“I love ponies and always have. I started Sport Pony Imports after an in-depth search for my own perfect pony and not finding any prospects. I soon realized, I was not alone.
I saw this as a tremendous opportunity to bring high quality sport ponies with excellent brains to the US for dressage, jumpers and the hunter ring. To enhance the availability of talent, athleticism, and quality for all of us that love exceptional ponies.”
Courtney Alston
Founder & Principal, Sport Pony Imports
The Company
Sport Pony Imports
We believe finding your dream pony can change your life.
Sport Pony Imports brings the finest sport ponies to the United States just for you. Among these Dressage, Jumpers, and Hunters, your perfect pony is differentiated and distinguished by their outstanding brain, disposition, and athleticism. We are known for, and place our reputation on, our exceptional understanding of the pony “landscape” (domestically and abroad) and our established relationships with the finest of breeders and trainers wherever they may be. We enhance this by offering a full array of advisory and consulting services. Ensuring you have a full range of options along your pony acquisition journey and beyond.
There are a lot of incredible ponies out there and we want them to be here for you. Ponies that are kind, talented, super movers that you can ride and enjoy—and that may even melt your heart.
What I Look for In a Pony
I find extraordinary ponies and place them in extraordinary homes.
The German Riding Pony (GRP) was developed about 40 years ago with a goal of breeding a pony with key attributes of correct, rhythmic, and elastic movement. We have imported both GRP and pony-bred ponies who are generally 14.2 to 15.3H. A great pony is further distinguished by expressive gates, athleticism, overall rideability, and sound temperament. Suitable for either a child or small adult in the competition arena.
We place an incredible amount of emphasis on temperament, disposition, and great brains. Their breeding is a key factor, so they are not too “spicy” and are safe for the intended level of rider. Over the years, our clientele have been matched with ponies that possess high levels of intellect, are exceptionally friendly, and brave. The most important attribute is consistently sociability – with other ponies or horses and humans. This all makes for a great foundation and desire/willingness to be trained with a focused work ethic.
Recognizing all these attributes is critical to believing a pony is a great representation in its class. But how overall personality and disposition integrate with YOU is the realization of our collective goal.
Accomplishments To Date
Attitude is just as important as ability.
Much like the author, Robert Collier, we believe “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.” Sport Pony Imports ponies receive the best care because it’s how I care for my own ponies. Same care, attention, and love.
After importing ponies the last 6 years, I’ve experienced a lot – not the least of which is how much I love finding, assessing, and bringing outstanding ponies to the United States. I’ve served numerous clients during this time, spoken with countless others, and imported over 14 magnificent ponies. No two situations have ever been alike, which is why we consider Sport Pony Imports a rare, boutique and highly specialized importer.
When you acquire a pony with Sport Pony Imports, your pony is transitioned to you in top-notch condition. From head-to-hoof, your pony is thoroughly evaluated, and ready for its job and life with you.
My Pony, Botanja (Anja)
Many ponies have come into my life while running Sport Pony Imports. Botanja was the first horse I imported, and she remains the source that has shaped my entire career in equine importing. She has been with me since young adulthood where we were part of Area II Eventers and preliminary Young Riders journeying into the competitive amateur Jumpers. When my life pivoted to motherhood, I hand the reins to Doug Payne. With him in the saddle, Anja soared over 1.20m courses with the effortless grace who considered fences merely suggestions of altitude. Her talent carried her all the way to the Grand Prix ring, where their partnership turned heads and earned admiration. Together they jumped Grand Prix from Aiken to Kentucky to Tryon, NC.
Courtney Alston at Tryon International Equestrian Center
Long before her name graced any leaderboard, Botanja—known to those who loved her as Anja—was a mare who simply knew she was destined for great things. A bay warmblood of KWPN breeding, she arrived in the world on a warm August day in 2006, daughter of the noble Salvatore and the elegant Juta, and from her very first stride it was clear she carried something special in her bones.
Anja has never been just an athlete. She is a doll—patient, gentle, and utterly enchanting with children who came to know her soft eyes and quiet presence. She is proof that the very best horses carry their greatness lightly, wearing it not as armor but as grace. A true first chapter in a story of extraordinary ponies and the people who find them.
These days our time together is restful and relaxing – more hacking than competing and more lounging that doing hills. It suits us both with Sport Pony Imports growing and her years taking her closer to retirement.
My Story
I started riding at age 8 and, as history has it, brokered my first pony deal when I was 10. Perhaps, much like you, I was smitten with these equines.
I Pony Clubbed through my childhood, and as I entered young adulthood, I entered the Young Rider program, competing through preliminary Eventing, joining a Young Rider team in Canada to ride at Bromont and meet/train with Canadian Young Riders. I learned the sport at the heart of the sport; the Virginia countryside. I never knew how lucky I was at the time but knew the right place for me was in the saddle.
As a college student and young professional, I let ponies and competition take a back seat to focus on my education and career in social justice, marketing, and digital media while still ponies remained my love and passion. While this never became my focus or my job—as things often do, they come together when they are meant to.
When I stumbled onto what appeared to be this unmet need in XL ponies and small horses, finding wonderful ponies AND still my greatest love and passion, I put the pieces of the puzzle together and shifted to create Sport Pony Imports. And here I am, some 30 years later and I’m still riding with my friends and brokering deals for ponies.
