress, competitors will submit an initial video to Teton Horse Experience, followed by monthly updates. The journey will culminate at the Teton Horse Experience, March 13–15, where finalists will present a freestyle pattern to demonstrate all they’ve accomplished. This is your chance to shine, grow, and celebrate the partnership between horse and rider!
Pony Requirements
- Ponies accepted are 14.2 hand and under.
- Ponies need to be between 2 and 5 years old.
- Minis, Mini Donkeys and Wild Burros are accepted. All rules apply to the same and you are competing in same category.
- Pony must be sound
- Pony cannot be professionally trained or a finished pony.
- UTD on vaccinations and worming by March 13th 2026.
Rider Requirements
We are accepting applications for youth 17 and under. (You can be 18 if you are in your senior year of high school) Ages are split up between ages 7-9, ages 10-13, and ages 14-17.
- The rider must proportionally fit the pony and not be too heavy/big for the pony they choose. If this is not followed, disqualification from the competition and entry fee will not be refunded.
- The rider must be comfortable riding and working with the project pony.
- Youth rider needs to pick a pony that suits the level of rider ( meaning not too easy for the handy youth and not too wild for the gaining experience youth)
- There is a green broke pony division for the ages 10-17
- The rider may not have professionals, parents, or anyone else train the pony for them.
- They may have professionals and parents help/assist them but the rider needs to be doing the work!
- A headshot picture of the rider and a picture of the rider working with the pony is required after the application has been accepted.
- An initial video showing the level your pony is currently at is required, and monthly progress videos are required.
- Competition will be judged on your freestyle pattern at the Teton Horse Experience Event. with points for how much your horse has improved since the first video.
- To see all the rules, requirements, and application, go here for more information
- Limited space is available; your spot is not secure until you have been accepted and your entry fee has been paid!
- Applications close when the spaces are filled or November 15th 2025. Whichever comes first!
Winners and Prizes
- Each Division will place a Champion and Reserved Champion.
- Buckles- Prize Money and Prizes will be awarded
We are looking a few more sponsors for this part of the event. If you have prizes, would like to sponsor cash for added money to prize money or become a saddle sponsor, we would love to talk more with you!
We are accepting more sponsors for the Pony Project Division
Saddle Sponsors
Added Money To The Prize Money
Added Money To The Prize Money
Become a Saddle Sponsor!
We are seeking 5 saddle sponsors to help provide youth saddles this year. Your gift supports confidence, growth, and the next generation of riders.
Added Money To The Prize Money
Added Money To The Prize Money
Added Money To The Prize Money
Want to keep our youth inspired this winter?
You can add to the cash prize fund! Your support keeps motivation high and rewards the hard work of every young rider as they train their ponies thru the cold months ahead of us!
Belt Buckle Sponsor- $120
Belt Buckle Sponsor- $120
Belt Buckle Sponsor- $120
Every kid wants to win the buckle! We’re looking for 5 sponsors to help make that moment possible. Sponsor a buckle and be part of a memory they’ll never forget.
Be A Prize Sponsor
Belt Buckle Sponsor- $120
Belt Buckle Sponsor- $120
We’re looking for sponsors who would like to donate prizes or funds to help us purchase prizes for our youth competitors. Every contestant will receive a prize for participating, and your support helps us celebrate their hard work, dedication, and growth.