Pony Breeds

Looking for the perfect pony? Who isn't? Goodto be under 14.2 hands in order to be classified as a
ponies-those who can teach kids the ropes when itpony? Good catch! In fact, three of the sizes are
comes to horsemanship-are said to be worth theiractually pony sizes. Horses of the largest Welsh size
weight in gold.are considered "cobs," or small horses. A cob can be
What exactly is a pony, by definition? How does itjust about perfect for a rider who has outgrown their
differ from what we call a horse? Well, a pony is, inpony, but is still too small for a horse. Because of this
fact, a horse. Ponies are a sub-classification of lightthe versatile Welsh pony breed is not only ideal for
horses, which are those used for riding. The mainchildren, but many adults on the small side have
difference between a pony and a horse is that a ponyenjoyed Welsh cobs as well!
is under 14.2 hands. To this end, just about any horsePOA
who meets the height requirement can be shown inPOA stands for Pony of the Americas. This breed
pony classes. However, there are certain breedswas founded in the United States in 1956. Original
where all the individuals registered must meet ponyPOAs were developed by cross-breeding Shetland
requirements. These are called pony breeds.Ponies with Appaloosa horses, as well as Quarter
Like other horse breeds, pony breeds vary in size,Horses and Arabians. POAs share the breed
color, and gait.characteristics of their founding stock, and range in
Shetlandheight from 11.2 hands to 13.2 hands. Because of their
While this breed originated in the British Isles, it is nowAppaloosa heritage, they come in a wide variety of
quite popular here in the United States. The Shetlandcoat patterns. POAs work well for both riding and
has the distinction of being the smallest of the ponies.driving.
While it is certainly possible to learn to ride on aConnemara
well-trained Shetland pony, their small stature meansThe Connemara is an Irish pony that has Arabian
they are quickly outgrown. They also have a fairlyhorses in its ancestry. Connemaras are known for
bumpy gait, which makes them not so ideal for riding.being one of the taller pony breeds, as many of them
But don't worry, American Shetland ponies havestand in the 14.2-hand range. Connemaras are often
certainly found their niche! As very fancy drivinggray or black, although registry rules also allow them to
ponies, you can usually find them pulling carts, carriagesbe brown, bay, or dun. Connemaras have very smooth
and buggies. One of the best things about Shetlandgaits, are willing learners, and are often very athletic.
ponies is that they are able to grow really thick winterThey excel in a wide variety of disciplines, from riding
coats. To this end, they are ideal ponies for people into driving, and are well-suited to both children and
cold climates. According to breed standards, Shetlandsdriving adults.
can be any color, including multicolored patterns suchWhen looking at ponies, there are several breeds from
as the Paint horse.which to choose. Knowing certain breed
Welshcharacteristics will help you determine if the pony you
Welsh ponies originated in a part of Great Britainare looking at is a good representative of his breed.
known as Wales. Welsh ponies are considered amongGood luck finding the perfect pony!
the best of the riding ponies, and are known for theirPonies are great! If you want to share your pony
smooth gaits and tractable, willing natures. According toexperiences please visit our resource boxes below
breed rules they come in four sizes, which range fromand we would love to have you as part of our equine
12 to 15 hands. But wait, you say, doesn't a pony havecommunity.