Lexington, Ky. — The 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling are set to take place August 4-9, 2026, at the Kentucky Horse Park in the horse capital of the world, Lexington, Ky., bringing together the country's top pony hunters, pony jumpers, and equitation athletes for one of the most anticipated weeks on the U.S. show calendar. With over 1,000 entries across all phases, including 249 combinations slated to compete in the expanded USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships, supported by the Youth Show Jumping Foundation, the excitement is building for what will be a memorable week in the bluegrass. 

The Regular Hunter Pony and Green Hunter Pony championships are contested across three phases: Model, Under Saddle, and Over Fences. Each phase evaluates conformation, way of moving, and jumping ability. Both divisions are split into Small (up to 12.2 hands), Medium (over 12.2 to 13.2 hands), and Large (over 13.2 to 14.2 hands) sections. 

The Marshall+Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Final tests young athletes' equitation over a technical and demanding course, while the USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships, supported by the Youth Show Jumping Foundation, serve as a steppingstone for youth athletes aspiring to compete at the upper levels of show jumping. 

The 2026 USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships, will run from August 4-8 in conjunction with Pony Finals, crowning both team and individual titles across multiple days of competition. The following qualifying categories include: 

• Small Pony: Ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands; athletes 12 and under (USEF age); fences .60m-.65m, not to exceed .70m 

• Medium Pony: Ponies not exceeding 13.2 hands; athletes 14 and under; fences .70m-.75m, not to exceed .80m 

• Large Pony: Ponies not exceeding 14.2 hands; athletes 16 and under; fences .80m-.85m, not to exceed .90m 

• 1.05m: Ponies not exceeding 14.2 hands; junior athletes as determined under GR103; fences not to exceed 1.15m 

With entries up year-over-year, the USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper Championships continues to grow as a proving ground for the next generation of jumping talent in the U.S. and is the newest expanded opportunity within the U.S. Jumping Pathway Programs.  

View the full competition schedule here. 

 

Emerson Burr National Test presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital 

Emerson Burr Test takers do not have to compete in Pony Finals to be eligible to take the test but must have an active USEF account to participate. Each Emerson Burr winner during Pony Finals will receive a $500 grant to be used towards education expenses, but only Pony Finals participants will be eligible for the grant. Participants are divided into four age groups: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17. Each participant will take the written test with the four highest scoring individuals in each age group moving on to the hands-on phase. This phase asks each finalist to demonstrate various skills and knowledge ranging from basic to advanced levels. Following the completion of the hands-on test, a winner from each age group will be selected based on his/her horsemanship skills and knowledge. 

The written test portion will be available from Tuesday-Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. ET at the USEF concierge area under the Rolex Tower. The hands-on horsemanship test will take place on Friday, August 7, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET. The winners from each age group will be awarded on Saturday, August 8.   

More information about the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant can be found here, and those interested can access the study outline here. 

How to Watch the 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling 

The 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling are streaming live and on demand on USEF Network. US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can access the live stream, and subscribers and members will be able to watch replays on demand. 

Story Submissions Needed  

US Equestrian is seeking stories to feature! Do you know a pony who has competed at Pony Finals in the past or will compete this year with a unique story? Is there a person in the pony hunter/jumper community who deserves recognition? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected]. 

Stay Connected 

Keep up with all the latest news, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage on the USEF Pony Finals event page. Follow USEF Pony Finals on Facebook and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.