Welcome to the 2012 National Polo Pony Show
The purpose of the National Polo Pony Show is to bring together the best America has to offer in polo ponies, breeders, trainers, owners and players in an annual competition that recognizes the passion of our sport, the polo pony. The “Stallion Alley”, is a barn dedicated to APHA Registered Polo Stallions where spectators can view stallions and their pedigree info during the show. National Polo Pony Show sponsorship opportunities are for individuals and or corporations who would like to assist the American Polo Horse Association in its mission of recognizing the polo pony in America.
General Show info:
Date: Tuesday March 27, 2012
Time: 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
Admission: donation at the gate
Show updates: facebook “National Polo Pony Show” & www.americanpolohorse.com
Show Entry Forms: deadline for entry March 15, 2012 :printable @ www.americanpolohorse.com
National Polo Pony Show Manager: Phil Heatley
Show Announcer: Ron Allen 2012
SHOW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5pm: Stallion Alley- opens for viewing and complimentary beverages at 5pm *Barn will be open for viewing stallions 5-8pm during the show
7pm: Opening Ceremony in the Main Arena
Immediately following opening Ceremony:
Polo Pony Class order:
Halter Classes:
1. Halter 2-4 yrs old (mares & geldings)
2. Halter 5 yrs & older (mares & geldings)
3. Halter Stallions (2yrs & older)
Mounted Performance Classes:
4. Polo Futurity 3-5 yrs old (mares, geldings, stallions)
5. Groom’s Competition
5. Polo Performance Open 4 yrs & older (mares, geldings, stallions)
Immediately following last class:
2011 APHA Breeder, Owner and Registered Horse of the year Presentation
American Quarter Horse Best In Show award presentation
Grand and Reserve Grand Champion award presentation
2012 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Open to horses being used for polo: all breeds- mares, geldings, stallions.
Halter Classes # 1 and #2: 2 – 4 Year Olds/ 5 Years and Older
The purpose of the Polo Pony Halter Classes is to preserve the ideal polo pony type for selection in breeding and training. These Halter Classes are judged on conformation for use as a polo horse and/or use as suitable breeding stock to preserve a desirable polo pony type, which includes but is not limited to: structurally correct legs and feet, soundness at a walk and trot, and balance in body structure. The horses will also be judged on their physical appearance and overall condition.
Halter Class Stallions: Class #3
The purpose of this class is to preserve the ideal polo pony Stallion type for selection in breeding and training. This Halter Class is reserved for Stallions being used for polo, either as breeding stock, in training or playing. Stallions will be judged on conformation which includes but is not limited to: structurally correct legs and feet, athletic balance in body structure and soundness at a walk and trot. The Stallions will also be judged on their temperament, physical appearance and overall condition. Polo
Futurity 3 – 5 Years Old: Class #4
The purpose of the Polo Futurity Class is to showcase the ability and trained skills a “green” polo pony has. The Polo Futurity Class is reserved for mares, geldings and stallions that were born between 2007 and 2009, and that are being used for polo, either in training or playing. This class is a mounted performance class that will include a pattern of specific maneuvers that are required to perform and a freestyle option at the rider’s discretion. The horse and rider will also be judged on their physical appearance and overall condition as well as the horse’s willingness to perform the required maneuvers and freestyle work.
Groom’s Competition: Class #5
Each groom team will be required to follow a designated course that includes a showcase of the skills required of a top groom in a game situation. Groom teams will be competing in heats and competing against another groom team. The fastest clocked time will determine the winner. Each groom team will be required to wear the same color shirt, t-shirt, sweater or jacket and must enter under a Polo team name, Player name, Sponsor name or chosen name.
Polo Performance Open 4 Years Old and Older: Class #6
The purpose of the Polo Performance Open Class is to showcase the ability and trained skills a “made” polo pony has. The Polo Performance Open Class is reserved for mares, geldings and stallions that were born in 2008 and/or before and that are being used for polo. This is a mounted performance class that will include a pattern of specific maneuvers that are required to perform (includes some at speed) and a freestyle option at the rider’s discretion. The horse and rider will also be judged on the physical appearance and overall condition as well as the horse’s willingness to perform the required maneuvers and freestyle work.
Frequently Asked Questions
-Does my horse have to be APHA Registered to enter show classes? No
-Do I have to be an APHA member to enter show classes? No
-Do I have to own a horse to show in a class? No, you can use a borrowed horse
-Can I enter the show after the March 15, entry deadline? Yes, but there is a late entry fee
-What do the participants win in the show? Prizes given 1st- 5th place in all classes
-How do I enter in the Grand Champion competition? This award is reserved for APHA registered horses only. APHA registered horses become eligible for the award when entered in more than one class.
– For the Groom’s Competition, does the entry fee cover the team or individual? Entry is per team
Basic show rules:
1. Participants/handlers must be 19 years or older to handle a stallion at the show.
2. No whips to be used in any class by any participant.
3. Show entries are due by March 15, 2012.
4. All horses entered must have a copy of current negative coggins with NPPS entry.
5. If necessary due to time constraints, APHA registered horses will be given priority in determining class entry cutoffs.
6. All riders at the show must wear a helmet, can be polo or equestrian, but must be used.
7. All stallions entered in Stallion Alley must be APHA Registered.
8. Eligibility in the Grand and Reserve Grand Champion award competition and Polo Pony Black Type records addition is reserved for APHA Registered only.
9. All past and present APHA invoices due must be paid in full before entry to NPPS is accepted.
10. Show management reserves the right to refuse entry to any participant if in the best interest of the show and promotion of the polo pony.