Isabelle Leibler and her German Sport Pony, Going West, won the FEI Pony Individual class at the ESP Wellington Dressage Show recently, and the pair also rode away with special recognition from the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC). Leibler, who trains with Lars Petersen, won the class with a score of 63.474%.

Leibler, who just started in the FEI division, purchased her pony five years ago in Europe. Her mother, Rene Leibler, said she believes ponies are ideal for children in dressage. “On ponies they are able to feel the impulsion and learn the movements on an appropriate sized mount,” she said.

While her mom was proud of her daughter’s win on the 11-year-old pony, so was Leibler’s dad. “I was thrilled to watch her ride at this exciting venue,” said Guy Leibler, who was on hand to watch his daughter win.

Leibler’s class at the ESP Wellington Dressage show was recoginized by the ASPC as the breed registry continually supports ponies that compete. The ASPC registers Classic Shetland Ponies, Modern Shetland Ponies and American Show Ponies.

The newest small equine recognized by the ASPC is the National Show Pony. National Show Ponies are required to have one purebred Shetland or AMHR Miniature Horse parent and can measure up to a full 14.2 hands at the withers.

These larger National Show Ponies enable children to enjoy riding a pony with Shetland attributes longer. For more information on Shetland Ponies, visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com.