Buy Show Jumping Pony

Show Jumping Pony for sale: Buying and selling Show Jumping Pony

There’s something uniquely addictive about a good show jumping pony – that mix of clever brain, quick footwork, and just enough attitude to pull you to a fence you weren’t entirely sure about. When you see a pony lock onto a jump and take a junior rider safely around a course, you understand why the market for a reliable show jumping pony is always active and often competitive.

When we talk about a “show jumping pony,” we’re usually referring to ponies under 148cm (with or without shoes, depending on your rulebook) who are purpose-produced or trained for jumping courses, not just popping over the odd cross pole. You’ll hear terms like “128,” “138,” or “148” pony in the UK and Europe, and “medium/large pony hunter-jumper” or “children’s jumper pony” in North America. These ponies are expected to be quick, careful, and honest to a fence, with enough scope to jump comfortably at their designated height, whether that’s 80cm schooling rounds or 1.20m pony Grand Prix tracks.

In the wider equestrian world, show jumping ponies fill a crucial role: they teach kids to ride a track, see a stride, make turns, and think under pressure. They’re also popular with small adults who like something athletic and fun. Because of this, buyers and sellers are often parents, trainers, and young riders themselves, all trying to balance safety, performance, and budget. Understanding how these ponies are valued, and what really matters beyond the glossy photos, makes the difference between a good deal and a very expensive learning experience.

Buying Show Jumping Pony - what you need to know

When you’re buying a show jumping pony, your first question should be, “What level rider will realistically be on this pony in the next 12–24 months?” A pony that’s winning 1.10m classes might look tempting, but if your child is still figuring out diagonals and steering, that scope is wasted and can even be unsafe. For newer or more nervous riders, you’re often better off with a slightly older, experienced pony jumping 70–90cm confidently than a sharp, ultra-careful rocket that needs a professional ride.

When you go to view and try a pony, ask to see it caught, groomed, tacked up, and warmed up. You want to know if this is a pony your rider can handle in the real world, not just in a perfectly produced video. Watch it jump a simple course: lines, a related distance, an oxer, a spooky filler. Sit and observe how it reacts to a mistake – does it stop, run out, or help the rider out? For a child’s show jumping pony, how it handles an imperfect ride is often more important than how spectacular its jump looks when everything goes right. Ask the seller for full competition records, training history, and any previous injuries, particularly tendon, suspensory, or hock issues.

In terms of prices, the range is wide. In most established show jumping markets, you can find green but athletic prospect ponies from around $3,000–$7,000 (or £2,500–£6,000 / €3,000–€7,000). Proven ponies competing and placing around 90cm–1m with a nice record will usually sit somewhere in the $8,000–$20,000 range. Top-level, consistent winners at 1.10m–1.20m, especially with a clean vet history and good temperament, can easily reach $25,000–$60,000+ depending on the country and the pony’s record. Age, results, soundness, temperament, and rideability all influence the price, as does how “push-button” the pony is for a child.

Always budget for a proper pre-purchase exam. For a competition pony, I’d recommend at least a 5-stage vetting, including flexions and, where budget allows, x‑rays of key joints (hocks, stifles, front feet/fetlocks). Ask specifically about any history of lameness, medication at shows, or time off work. Red flags include vague “off for a while last year” explanations with no vet notes, ponies that must be ridden every day to stay sane, or ones that “occasionally peek” at fillers but are marketed for novice riders. Take your time, bring your trainer if possible, and remember that the right temperament is worth more to a young rider than an extra 10cm of scope.

Everything about selling Show Jumping Pony

On the selling side, most show jumping ponies on the market come from three main sources: breeders moving on youngstock after backing and basic training, private owners whose rider has outgrown the pony or moved up to horses, and professional dealers who produce ponies to sell on. Whichever category you fall into, your job is to present a clear, honest picture of what the pony is and isn’t – that’s what gets you serious, suitable buyers rather than endless time-wasters.

Before advertising, get your pony as prepared as you reasonably can. That doesn’t mean rushing a green pony into big classes, but it does mean having consistent flatwork, being able to jump a small course calmly, and being comfortable off-property if you’re marketing it as a competition pony. Have teeth, vaccinations, worming, and farriery up to date, and gather documentation: passport, registration papers, show records, vet history where appropriate, and any recent x‑rays. Buyers looking for a show jumping pony for sale will expect recent videos of a full course, not just a single carefully selected fence.

Pricing is where many sellers struggle. A lightly backed or green jumping pony with potential but no record might sensibly be priced in the $4,000–$8,000 range, depending on its movement, jump, and temperament. A straightforward schoolmaster type, happily taking kids around 80–90cm at local shows, will often sit between $10,000 and $20,000. A proven, competitive pony with a strong record in recognized classes, clean vetting, and a reputation for looking after its rider can justify $25,000+ in many markets. Factors that push value up include consistent results, rideability for weaker riders, no history of significant lameness, and good manners at home and at shows. Sharpness, quirks, or gaps in the competition record will usually pull the price down.

For selling, timing and platform matter. Many ponies sell quickly in late spring and early summer, when families are planning the season, and again before major pony finals or championship circuits. Online platforms, social media groups dedicated to buying and selling show jumping ponies, and word of mouth through trainers are often more effective than general classifieds. Good photos and honest videos are crucial: show the pony in normal tack, at its typical competition height, and include a full course with turns, fillers, and a related distance. Be clear in your ad about ideal rider level, current competition height, any maintenance, and whether the price is negotiable. The more transparent you are, the more likely you are to find a buyer who appreciates what your pony offers and will give it a suitable, long-term home.