Ponies belong to a subspecies of horses, which are distinguished by their short stature, not exceeding 140 cm. The name comes from English word ponaidh, which means “little horse”. Short horses are found everywhere, striking with their variety of colors and unusual appearance, causing the delight of children and adults. But not everyone knows where ponies came from, what breeds exist, and what their features are.

Ponies belong to a subspecies of short horses. In English, pony translates as a small horse.

Currently, there are about two dozen pony breeds, differing in appearance, size and use.

It is also believed that the ancestor of modern European pony species is the wild horse (Equus ferus caballus).

There is a theory that the first small horses appeared in the north of Scandinavia and the western islands of Europe. There is also an assumption that the habitat of wild Camargue ponies - the Camargue Nature Reserve - is also their ancestral territory. It was there, on the swampy coast of the Rhone River Delta, in southern France, that the remains of the prehistoric primitive horse Solutre, the direct ancestor of modern ponies, were found.

What they look like

The appearance of the pony was formed due to the harsh climatic conditions of northern latitudes with wet and cold winds from the Atlantic Ocean, as well as due to the scarce pastures of the rocky islands.

Ponies are squat horses with short legs and a strong, deep body, their hair is thick and fluffy. The neck is covered with a long lush mane, and bangs fall on the forehead. Short stature allowed the horses to be content with the grass on the hills sparse in vegetation, with muscular legs they pulled out root crops from the frozen ground. Thick and warm wool saved from strong winds and cold in harsh winters.

The pony's homeland is considered to be the north of Scandinavia and the Western European islands.

Usually horses whose height does not exceed 140 cm are equated to ponies, but in different countries this scale is not the same:

• in Germany, ponies are considered small horses no more than 120 cm tall;
• in Russia the maximum height characteristics are 110 cm;
• in England they include horses that grow up to 147 cm.

How much a pony weighs will depend on its height: the weight of some individuals is no more than 100 kg, while larger animals reach 200 kg. There are also tiny horses, whose weight barely reaches 14 kg.

You can see what modern ponies look like in the photo.

The weight of an individual differs from the type and height of the animal. On average, ponies weigh between 100 and 200 kg.

Usage

It is believed that a pony is a horse intended for entertainment and children. Now they can be found in homes, zoos, entertainment centers and circuses around the world. They are used in children's hippotherapy to improve physical and emotional state sick child.

But they were once bred for hard work: the ponies' unusual strength relative to their small size allowed them to be used for transporting goods. For example, the Shetland pony is a hardy and strong animal, capable of moving weights 20 times its weight. Horses carried peat, worked in mines, dragged heavy trolleys with ore and coal (up to 3000 tons per year), many had never seen sunlight, being born and dying deep underground.

Historically, ponies were used for draft labor and transport.

In the west, in Italy and the Czech Republic, small horses are used as guides for blind people. Smart animals successfully replace dogs and serve as good helpers for a helpless person.

• Horses prefer to be outdoors, so in warm weather a corral is organized for them, where they can live all summer. If possible, they are sure to be released into the wild to frolic and nibble grass in the pasture.
• In severe frosts, downpours, and windy weather, they are driven into the barn. There should be no drafts in it, because animals catch colds and get sick.
• For heat-loving breeds, like the falabella, it is necessary to equip a warm stable with additional heating; in the cold season, the pony is covered with a blanket.
• During the spring molting period, the undercoat is regularly combed out.

Ponies are easy to keep, but need protection from the winds.

Nutrition

Ponies are genetically programmed to feed on pasture, so the animals are not picky about their food, but the main condition is quality. The diet includes:

• grass . The main food, and weeds are not included in the list. Horses love clover, vitamin nettles, and field herbs;
• hay Used in winter;
• concentrated feed. It is important that a lot of oats do not enter the horse’s stomach at one meal, otherwise indigestion may occur;
• vegetables and root vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, and beets are included in the diet in small quantities. Occasionally you are allowed to pamper your pets with a pumpkin or an apple;
• water . Horses drink only clean water, so it is given fresh, from washed dishes. It is advisable to have constant access to the liquid.

Ponies need to be watered regularly. It is better when access to water is constant.

You cannot feed yeast bread, you are not allowed to give a lot of sugar and sweets. The pony has a small stomach, so it is important to feed in small portions, but often. To prevent food from being trampled, a nursery should be equipped; the number of feeders depends on the livestock.

Breeding

Breeding ponies is no different from ordinary horses. Animals become sexually mature after a year, so when they reach this age, mares and stallions are separated to prevent uncontrolled mating.

Mating is carried out when the young horse is 3 years old. Here, too, correct selection work is important; pairs are selected taking into account their external parameters, the goals that the owner wants to achieve, and family ties. The breeder chooses the mating method based on the conditions of detention. If a broodstock of 6 mares is created, you can allow one stallion to approach them, then mating occurs in a natural way. Males smell heat and begin to care for the mare: sniffing her, clicking her teeth on her shoulders and sides. When kept separately, the stallion is brought to a stall, the process takes place under the control of the owner.

Mating of ponies occurs under the control of the breeder.

On average, a pony's pregnancy lasts 11 months, the duration depends on the breed. For example, falabella under normal conditions can last for more than a year.

It is difficult to determine the date of birth, so the countdown starts from the day of coverage. It is important not to miss the onset of labor and to invite a veterinarian to avoid complications.

The mare gives birth to one foal, but sometimes two foals are born. Within a few minutes, the pony foals are on their feet and follow the mare everywhere.

Ponies are born fully capable of movement and nutrition. Within a few hours the foal follows its mother.

Price

Short horses are becoming increasingly popular; many owners of private houses with a plot of land dream of owning a pony. Pony horses are cute and funny and will be great friends for all family members. It’s difficult to say for sure how much a pet will cost. The price depends on the breed, gender, color, external features, rating of the parents. The lowest price is 60 thousand rubles.

Several breeds are popular in Russia, each with its own price.

• The average cost of an American pony is about 60 thousand rubles.
• A Shetland foal can be bought for 50 thousand, and an adult horse for 70 thousand rubles.
• A young Welshman will cost 100 thousand, an adult from 120 thousand rubles.
• The most expensive dwarf species is the falabella; for a horse you will have to pay from 250 thousand rubles. Foals, accordingly, cost less, from 80 thousand.

Do not forget that keeping a pet also requires serious investments. First of all, you need to create comfortable conditions for the horse, organize a room, prepare equipment, and purchase food. Quality veterinary care is important.

The cost of a pony foal depends on the breed and name of the parents.

When purchasing, you should keep in mind that a healthy horse cannot cost less than usual, so a low price should be alarming. It is possible that she has hidden pathologies, a bad character, or too soft bones. It is best to buy ponies from reputable breeders who have proven themselves among fans of dwarf breeds. This is a guarantee that the declared type corresponds to reality.

How long do small horses live? A pony has an average life expectancy of 45 years, but with good care the pet will live longer.

Species difference

Currently, dwarf horses are distributed throughout the world. Let's list the most popular pony breeds in Russia.

Welsh

The Welsh pony breed developed in the northern valleys and hills of Wales before the arrival of the Romans. Small horses were used as draft power, for transporting coal and peat, and fallen trees. But with the arrival of foreigners, Arab blood flowed to them, which influenced modern look pony. The result was a magnificent breed with a large but graceful head, a strong back and muscular legs, small ears and expressive eyes. The color is uniform, there are red, bay, gray dun and brown individuals.

The growth of the Welsh is not limited to strict limits; they are divided into types.

• Type A. These include the smallest representatives up to 122 cm in height.
• Type B. The horses are larger (137 cm), have a strong build, they are called “merlins”.
• Type C and D (bobs). The racing qualities of ponies have been improved by crossing with large breeds; the height of such horses exceeds 137 cm, in category D it reaches 147 cm. They are not only ridden, they look great in a harness. They take part in sports competitions and driving, and show the ability to jump.

The Welsh pony can participate in sports competitions and is capable of jumping.

By nature, the Welsh pony is calm and docile; he can be trusted with children. Horses are beautiful and artistic, which is why they are indispensable participants in competitions and shows.

Shetland

The ancestors of modern horses lived on the Shetland Islands two millennia BC; the breed is considered the oldest in the world. The height of the pony is 65 - 107 cm, in appearance they resemble small heavy draft horses; the color of the horses is usually piebald. Thanks to their good-natured disposition, flexible nature and unpretentiousness, they are very popular among lovers. Shetlands, along with other breeds, participate in competitions, pull mini-sleighs, and give rides to children.

The Shetland pony has an easy-going character, which is why it is used for riding by children.

Highland

The homeland of the species is Scotland and the adjacent islands, which is why the horses are also called Scottish. Currently, the breed is the result of crossing with Arabian, Spanish and Clydesdale horses; Percheron blood also flowed into them. The horses have become more agile and stronger; they are considered the most seasoned, hardy and strong of all pony breeds. There are both low types (107 cm) and rather tall animals up to 142 cm tall. In the Middle Ages they were used for hard work, now horses accompany tourists on hikes in the mountains. The Scottish pony takes part in dressage, harness racing, and hunting. The color includes all shades of sand color; less often you can see black and brown horses.

The Highland or Scottish pony is considered the hardiest species.

Polo

These are short horses up to 147 cm, intended for riding and participating in equestrian polo competitions. Features of the type: intelligence, strength, high speed. This is not a separate breed, but a type of large pony, bred in China, America, England, Iceland and other countries. From the age of three, they are actively taught to rapidly gain speed during a race, to maneuver and stop at the request of the rider, and not to be afraid when a difficult situation arises on the field. With age, the horse begins to get involved in the game itself, helping the rider win competitions. The cost of a prepared pony is 10 – 50 thousand dollars.

Polo ponies are bred in China, the USA, and England. This is a subspecies of ordinary large ponies that are trained to participate in the game.

Exmoor

The species originated in the southwestern islands of Britain. The horse has retained purebred features, its height is 125 cm, and has a unique jaw structure: it has a seventh molar, like prehistoric animals. The color is mainly bay of different shades, the hair around the nostrils is light. The eyelids are swollen, which is why the eyes are called “toad eyes.”

The Exmoor is a British horse. She has still retained her purebred identity.

Icelandic

The height of the Icelandic horse reaches 140 cm, but there are also small individuals below 125 cm. It is believed that the ancestors of the species are wild forest horses and Celtic horses. Their descendants are Norwegian horses, which were brought to the island by the Vikings in the 8th century. But since then, crossing with other breeds only worsened the quality of the species, so they were banned from exporting and infusing other people's blood. Icelandic ponies are considered the purest breed.

Horses are distinguished by their ability to move in different gaits; they are characterized by telt and ambling, for which they are especially valued by amateurs. In winter, ponies in Iceland, like real predators, catch and eat fish on their own.

Icelandic ponies are descended from Scandinavian ponies. They were brought to the island by the Vikings.

Dwarf horses

The most famous and rare breed of dwarf horses is the Falabella. The usual height of a representative of the species is 86 cm, but there are also very tiny ones: around 40 cm. Weight ranges from 20, reaching a maximum of 65 kg. The animals are proportionally built, they have thin and high legs, appearance they resemble a smaller version of Arabian horses.

The pedigree of this tiny but real horse includes the blood of Spanish Creollo, Shetland ponies, as well as horses of English breeds. Therefore, there are colors of red, bay, piebald, black, with different undertones. They are used in harnesses to carry small children, but more often they are kept simply for aesthetic pleasure. Horses are very smart and good-natured, they love to gallop over rough terrain and overcome obstacles.

A striking representative of dwarf horses is the falabella.

It is noteworthy that falabellas have 2 fewer ribs than other horses. And when an ordinary mare is inseminated, the dominant dwarfism gene prevails, and a dwarf foal is born.

Summary

• Horses of short breeds are considered ponies.
• The origin of the species dates back to northwestern Europe.
• The exterior of the animals is distinguished by a strong physique and strength.
• Short horses are used in sports and recreational activities.
• Keeping a pony requires the creation of favorable conditions and high-quality nutrition.
• The cost of a dwarf horse is high, depending on several factors.
• There are many types of ponies, and there are breeds that are in demand in Russia.

A pony is a type of domesticated horse. Their characteristic- small height from 80 to 140 cm, endurance. In Russia, it is customary to classify individuals with a height of 110 cm and below as this species. Abroad, the scale of horse growth is slightly different, for example, in England, ponies are considered animals with a height of 143 cm. It is generally accepted that the first breeds of ponies appeared in Europe, in the northern part of Scandinavia and in the current Camargue nature reserve.

Today there are about 20 breeds of ponies that are intended for riding and that can be easily controlled. Many people think that this is a children's horse, but they were bred to perform specific work. Among the representatives of the subspecies there are also heavy draft horses, for example, the Shetland pony.

It is worth noting that such horses are a real find. A pony is a horse that not only pleases children in photos, but is also truly useful for modern society.

Horses and little ponies - is it worth saying that there is a significant difference between these concepts? What does the characteristic say? What types of ponies are there and where is the homeland of each variety?

1. Velara is a new American pony horse, bred in the last century. The color of these animals can be varied. Its height is 115-140 cm. Its character is calm, so it is often used for riding children and horse shows. Beautiful animals with a neat back, muscular neck and powerful croup. They are distinguished by extraordinary intelligence and energy.
2. The Basque pony is native to the Basque region of France and Spain. The appearance has not been reliably studied. The average height varies between 115-147 cm. The tallest animals of this species have an athletic build, therefore they are primarily used for riding at an amateur level. This breed is known for its extraordinary endurance; in the past it was used by smugglers as a pack animal.
3. Shetland breeds are one of the smallest types of ponies. Their height is 65-110 cm. These are dwarf heavy horses with thick legs, a heavy head and a wide torso. They have long, dense fur and a bushy mane and tail. Today this subspecies is popular in all countries and is known as children's riding horses. Animals also take part in horse racing with obstacles. The maximum lifespan of this type of pony horse is 45-54 years.
4. The Shetland pony is the oldest species in the UK and the strongest breed in the whole world. These representatives have a gentle, peaceful disposition and are easy to train. Their help is often used in rehabilitation programs. Females reach a height of 120-130 cm, and stallions - 147 cm. They have the ability to adapt well to environmental conditions, therefore they are widespread throughout the world.
5. Assateague and Chincoteague, despite having different names, are the same breed. It was never possible to find out their origin. The names of the breed correspond to the names of the islands. The maximum height does not exceed 120 cm. They live in nature like wild animals. They have strong legs, a sloping croup, and a long, weak neck. The color is mostly spotted.
6. The Australian Little Horse is native to Australia. Mainly used in horse shows. Height - from 122 to 142 cm, has a kind, easy-going disposition. In appearance, representatives of the breed are more similar to English breeds than to a riding horse. These are playful animals with sloping shoulders and a smooth step, which allows them to be used in teaching children how to ride. The structure of the breed is excellent for draft horses.
7. A Welsh pony horse that existed as early as 1600 BC. Presumably its ancestors were Celtic species of small horses. The development of animals began after the Romans “came.” This type easily adapts to any climate. The head of its representatives is quite small, and the eyes are sharp and very expressive. The ears are short, the profile is “pike”, the croup is powerful, and the back is quite long and muscular. The legs have strength and strong hooves, which make these animals very hardy. Height ranges from 122 to 137 cm.
8. One species that eats fish is the Icelandic. These animals catch fish in the sea with their teeth, like predators. This happens mainly in winter, when there is simply no other food. The only species that has mastered teltom running.

general characteristics

The pony's character and general information about himself are as follows:

1. the name comes from the English Pony - small, undersized horses;
2. their appearance was first noted in Scandinavia;
3. the animals adapted perfectly to the humid, windy climate of the rocky islands;
4. small horses are completely unpretentious in care;
5. unlike racing breeds, they may not live in a closed stable in winter; for these pets it is enough to equip a small enclosure to protect them from the wind;
6. Animals take care of their hooves themselves, but if you take a horse for daily work, you need to carry out hygienic foot care procedures more often.

A little pony horse is capable of winning any heart with its kindness and responsiveness. You can fall in love with just one photo of these cute babies.

Pony and man

Ponies are often used in rehabilitation practices for the disabled. How much fun it is for children to interact with little horses. Children are often afraid of large breeds of horses, but ponies are perfect for hippotherapy. Who wouldn't want to hang out with such a cute creature?

People mistakenly believe that ponies are useless. Of course, one can argue with this opinion. The worthy deeds that the ponies did cost them their lives. These are very loyal and intelligent animals. Great example- Shetland ponies. They helped explorers of Antarctica by transporting people in sleds. These creatures sacrificed themselves to bring all the scientists to the camp. The Pony Express delivery service is known all over the world. Even in the last century, letters were delivered completely differently: postmen riding on Mongolian small horses delivered letters to recipients.

Conclusion

Small horses are very popular all over the world. Today they are involved in a wide variety of horse shows, children's programs and teaching children to ride. They are so unpretentious that even a child can take care of them. Horses are distinguished by their good disposition, extraordinary devotion and endurance.

Pony actually includes all breeds living in Russia with a height of up to 147 cm at the withers. Types of ponies include twenty breeds. The first descriptions of their appearance were noted back in 1600 BC.

Horses and beautiful ponies are quite popular characters who are also used in entertainment programs for children. The animated series about foals at school, where toy horses talk about their adventures, is quite famous, especially among girls. The springtrap pony is also extremely popular.

The name "pony" comes from the Gaulish word ponaidh, which literally translates as "little horse". All representatives of this subspecies are small in size: the height of horses does not exceed 140-150 centimeters. The first ponies were seen in Europe in the northern part of Scandinavia. These areas are characterized by poor vegetation and rocky soil, humid Atlantic winds and a cool climate. Also, the remains of the oldest breed of small horses were found in the southern part of France - in the delta of the Rhone River.

Characteristics of a pony

The main feature of the pony is its small stature. The subspecies includes many different breeds that were developed on the islands of Britain, Iceland, Corsica, Sicily, Gotland and Hokkaido. The lifespan of ponies is longer than that of ordinary horses: they often live up to 50–54 years.

Important! In each country, the size of this subspecies is defined differently in the scientific literature. For example, in Russian reference books, horses up to 100–110 cm tall are considered ponies, while in England ponies can be up to 147 centimeters at the withers, and the International Equestrian Federation classifies horses up to 150 centimeters tall as this subspecies.

Other characteristic external signs pony: large wide neck, strong legs, well-developed body muscles. Such horses are distinguished by extraordinary endurance and were previously used in heavy work, including for transporting goods in coal mines and mines.

Pony breeds

Today there are about 20 different breeds of ponies. It is believed that they all owe their origin to a wild subspecies of horse and were known in ancient times.

Shetland

The typical Shetland horse is one of the most compact. The height of an adult individual starts from 65 centimeters and never exceeds 110 cm. The breed was bred 1 thousand years ago on the Shetland Islands of the Atlantic. Today, Shetland ponies are widely used as saddle ponies in children's equestrian sports and actively take part in racing and jumping.

The distinctive features of Shetland ponies are a large head, strong legs, a wide body, a long tail and mane. Horses can be any color, but the most common are piebald, black and light gray.

Exmoor

Exmoor horses are of medium height: the height of adults is between 114-125 centimeters. The breed gets its name from its place of origin. It was bred in Exmoor in south-west England and is now critically endangered, with official estimates indicating that there are no more than 300 mares left that can be used for breeding.

Main features of the Exmoor breed:

• developed muscle corset;
• endurance, disease resistance;
• large head with miniature ears and unusual “toad” eyes;
• cold resistance;
• thick coat, hard in places, due to which the horse’s undercoat does not get wet in rainy weather.

Exmoor ponies are most often a dark bay color with characteristic "mealy" areas around the eyes.

Welsh

The Welsh is one of the oldest pony breeds, bred back to the time of Caesar. There are 3 types of the breed (Welsh Highland, Medium and Welsh Cob), which differ in height at the withers. The tallest horses of this breed - up to 159 cm at the withers - belong to the Welsh Cob type, and the smallest are representatives of the mountain type, their height does not exceed 122 cm.

Welsh horses are used for children's riding; they are distinguished by endurance, intelligence, and excellent jumping and swimming.

Horse

A riding pony is a specially bred type of horse for children's show classes. The breed was obtained in Great Britain by crossing Welsh and Dartmouth breeds with the best representatives of Arabian horses. Riding ponies are distinguished by their strong build and strong bones, but at the same time, in their posture and grace, they resemble purebred full-sized riding horses.

The riding breed is conventionally divided into 3 classes, depending on height: less than 127 cm, from 127 to 137 cm and from 137 to 142 cm. The color of the pony can be absolutely any. Most often it is plain, but white markings are also acceptable.

Icelandic

Icelandic ponies are black and bay horses, no more than 137 cm tall. Sometimes you can find an Icelander of dun or mouse color. This versatile breed is very strictly protected and is not allowed to mix: it is prohibited to import horses from the mainland into Iceland. The Icelandic breed is unique; its representatives can move with a special type of gait - the tölt, which is very comfortable for the rider and is valued in horseback riding. Another feature of the Icelandic breed is its intelligence. These horses are excellent at navigating the terrain and easily find their way home.

A typical representative of the breed is characterized by a large head, straight profile, small ears, short back, and wide neck. The fur of these animals is very hard, the mane and tail are long.

Dwarf

Dwarf ponies are very similar in appearance to riding horse breeds, but their height does not exceed 86 cm at the withers. Such horses look very proportional, have a kind, easy-going disposition, which makes them especially popular in households and used as service animals.

Scottish

Scottish ponies are mountain horses. Their second name is Highland ponies: animals appeared on the islands of western Scotland and in the northern part of the country. The breed is characterized by increased endurance and longevity; in appearance it resembles an Asian wild horse. Highland ponies were obtained by crossing Clydesdales and purebred Arabian horses, with the addition of the blood of French, Daleish, Fell and Spanish ponies, representatives of the Hackney breed.

Scottish ponies easily tolerate unfavorable living conditions and are distinguished by excellent health. Their powerful build allows these horses to withstand the weight of a person, work in a harness, and easily climb mountains with a heavy load. The height of horses of this breed is 132–144 cm at the withers. The color can be very diverse, from dark bay to red-red and gray.

Falabella

A breed of miniature horses that was bred in Argentina. When crossing them with large breeds, the offspring retain a dominant gene for short stature. The breed can be of any color, the height at the withers is in the range of 50–75 cm. The weight of such a horse does not exceed 60 kg. The Falabella pony is a typical ornamental animal that willingly plays with children, has a good-natured character and a calm disposition.

Pinto

Pinto horses are difficult to classify as a separate breed. They stand out in the American classification of horses and unite representatives of various breeds of spotted color. There are no special features in the exterior or structure of Pinto horses. This breed type includes purebred piebald horses, Arabian breeds, pleasure horses, and quarter horses, which are popular in the USA. There are 2 subgroups of ponies in the Pinto breed: from 86–142 cm and up to 86 cm at the withers.

The smallest horse in the world

The smallest horse in the world is a representative of the Pinto breed named Einstein. At birth, the foal weighed only 2.7 kg and was 36 centimeters tall. Now the weight of the miniature horse is already 28 kilograms. However, Einstein is not the only contender for the title of record holder. His main competitors are the horse Tumbelina, born in 2001 with a weight of 4 kg (now her weight is 26 kilograms) and the miniature pony Bella, born with a weight of 4 kg and a height of 38 cm in a special Center for breeding miniature horses.

Horse care and nutrition

Keeping a pony is not very labor intensive. Animals need a spacious stall, which must be cleaned regularly, constant access to fresh water, and an individual selection of diet, depending on the breed of the horse, its size and activity. The advantage of ponies is their resistance to cold and heat, which allows them to be kept outdoors most of the time.

In summer, animals can eat pasture. They also willingly eat concentrated feed, hay, straw, and vegetables. To feed animals, nurseries must be equipped in stalls. Pony food is served 2 times a day, dividing the daily portion into 2 equal parts. Water in drinking bowls, if it is not supplied automatically, is changed 3 times a day.

Well, who among us didn’t dream of riding a pony as a child? It is not surprising that the small, toy-looking horses have a firmly established reputation as children's horses. However, their touching eyes hide a huge spirit, and a small body hides great strength. Children's horses can withstand very difficult physical exercise and can carry heavy loads with ease. Find out with us who the horses called ponies really are.

In the broad sense of the word, a pony is a small horse, whose height in the traditional classification does not exceed 152 cm. The name itself comes from French, where it means “foal.” However, the smallest size is very small to bear such a name. There are a lot of short ones that cannot be classified as this subspecies. For example, the same low Arabian horses, whose height at the withers can be less than 152 cm, or many local steppe or forest breeds.

Real ponies have a number of features. Their most important distinguishing feature from an ordinary horse is their disproportionately short legs compared to the size of the body and the depth of the body. Because of this, the ponies' stride is much shorter and shallower; from the outside it seems that they are mincing. They also have a fairly large head in relation to their height. For more details on how they look, watch the video from Vyacheslav Kolm.

All ponies are divided into 5 types according to height:

• A – up to 117 cm;
• H – 117-127 cm;
• C – 127-137 cm;
• D – 137-148 cm;
• E – 148-157 cm.

Origin story

Today there are dozens of pony breeds in the world, distributed throughout the world. However, hippologists still cannot say exactly where and when this type of horse originated. There is a version that their homeland is the European rocky islands and the territory of the Scandinavian countries. Experts are confident that the pony’s short stature and unprepossessing appearance are the result of long-term living in harsh, vegetation-poor conditions. This is what explains the incredible endurance and strength of these horses.

Scientists consider the prehistoric horse Solutre to be the most ancient ancestor of all modern ponies.

Main species and breeds

All pony breeds differ in type, origin and use. Today, many countries have their own little horses. Some of them are created by Mother Nature, others are the result of targeted selection. For example, typical “aboriginals” are widespread in Indonesia, Japan, China, and some northern regions of Europe.

However, perhaps the most significant contribution to pony breeding was made by Great Britain. Only here the modern classification includes 9 breeds: these are the well-known Shetland Pony, Exmoor, Welsh, Dale, Fell and others. Let's look at some of them in more detail.

Polo and riding ponies represent a separate group. The first ones were bred by infusing the blood of an Arabian and purebred horse breed. They are distinguished by their strong build and height at the withers of about 150 cm. Pony riding horses are the result of crossing polo ponies with a purebred English breed. They have a height of 145 to 147 cm and are distinguished by a pronounced riding physique.

Use and breeding

The name “underground horse” is firmly attached to the Shetland ponies. This is due to a certain period in the history of their development, when little workers were used in coal mines to transport trolleys. When a law was passed in 1847 banning the use of women and children in mines, dwarf horses became an indispensable labor force underground. As historical data indicate, in the 1930s more than 16,000 Shetland ponies worked in English mines. They began to be used in other branches of human activity only at the end of the 20th century.

Ponies are strong and have great strength: per unit weight, they can develop a pulling force 1.5 times greater than horses of heavy draft breeds.

Today, small horses are extremely popular in children's equestrian sports. There is a real pony boom in our country: it is difficult to find an equestrian club or stable that does not have this cute horse. Ponies are used in children's show jumping and dressage, in runs and races. A separate type of polo pony is used for playing polo. In addition, the Shetland pony was used in breeding, in particular, for breeding the shortest horse - the falabella.

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28.02.2018

Concluding our short review on the topic of horses and their place in modern peasant farming, I could not ignore another representative of them - pony. Most people nowadays perceive these miniature horses as funny decorative animals that do not have any practical use. There is an opinion that the main purpose of ponies is the entertainment business (participation in circus and show programs, rides for children and adults, presence as an exotic character in film and photography, etc.). This is both true and false.

There are ponies living in the wild, which are a subspecies of horses characterized by their small stature, endurance and unpretentiousness. Their ancestors are wild horses ( Equus ferus caballus). These ponies were formed over a long period naturally, living in areas with harsh climatic conditions and limited food resources, as well as as a result of performing hard work. In addition, there are dwarf horses bred by humans for decorative purposes. Today, about twenty breeds of such mini-horses are known.

The smallest of them is the breed falabella, bred in the 19th century through long-term selection. Representatives of this breed retain the same proportions as riding horses, but the height of adult animals is 40–75 cm at the withers, and their weight reaches only 20–60 kg. With such physical characteristics, they have no practical use, so they often serve as a companion animal, especially since such a horse lives for 40 - 45 years! The animals are very smart and easy to train. They are sometimes used as guide animals for the blind.

A striking representative of real ponies is one of the oldest breeds - shetland pony. This is the most common breed throughout the world, as well as the strongest and most resilient. It was formed about two thousand years ago in the north of Scotland (Shetland Islands), in conditions of a damp, cold climate and poor nutrition. Since the beginning of the domestication of Shetland ponies, they were used for ordinary rural work, transporting peat and various goods, and then for heavy work in coal mines. Each year, each horse traveled about 4,500 km underground and brought more than 3,000 tons of coal and rock to the surface. As a result of the influence of specific climate conditions and the peculiarities of the use of animals, the characteristic appearance of the Shetland pony has developed. The description of the animal looks like this: it is a long-haired, stunted horse of the draft type, of rough constitution, with a massive head and thick short legs. The body of the Shetland pony is short and very muscular, which allows the animal to transport a rider or a load weighing 30–40% of its own without harm to the health. Shetland ponies weigh about 200 kg, and the height at the withers is 65 - 107 cm. The color can be any, but bay, black, and piebald are more common. These horses are very kind and easy to train. Often used as children's riding ponies. Life expectancy, like that of large horses, is limited to 25–30 years.

Breed fell formed in northern England, and has been known since the Roman occupation of Britain. At that time, these small horses were used to transport building materials and products. Later, after the Roman retreat, Fell ponies were very popular among poor Englishmen who could not afford to keep a large horse. Fell ponies are very hardy and undemanding to the quality of food. In the twentieth century, the breed was almost lost due to the decline in its role in the transportation of goods. The height of these animals reaches 142 cm, and their weight can be about 350 kg. Fell ponies are also used as riding horses. They are capable of developing the same speed as their tall relatives. They are distinguished by speed, stability and endurance. They have a light, energetic step, a playful trot and good gaits, making the animals very convenient for horseback riding. Nowadays, Fells are popular as show jumping horses and are used for training young riders, as they have a smooth and comfortable ride. The animals are distinguished by their easy-going disposition, energetic temperament, hard work, and are very unpretentious to their living conditions. The fell pony's mane is very fluffy and silky, and above the hooves there is a thick fringe of long hair. The most common ponies are bay, black, brown, and less often - gray.

Welsh or Welsh pony formed on the rocky plateaus of northern Wales in the 15th century BC. During the reign of the Roman Empire, the breed was crossed with eastern horses, and after the return of the crusader knights from the Middle East, the blood of Arabian horses began to flow into the Welsh ponies. All these events were reflected in their appearance: the animals acquired more refined, graceful features and a characteristic “Arabian” profile, while maintaining their short stature and unique features of the breed. Welsh dogs are in particular demand among breeders, as they combine well with representatives of other breeds and pass on their best qualities by inheritance.

The Welsh pony breed combines four intra-breed types: type A (height up to 122 cm) - they are used for riding children, they are very obedient; type B (height at the withers up to 137 cm) – very playful at the trot, therefore they often participate in races on a par with large horses; type C (height from 137 cm) - have a large admixture of Arab blood and are used both for horse racing and in light teams; type D - these are essentially not ponies, their growth is not limited, they are created by crossing with ordinary horses - they are used mainly for show jumping due to their very good developed ability to jumping. The color of Welsh ponies is often light - red, dun, gray.

descends from European forest and Celtic ponies that came from Norway to Iceland thanks to the Vikings. Local residents highly valued the endurance of small horses, capable of making long journeys with a load, being content with only pasture (mosses, lichens, fallen leaves) along the way.

A distinctive feature of this breed is their ability to move in five gaits: walk, trot, gallop, amble, and tolt. Telt, in which the horse moves smoothly, was especially valued. These horses were used to transport babies, wounded people and women. The Icelandic pony is very attached to its home and always tries to return.

The height of these animals does not exceed 140 cm, and their weight is 300 – 330 kg. The pony's head is large, tapering towards the muzzle; the neck and body are wide and muscular; the wool is dense, not wet; The hair of the mane and tail is very hard. The most common colors are black, brown, bay, piebald, and gray.

Wild Eskmoor pony lived on the moors of Exmoor and Devon (England) since the end ice age. Now these are endangered mountain swamp ponies, of which there are about 300 animals left. Distinctive feature These animals have a light color on their lips and nostrils. The color is bay with light areas around the eyes and on the belly. Height at the withers is 114 – 130 cm. These horses were not used by humans on a large scale; isolated cases of their participation in agility (a type of sports competition) and work in a mine are known. They have no economic significance now.

Concluding my story, I want to dwell on several important features inherent in most ponies. All of them, thanks to their past, are very unpretentious in keeping and feeding. In winter, ponies grow long and very thick hair, and therefore ponies are not afraid of the cold. They eat little, and if there is no restriction in food, they quickly become overfed and suffer from obesity. Feeding with concentrates can lead to protein poisoning and, as a consequence, laminitis (outwardly it looks very scary - the pony’s hoof shoe comes off and the animal has to be cut for meat). All ponies, and this is especially true for Shetland ponies, have a very strong hoof horn, which on our soil (not rocky) is weakly abraded, so it needs regular trimming and clearing. If this is not done, the hooves will grow and become deformed, which can lead to arthritis and crooked joints.

All ponies have a very flexible disposition, but nothing horsey is alien to them, so you shouldn’t relax - treat them with care, but strictly and demandingly. Don't let the pony become the main one in your tandem. The timing of maturation of the body and the time for learning various working skills for ponies are the same as for large horses. I have already talked about this in detail in previous articles.

If you need an assistant, but the purchase, maintenance and services of a large horse on your farm are unprofitable, then a pony will be an excellent solution. Although the cost of a pony is now not much different from the price of a tall animal (from 350 to 2500 in dollar equivalent), sometimes, on occasion, it can be bought for quite affordable money. For housework I would recommend a Shetland pony. In its work it is quite practical: it can transport harvested crops from the garden, deliver feed, hill up potatoes, weed various crops with wide row spacing, and perform many other various tasks. At the same time, the pleasure of communicating with him is no less than with a big horse. The strength of emotions does not depend on the mass of the animal!

If you have any questions while reading this material, you can ask them in mine or on.

Chuguevets Vitaly