fei dressage and ponies

[toppedoff]

genuine question, but why does the FEI dressage have a min height of 148cm for the equine competing? i'd love to see ponies at grand prix level. im assuming its for international but on the british dressage site it only shows fei gp? quite shame really. was wondering if there was a reason? could it be strides for certain dressage moves?

 

[Escapade]

I’m not entirely sure this answers your question but I’ll try.
FEI dressage ponies compete in CDIP, riders are eligible for this between 12 and 16 years old. A pony would need to be measured out to compete with an adult rider in senior classes. I imagine they may struggle a bit for marks compared to the bigger horses, but dressage judging is not in my wheelhouse!

 

[catkin]

We've had this discussion before, there's a few threads.

I think it is more than a bit bonkers having a height limit for dressage. Can understand for jumping and stride lengths but not for dressage - the movements are the same for everyone. By the time you've got your horse/ pony ready to compete you've got a good idea of their stride lengths and where to prepare for movements to be in the right place.

 

[Palindrome]

I think that's because ponies are traditionally thought to be for children.