Harness ponies are judged on the same criteria as harness horses -- high action in both front and back legs, snappy motion, proud, disciplined carriage of the head and tail and alertness displayed in the ears and eyes.

These small creatures never fail to excite a show ring crowd with their explosive motion, brilliant carriage and spunky manner. Their leg action at the trot is so exaggerated as to give the pony an air of suspended motion, with the front foot and rear pastern often touching the upper body of the pony. The gait is performed with piston-like quickness, suspending for a moment at the highest point.