British Eventing is delighted to announce that Project Pony are continuing their generous support of the series of Pony Observation Trials throughout the 2025 season.
The Pony Observation Trials are thoughtfully designed to give young riders on ponies the best chance to develop and challenge their skills with confidence. For many, the Pony European Championships represent a key goal, and by creating trials specifically tailored to these riders, we can provide the support and preparation needed to help them reach their aspirations.
Darrell Scaife, Head of Youth at British Eventing said: “It’s fantastic to see Project Pony continue their invaluable support of these essential Pony trial classes within the British Eventing calendar. The purpose of these classes is to provide our young riders with a more technical and challenging course, helping to better prepare them for the larger championships later in the season. Project Pony’s backing ensures that these pony trial cross-country courses mirror the challenges our riders will encounter at championship events. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and are excited to follow the progress of these pony trials throughout the season.”
Connie Villani from Project Pony said of their support: “It was highlighted to us last year, that the organisers of the Pony Observation Trials would benefit from additional support to produce cross country courses with increased technicality to help the pony riders best prepare for what they will encounter when competing on the international stage. Following on from a successful first year, we are delighted to be supporting British Eventing and the Pony Observation Trials again in 2025. We feel that this support assists the entire pony membership, helping the riders practice the skills required to tackle the challenges that they will encounter cross country at major championships. “Giving Talent A Chance” is something we strongly believe in and hope this partnership will support the riders working hard to be the very best they can be and highlight their talent on the international scene. 2024 saw the British Pony Team win a team bronze medal, the first medal since 2019, and we look forward to watching the pony riders develop throughout the eventing season and build on last year’s success.”
The five Pony Observation Trials that Project Pony will be sponsoring are listed below:
- Larkhill PT Novice (4 – 6 April)
- Kelsall Hill PT Novice (17 – 20 April)
- Nunney PT Novice (13-15 June)
- Aston Le Walls Final Trial PTN (4 – 6 July)
- Bishop Burton PT 105 (26 – 28 July)
Project Pony will also continue to support other important events in the pony eventing calendar, including:
- Thoresby International (27-30 March)
- Osberton International (1) CCIP2*S (1-4 May)
- Belsay International CCIP2*L, incorporating the British Pony Championship (28 May-1 June)
- Osberton International CCIP2*S (3-6 October)
Rosie Williams, Chief Executive at British Eventing said: “The youth programme is a central priority for British Eventing, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Project Pony, who are already committed to nurturing young talent in eventing. It’s the perfect time for aspiring young riders to get involved with British Eventing, and I’m excited to see today’s pony riders evolve into potential senior team members in the future, thanks to the training, education, and competition opportunities we offer.”
The British Eventing Pony Observation Trials, supported by Project Pony, form part of the Youth Eventing framework which offers access to age-specific training, education and competition opportunities across all ages and levels of experience. Further information on the British Eventing Youth Offer can be found here.
Further information on Project Pony and the support that they provide to young talented event riders can be found by visiting www.projectpony.co.uk.
