Ponies

Many of the pony breeds are based on the Celtic pony of prehistoric Europe, a sturdy animal about 12 hands high with a small, short head. Some types of horses commonly called “ponies”—polo ponies, cow ponies, and Indian ponies—are really full-size horses.

native ponies of the islands off Virginia and Maryland, said to have inhabited these islands since colonial times. Their heads are as large as those of full-size horses; they may really be stunted horses, descended from strays of colonial days. Many are pintos.

a breed of Ireland noted for jumping ability and hardiness. The Connemara pony is one of the largest pony breeds, averaging 14 hands. It is usually gray or black but may be almost any color except pinto. It is used as a jumper, harness show horse, and cart horse.

a small Criollo-type horse that originated in the Spanish province of Galicia. Galiceños may be any color except pinto or albino. Though of pony size, they resemble full-size horses in their proportions and gaits. In addition to a walk, trot, and canter, they perform a fast running walk like that of the Tennessee Walking Horse. In Mexico Galiceños are used as cart horses. Importation into the United States, where they are used chiefly for riding, began in the late 1950's.

a small horse native to the island of Gotland, Sweden. Gotlands may be any color except pinto. They are used as pleasure horses and for pony harness racing.

a pony breed of the Hackney Horse used in horse shows as a harness pony.

a breed developed in the United States in the 1950's. These tall, sturdy ponies have Appaloosa coloring and were developed largely from Appaloosa stock. They also show some Quarter Horse and Arabian characteristics. Ponies of the Americas are used chiefly as Western-style pleasure horses for older children and teenagers.

a breed native to the Shetland Islands north of Scotland, established as early as the sixth century. It is the smallest pony breed (commonly 10 hands high) and one of the oldest of modern breeds of horses. It may be brown, gray, black, chestnut, or any of these colors spotted with white. It is used as a pack pony and, because of its gentle disposition, as a pleasure horse for children.

a breed native to the mountains of Wales. Welsh ponies are short-backed and muscular, fast and flashy at the trot, and enduring. They may be any color except pinto. They are used for riding and driving.