Pony Horses:- Not exceeding 87 cm., these creatures have minimal space requirements; feed costs of ponies and miniature horses are beneficial.
Approaching extinction as European Royal Courts declined and facing continental scattering, some ponies were imported to the US to haul ore.
Later, they were crossbred with draft ponies to produce a heavy-boned worker. Others, like the tiny old-world Arabians, are scarce resulting from infusion with other small-blooded horses.
American enthusiasts reestablished classic Arabian miniatures; they are inter-continentally outsourcing.
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Pony Horses Breeds
Pony Horses | From (A to C)
Balearic
This breed originated on the island of Majorca in Spain. Little is known about this ancient horse and its origin. Its main use is as a riding pony; they stand about 14.4 hands high.
Some reports state that this breed has slender legs, a thick, short neck, and a Roman nose.
Carpathian Pony or Hucul
The Carpathian Pony originated in Eastern Europe along the Carpathian Mountains. Due to many border changes over the years in this area, both Poland and Romania claim to be the countries of origin of this breed.
Since this breed was developed in harsh mountain conditions, it’s sure-footed, strong, and resilient to illness and disease. In fact, this breed is able to live outside and find its own food year-round. Also called Hucul.
Chincoteague Pony
The Chincoteague Pony descended from the wild horses on Assateague Island. This island is a 37-mile long barrier off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
These ponies are split into two separate herds at the state line, each around 150 animals. It is the Virginia herd that is often referred to as the Chincoteague ponies.
Connemara Pony
The Connemara Pony’s origins go back some 2,500 years to the time when Celtic warriors brought their dun-colored ponies onto the island of Ireland.
They used them mostly for pulling carts and war chariots. This area was mountainous and barren and the Connemara Pony developed great hardiness and jumping ability. This breed is considered Ireland’s only native breed.
Pony Horses | From (D to F)
Dales Pony
The Dales Pony is known for its strength, stamina, and intelligence. They are indigenous to the eastern slopes of the English Pennines, known as the Yorkshire Dales.
These amazing ponies would carry 110 lbs. of supplies up to fifty miles per day to deliver ore, fuel and lead to port about 250 miles away.
Oftentimes, a team of up to twenty ponies would be led, untied, by one rider on these journeys.
Dartmoor Pony
The Dartmoor Pony originated in Dartmoor in Devon England. These horses are one of nine breeds native to the British Isles.
Due to the rugged and bleak conditions in this area, only the strongest of the Dartmoor Ponies survived.
Many of these ponies were used as pack horses for tin mining. Later, they were used on farms and at prisons. The guards used them to escort work parties to and from prison.
Exmoor Pony
The Exmoor pony is thought to be the oldest and purest of the British native ponies and the direct descendants of the horses that walked onto Britain before it was an island.
This breed has two unique features that helped it survive in the harsh winter conditions of its native land. It has a “hooded-eye” that protects it from rain and wind and a “snow-chute” that channels rain and snow down away from the body.
Falabella
The origin of the Falabella horse can be linked to the origins of the Latin American horse, the Andalusian.
This miniature horse is known for its temperament and capacity to adjust to its environment.
These horses have an amazing ability to withstand harsh weather conditions without any special treatment. Their docile nature also makes them a great choice for a family pet.
Fell Pony
The original Fell Ponies came from northern England and are now mainly found on the western side of the Pennines.
Their name is derived from the Norse word “Fell,” meaning hills. This breed has been recognizable since Roman times when they were employed as draught animals in the north of England.
The Fell Pony is a close relative of the Dales Pony, but Clydesdale blood was introduced to the Dales making them taller and stockier.
Pony Horses | From (H to K)
Hackney
Both the Hackney horse and pony were bred for their performance under harness. They were developed in the 18th century in Great Britain and their development followed the improvement of the public roadways.
The name “Hackney” comes from the French word Hacquenee derived from the Latin word for horse, Equus.
Haflinger
The Haflinger is an old breed of small horse that originated in the mountains of the Austrian Tyrol about 1874.
The name comes from the village of Hafling now located in Italy, but part of Austria prior to the end of World War I.
The Haflinger is a model all-around horse that has been developed and maintained as an ideal family pleasure horse.
Highland Pony
The Highland Pony is native to the mountainous areas of Scotland and has a long history that dates back to the 1880s.
In the past, this breed was used on small farms. The Highland Pony makes an ideal all-around family pony, able to tackle most things but not a specialist in any.
However, they do stand out in their ability to carry the heaviest load or person over the roughest and steepest ground.
Icelandic Horse
All of the horses found in Iceland today are the descendants of horses taken there by the Vikings.
The Icelandic horse has played a fundamental role in its home country from the start. For centuries, the horse was the only method of transportation in Iceland and the most important working animal in the days before machines.
The horse was called “the most useful servant” and literally followed the man from birth to death.
Knabstrup
The Knabstrup is a Danish breed that is based on a gray-spotted Spanish mare called Flaebehoppen that was left in Denmark by Spanish troops during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, this breed has lost the number of spots on its body but has improved confirmation and quality.
These horses have been used for riding and appearing in the circus, and more recently they have started to make appearances in the competitive sports and show arena.
Pony Horses | From (M to P)
Miniature Horse
The Miniature horse is primarily just a smaller version of the full-size horse. Many people prefer Miniature horses because they require less space and food, but still offer many joys for horse ownership.
They can be used for showing and driving. Miniature Horses can be registered with the American Miniature Horse Association.
Mustang
The American Mustang is a wild horse, which originated in the west of North America. Among all other horses, this breed is the hardest to tame.
There were attempts by many people to tame Mustangs, but in most cases they had their fencings smashed and animals gone.
The breed was influenced by other wild horses, which inhabited areas east of the Mississippi River and were forced westwards by civilization. Mustangs occur in various colors.
New Forest Pony
The New Forest Pony was named for the forest in southern England where it originated. This breed is one of the recognized breeds of mountain and moorland ponies of the British Isles.
Of the pony breeds native to England, most would agree that the New Forest Pony is the least afraid of man. It has a quiet and willing temperament.
Newfoundland Pony
Newfoundland Ponies arrived in Newfoundland about 200 years ago. They were widely used in sports competitions, as well as for pulling wagons and plows and entertainment riding.
These horses are very easy-going and tamable; therefore they are excellent companions for children. The horse stands about 12 hands tall, and it has a fine-boned body. Coat colors include chestnut, bay, black, brown, grey, white, and roan.
Pony of Americas
The Pony of America is a new breed of horse. Ponies are good with children and are a perfect choice for young riders.
It is a cross between a Shetland stallion and an Appaloosa mare. Crossbreeding took place in the 1950s in the United States.
This little horse has a round body, deep chest, clearly defined legs, and Arab-type head. Ponies are 46 to 56 inches high in maturity.
Przewalski
Przewalski horses were named after the famous Russian naturalist, who discovered them in 1879.
This horse used to populate the vast expanses of Central Asia, and it is but the only intact species of wild horses.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the horse suffered from hunters, interbreeding with other species, and destruction of natural habitat. Przewalski’s horses are beige-brown, and they stand 12 to 14 hands tall.
Pony Horses | From (Q to W)
Quarter Pony
The Quarter Pony is an almost exact small replica of the American Quarter Horse. These animals are as heavily built as Quarter Horses, featuring substantial muscular systems and characteristic color patterns.
Quarter Horses have white lower legs, but color patterns seem to be more varied in Quarter Ponies. Quarter Ponies stand 13.2 hands tall, and they are very good for young riders. Most Quarter Ponies weigh 800-900lbs.
Shetland Pony
These miniature horses originated in the Shetland Islands. Their predecessors were larger in size, and they were used as pull horses.
Modern Shetland Ponies stand no more than 10 hands high, and they are bred as companion horses. Shetland Ponies are very convivial and people-oriented, and they are good with children.
This little horse has a dense mane and a beautiful forelock, which adds a superior charm to its appearance.
Welara Pony
This is a very new breed of horses, and it was produced in 1981 by the crossing of the Arabian and Welsh ponies.
These little horses have clearly outlined and strong bodies and they possess great stamina, endurance, intelligence, and beauty. From their Arab ancestors, they bequeathed out grace, and from Welsh ponies, they inherited stamina, size, and sturdiness.
Welsh Pony
Welsh Ponies inhabited the mountains and valleys of Wales, and this was not a kind world for the pony.
It survived the starkness of the land and the severity of the climate, plus the hostile attitudes of governments.
Welsh Ponies are classified into Welsh Mountain Ponies (12 hands high,) Welsh Ponies (13.2hh,) the Welsh Pony of Cob (13.2hh and 14.2hh (USA)), and Welsh Cobs (13.2hh.) They differ in size and designation.
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