THE hard work of people who passionately believe in the future of pony dressage in Australia have helped grow the sport enormously.

More than 100 ponies entered in next month's Barastoc Horse of the Year show is proof of that.

The sport has received a further boost with the creation the Bates Pony Dressage National Leaderboard.

An initiative of the Australian Sports Pony Registry in partnership with Bates Saddles, the competition is open to all Equestrian Australia registered ponies and riders, and will start on February 1.

There are two sections, open and junior. At the end of 12 months the winner of each section will receive a Bates Pony Dressage Saddle with Cair (valued at $1895) plus an inscribed woollen rug.

For details on how to enter, visit www.australiansportspony.org/