Horse Breeds: Ponies
Hackney Pony
Country of Origin: Great Britain Use today: The Hackney is known for its tremendous trotting ability and is a popular driving horse. Color: The common colors are black, brown, bay and chestnut, and there are even some spotted Hackneys. Height: 14 to 15.3 hands People wanted to get places quickly and so the light carriage horse came into favor, and the Hackney began to show its worth. But they were more than just pretty faces; word soon spread about the horses's tremendous trotting ability. The Hackney was easily capable of trotting 60 miles in one day. Characteristics: Both pony and horse possess an extremely elegant appearance with a small head, delicate muzzle and well-shaped ears. The hallmark of the Hackney is its natural, high-stepping gait.
Connemara Pony
Country of Origin: Ireland Use today: Today, the Connemara is the ultimate sport pony, and jumping is its forte. Color: Colors are grey, black, brown and dun, and occasionally, palomino, chestnut and roan. Height: 13 to 15 hands The Connemara has thick and hardy forelegs and strong hocks and thighs. The neck is very long and arched, and the sloping shoulders are perfect for jumping.
Chincoteague Pony
Country of Origin: North America Use today: The ponies are ridden English and western. Color: The Chincoteague pony is seen in all colors but most common is a very colorful pinto. Height: 12 to 14.2 hands The island environment shaped the pony into its modern appearance. They have strong hooves, thick manes and tales, and light fetlock feathering.
Welsh Pony
Type: Pony Blood Types: Warmblood Common Uses: Dressage, Endurance Riding, General Riding, Hunting, Jumping, Work Max Height: 13 hands Color: Bay, Black, Brown, Chesnut, Dun, Gray, Grullo, Palomino Characteristics: Small head with large eyes; Sloped shoulders; Short backs and strong hindquarters; Forelegs are straight; Short cannon bone; High set tail
Welsh Pony (All sections)
Use today: It's now found in the hunting field, under saddle and in competitive carriage driving. Color: Welsh ponies and cobs come in all colors, including roan and palomino but not pinto. Height: Varies by section The Welsh Mountain Pony, section A is the smallest at 12 hands high and the only one still living semi-feral in Wales. The Welsh Pony, section B, is a fancy child's show pony at 13.2 hands high, found in hunter, pony classes and driving. The Welsh Pony of Cob Type, section C is 13.2 hands high and was traditionally used in the slate mines and farms. Today, it is ridden in hunter/jumpers, under saddle classes and harness. The stocky Welsh Cob, section D is 13.2 hands high and up and was once used on farms. It's now found in the hunting field, under saddle and in competitive carriage driving. The legs are lightly feathered.
Pony of the Americas
Use today: POAs compete in western, English and gymkhana. Color: Most common are blanket patterns, though some are leopard or roan. Height: 46 and 56 inches The POAs primary characteristic is its coat pattern, which can vary widely. Most common are blanket patterns, though some are leopard or roan. Mottled or parti-colored skin and white sclera are also characteristic. Striped hooves are an additional POA feature, though not necessarily always present.
American Shetland (Shetland Pony)
Use today: Today, Shetlands are popular children's riding ponies and are driven by all ages. Color: The Shetland comes in all colors except spotted. Height: 28 to 46 inches Other: The smallest of the pony breeds, the Shetland Pony comes from the islands North of Scotland with the same name. The Shetland is considered the oldest breed of English pony. Characteristics: head is small and well proportioned; ears are small & erect; eyes are dark & intelligent; neck is well set; shoulder is slpping, legs are short & solid; feet are round, shapely & tough