Pony Breeds
Do you want a pony? Who doesn’t? A good pony is one that is obedient and forgiving. They have the ability to teach children when it comes to learning about riding and caring for horses. That’s why ponies can sometimes cost more than horses!
Ponies are a sub-category of light horses, which are mainly used for riding. The difference between a horse and a pony is their height. A pony is under 14.2 hands tall. A hand is a horse term and is basically equal to four inches. Any pony that meets this height requirement can be shown in pony classes. Even though height determines whether an equine is a horse or pony, there are certain registered breeds of ponies.
Connemara Pony
The Connemara pony’s ancestry originates from Arabians and is an Irish breed. Connamara’s are one of the taller pony breeds. They are often black or gray, but can also be brown, bay or dun according to their registry. Connamara are willing, athletic and have smooth gaits. They can participate in a variety of disciplines including riding and driving and are well suited for children, but can also be ridden by small adults.
Welsh Pony
Welsh ponies originate from Wales in Great Britain. They are considered one of the best riding ponies due to their willing nature and smooth gaits. According to their breed registry, they come in four sizes that can range any where from twelve to fifteen hands. What is interesting is that three of the sizes are considered ponies while the tallest is actually a cob or small horse. They are great if you want a mount that is between the size of a pony and a horse, which is the case of many small adults or large children.
Shetland Pony
The Shetland originates from the British Isles and is very popular in the United States. It is the smallest of the pony breeds. One problem with Shetland ponies is that they are quickly outgrown. They also do not have the smoothest of gaits. While Shetland ponies can be ridden, they are great for pulling small carts. These ponies grow a heavy winter coat and do well in colder climates. They can be any color and can even have Pinto markings.
Pony of Americas
Pony of the Americas or POA was founded in the United States in the 1950’s. They were originally developed by cross breeding Shetland ponies and Appaloosa horses, Quarter Horses and Arabians. They range in height from 11.2 to 13.2 hands high. Due to their Appaloosa heritage, they can have very flashy coat colors. They can be used for both driving and riding.
When looking at ponies, there are many breeds to choose from. Knowing the differences in breed types will help you determine which pony breed is right for you.
