The standard of excellence of the Australian Stud Saddle Pony is described as being a clean well bred head with a full bright intelligent eye; head well set onto the neck sweeping up from a fine wither giving a good length of rein.
The neck should blend neatly into the shoulder, with a good strong setting. The shoulder should be ideally sloped at 45 degrees and set neatly onto the barrel; the barrel should be well sprung and deep.
The back should be strong, short and powerfully coupled to the quarters which should be powerful with the tail carried gaily.
Forearms and second thighs should be strong and well muscled; knees and hocks clean cut and fundamentally sound; pasterns sloped ideally at 45 degrees, the angle of the slope to continue through the hoof which should be hard and well shaped. Soundness in every respect is an essential.
The pony should always be a free mover of good temperament and a good "saddle" pony, followingthe original concept of a true saddle pony showing both the attributes of a pony and the qualities of the Arab.
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
HISTORY
The inaugural meeting of the Australian Stud Saddle Pony Society was held in Perth, Western Australia on 2nd February, 1970 as a result of the success of a new arabian and pony cross established by Mr Charlie Readhead of Muchea. Such was the success and versatility of the ponies bred from Mr Readhead's breeding programme, they became the basis of a new Australian Breed, the Australian Stud Saddle Pony. A mount that is suitable for both children and adults with true pony characteristics, soundness and temperament with the added qualities of the arabian.
"Quamby Park Baroness"
C Group ASSP Mare - 2000, 2001 & 2002 Victorian Supreme Champion
Ridden ASSP Exhibit
(Sean Walsh Photo)
Rob Russell Photo
"Dalakee High Society"
2000 W.A. Supreme Champion Led ASSP Exhibit (Hoofbeats Publications Photo)
THE ULTIMATE "SPORTS PONY"
The Australian Stud Saddle Pony is the ideal ultimate all-rounder pony, suitable for pony dressage, eventing, pony club and endurance riding. Many of our ponies are competing successfully in both the show ring and other disciplines.
They are a breed that is pretty enough for the show ring yet are confirmationally sound with good bone and with a superb temperament that makes them suitable for both children and adults to ride.
If you are looking for a pony breed that will take you and your family for an enjoyable ride in the show ring one day and then out to pony club the next, trail riding and eventing or even rounding up the stock on a day off, and then willing and able to strut their stuff again in the show ring - then the Australian Stud Saddle Pony is the Pony for you.
*** COMING SOON ***
More pictures of the
ASSPS as the
"Ultimate Sports Pony"
