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, 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)
- 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 rider and a picture of the rider working with the pony is required after 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. To see all the rules, requirements and application go here for more information
Winners and Prizes
- Each Division will place a Champion and Reserved Champion.
- Buckles- Prize Money and Prizes will be awarded