Pony breeds from A to Z. Shetland pony: description of the breed, care features and breeding
The pony subspecies of the domestic horse differs from its relative in its low stature (80-140 cm). The name of the animal is translated from English as “little horse.” Ponies are very hardy, they have a powerful neck and short legs. Among the approximately 20 breeds bred in the world, the most famous are the Shetland, Falabella, American, Scottish and Welsh ponies. Among them there are both riding and light-harness varieties. The most interesting, for example, are the little Shetland ponies, which can be up to 65 cm tall. This breed was bred on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and although it is miniature, it is capable of carrying heavy loads.
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A characteristic feature of ponies is their low stature (80-140 cm), strong neck, short limbs and endurance. Externally, a pony looks exactly like a horse, only it is a miniature copy of it. In Russia, this concept includes horses with a height of 100-110 cm, in Germany - up to 120 cm, in Great Britain - up to 147.3 cm.
Nutritional Features
Ponies have a small stomach, so frequent meals in small portions are suitable for them. At the same time, there must be plenty of clean water, and the feeders must be cleanly washed. If animals spend all their time on grass, then it will become the basis of their diet, since it is absorbed by the pony’s body very easily.
Diet
But so that the food is not monotonous and the horse does not get bored, something is periodically added to it. Thus, carrots and apples have a beneficial effect on pony digestion, sugar beets contain various useful energy-intensive substances, and alfalfa, barley, ground sunflower, rapeseed with vitamins, bran and soybeans will become a source of fiber.
Pony diet Power volume
It is determined by physical activity, place of detention, living conditions and time of year. In the summer, the pony should not overeat, and in the winter and early spring, in addition to high-quality hay, he will additionally need concentrated food and vitamins.
Pony nutrition volume Spreading
Ponies first appeared on islands in Europe, in the north of Scandinavia and the south of France. Sturdy, stunted, shaggy, unpretentious horses formed on rocky islands, where humid Atlantic winds blow and vegetation for grazing is poor. It was in the south of France that the remains of the oldest Solutre horses, the ancestors of modern ponies, were discovered.
South of France Common types
Currently, about 20 breeds of ponies have been bred, among which there are riding and light-drawn breeds.
Shetland pony
A frisky little horse that originated on the Shetland Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The height at the withers is 65-110 cm. This miniature draft horse has short thick legs, a heavy head, a wide body, thick hair and a long lush mane with a tail. The Shetland is very popular as a children's riding pony. It is also used in equestrian sports.
Shetland pony The suit is varied, the most common is piebald, when large white spots are located on the main background of any color, as well as black and light gray suits.
Scottish pony
The Scottish or Highland pony or garron is divided into three types: the small pony (height 122-132 cm), the Scottish riding pony (132-140 cm), and the largest Mayland pony (142-147 cm).
Scottish pony Welsh pony
The Welsh pony was known even under Julius Caesar. There are the Welsh mountain pony, whose height does not exceed 122 cm, the medium pony (110-136 cm) and the Welsh cob for equestrian polo (137-159 cm).
Welsh pony Exmoor pony
This species is also known as the Celtic Pony, and is a semi-wild, ancient draft breed of small horse with a height of 114 to 125 cm. It was bred in Exmoor and Devon. It is characterized by a bay and brown color with lightening near the nostrils, the so-called “muzzle in oatmeal.”
Exmoor pony Icelandic pony
This is a versatile pure breed, with a maximum height of 137 cm and a minimum height of 100 cm and below. Icelandic ponies are black and bay, and occasionally dun (yellowish-golden or sandy) or mousey (ash color).
Icelandic pony Pony class
This is a group of riding ponies that have been improved by Arabian and thoroughbred riding stallions. The height is up to 147 cm and above, all kinds of colors. These ponies are strong and strong, suitable for equestrian polo and show jumping, eventing, and vaulting.
Pony class Male and female: main differences
As such, sexual dimorphism in ponies is not expressed; males and females of all breeds look the same in appearance.
Male and female: main differences Behavior
Ponies are descendants of wild subspecies of primitive horses. These cute horses were formed in the harsh climate of northern Scandinavia on rocky islands, poor in vegetation and food, which are penetrated through by cold Atlantic winds. That is why these shaggy-haired horse breeds are unpretentious, small, patient and hardy. Over time, ponies spread across many territories.
Pony behavior Pony use
It is generally accepted that ponies are only suitable for children's entertainment. They can often be found in a park or zoo, at an equestrian school and at rentals. But in ancient times, these stocky, strong animals were kept and used for work and transporting heavy loads. These patient animals lived in the mines, without light, in coal dust and soot, and worked hard along with people.
Pony use Pony in sports
Ponies also participate in sports competitions, racing, jumping, overcoming obstacles and other types of equestrian sports.
Pony in sports Reproduction
Reproduction of ponies today is a selection process. Horses are selected for mating, taking into account certain parameters that need to be obtained in the desired breed. The female's estrus lasts several days, when she mates with the male. Stallions are attracted to the specific scents of females. Males court their darlings, initiate mating games, persistently attract their attention, gently tickle the sides and shoulders of their girlfriends with their teeth, and also sniff them.
Pony breeding Length of pregnancy
The duration of pregnancy is about 11 months.
Offspring
The female gives birth to one or two sighted babies, who within a few minutes stand on their feet and make their first attempts to walk.
Lifespan
Ponies live longer than horses, 40-45 years, depending on living conditions, care and maintenance.
Pony lifespan Threats
Since people breed ponies everywhere, today there are no threats to the population.
Threats - Nowadays there is a widespread belief that ponies are only for children. But before they were always used in work. For example, the Shetland pony is very strong, despite its miniature size. It is capable of carrying a load twenty times its own weight. These ponies worked in the mines and coal mines. One little horse dragged heavily loaded trolleys for 3,000 hours a year, and during this time it moved about 3,000 tons, covering approximately 5,000 km.
- Two ponies became participants in the Olympic Games: Little Model - in dressage competitions (Olympiad 1960 in Rome), and Stroller (Mexico City, 1968). The latter even received a silver medal for jumping.
Many people think that ponies are ordinary horses, just small, but this is not at all true. Ponies are short breed horses, their height at the withers reaches a maximum of 150 cm. Characteristic features are low stature (80-140 cm), powerful neck, short legs, and endurance.
In different countries, horses of different breeds are classified as ponies. The concept of “pony” in Russian hippological literature includes horses with a height at the withers of 100-110 cm and below, although some horses from the above-mentioned breeds are much taller. Abroad, the height scale for ponies is different: in Germany they include horses with a height at the withers of up to 120 cm and below, in England - up to 147.3 cm. By English standards, half of the horse breeds in the world can be classified as ponies, including almost all Russian ones.
The smallest pony is the Falabella. Their height at the withers is only 60 cm on average. Externally, the physique is similar to riding horses. You can't ride them, but mini ponies can pull carts.
Origin
It is believed that the first ponies appeared in the north of Scandinavia and on the current territory of the Camargue nature reserve (islands in the Rhone River delta in southern France). In the conditions of rocky islands, blown by constant winds and poor in vegetation suitable for grazing, a breed of strong, short, shaggy, unpretentious horses was formed. It was in the south of France that the remains of the oldest horse, the Solutre, were discovered. This is the prehistoric ancestor of very ancient horse breeds, the direct descendants of which are modern ponies. It is assumed that various breeds of ponies, especially in Europe, descended from a wild subspecies of horse (lat. Equus ferus caballus).
Appearance
These horses, both in ancient times and in our time, had a squat stance, short legs, often shaggy, and a large, strong body covered with thick hair. Their short stature allowed the animals to search for grass and root crops in the frozen northern soils, and their thick coat made the ponies resistant to the cold. The peculiarity of ponies is that when moving, small horses raise their legs higher than ordinary horses. Their hooves are very strong; ponies do not need horseshoes. Another external feature is beautiful long bangs and a thick mane.
Usage
Nowadays, people associate ponies with entertainment and children's parties. In fact, the pony is a workhorse. The Bosnian mountain pony is still used in the Balkans for light agricultural work and in harness, as well as for carrying loads and under saddle. It is often used as a pack animal because it has a confident stride across terrain where the use of motor vehicles is impossible. He is hardy and persistent, comfortable for the rider and has a calm character.
The Shetland (or Shetland) pony was formerly very widely used in England. This miniature horse can carry a load weighing 20 times its own weight. In the past, these ponies had to work in mines and underground coal mines. There were almost 16,000 Shetland ponies working in England alone. A small horse dragged a heavily loaded trolley for 3,000 hours a year, transporting up to 3,000 tons a year and covering almost 5,000 km.
Breeds and species
American Shetland Pony
Batak pony
Basotho pony
Bardigiano pony
Barm pony (shan)
Basque pony, or pottok
Bosnian mountain pony
Galician pony
Gakne pony
Garrano pony, or mingo
Hutsul pony (hutsul)
Galiceno
Gotlan pony
Dales
Dulmen ponies
Icelandic pony
Caspian pony
Connemara pony
Kathiyawari
Landish pony
Welsh ponies
Highland pony
Shetland pony
Exmoor ponies
Small horses called “ponies” are incredibly popular today and are found in almost every equestrian club. These cute unusual horses have become an integral part of childhood. Well, who among you, as a child, did not dream of riding a pony? But, as it turns out, initially these horses were not used for children at all, but for hard work in the mines. We invite you to discover their wonderful world, as well as get acquainted with the diversity of breeds, with us.
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Peculiarities
The name "pony" comes from French and means "foal". However, in fact, for a horse to be called that, it is not enough to be short in stature. All these horses have a number of features. Today in the world there are many species and breeds that differ not only in origin and type, but also in appearance. There are breeds of ponies that were created by nature itself without human intervention - aboriginal, and there are also those that are the result of careful selection.
Origin
Scientists are confident that the first species of ponies appeared in the north of Scandinavia and on the islands of Europe. The appearance, as well as the short stature of these horses, is due to the harsh and sometimes even extreme living conditions. Rocky terrain, scarce food and poor soil, severe frosts and wind - all this played a major role in the formation of indigenous pony species. That is why they are particularly resilient and unpretentious.
Ponies are considered the ancestors of ancient primitive horses, for example, Solutre. The northern European type is descended from the tundra pony and is today preserved in the Exmoor type. Scientists are confident that most of the known breeds today are the result of crossing Exmoor with southern European horses.
Appearance
In the broadest sense, the word “pony” is a small horse whose height at the withers, by average standards, does not exceed 1.47 m. But not every short horse can be called a pony, since the latter have a number of features. For example, in addition to their small stature, ponies are characterized by disproportionately small legs compared to the body. They have heavy bones, often a large head, thick outer hair, a long tail and mane.
Different countries have their own growth limits for ponies. So, for example, in the UK they include horses with a height of less than 1.47 m, in Germany - 1.2 m, and in Russia - 1.1 m.
Kinds
Looking at the different breeds of short horses, you will notice that many of them differ in certain traits. Depending on this, several types are distinguished.
| Name | Photo | Description |
| Sports |  | These horses have a more harmonious and elegant physique. They are the result of selective breeding with the horse. Used in sports in various disciplines. Example, Welsh. |
| Show pony |  | These horses have especially beautiful gaits and a high stride, which is why they are used in shows. |
| Local or aboriginal |  | These horses have a strong build, often thick hair, and strong legs. Places of residence well adapted to harsh climates, hardy. |
| Polo pony |  | Riding horses that were bred for playing polo. Today they are also used for other equestrian disciplines. Improved by the influx of Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions. |
| Horse |  | The result of selection of small Thoroughbred mares with half-stallions or Dartmoor and Welsh mares with Thoroughbred stallions. Popular in children's horse racing, as in the video below (Global_Star_TV_Russia) |
Shetlandic
This is the most numerous and famous breed of pony, the favorite of all children and tireless workers of parks and circuses. In addition, it is one of the most ancient breeds, which originated in the harsh conditions of the north of Scotland - on the Shetland Islands. Already in the Middle Ages, they were known as “Shelties” - small but very hardy horses, capable of carrying a load five times their own weight. They gained particular popularity after 1847, when England banned female and child labor in mines. At the same time, small but very strong animals began to be used in mines.
As for appearance, the Shetland pony has a small head with a straight profile, a medium-length, strong neck, and a short, wide back. They also have a broad chest, but a short loin and a narrow, long croup. Very lush and dense mane and tail protect animals in harsh climates. There are different colors, but the most common ones are dark: black, brown, bay, and less often karak. Height at the withers should not exceed 1.07 m.
Welsh
The Welsh is the most versatile type of pony and is highly intelligent, trainable and loyal to humans. They are tall and graceful, and for their narrow muzzle with large eyes and high-set tail they received the nickname “Arabs in miniature.” Welsh horses are also very ancient horses, with ancestors dating back to 1600 BC. There are suggestions that they are descendants of the Celtic ponies. As a separate breed, Welsh ponies originate from North Wales and were indispensable assistants to local residents: they worked on farms, in coal mines, drove carriages and were even used in war.
In 1902, a stud book was approved and all Welshmen were divided into 4 groups according to height. The first two (A and B) today still belong to the pony type, and the second two (C and D) belong to the cob type. Type A horses do not exceed 1.22 m in height and are used for small children. Type B horses are taller, up to 1.37 m, and are used in equestrian sports for children. The Welsh Pony has a small head, a concave profile, a muscular back and strong legs. The color is most often gray, dun or bay.
Exmoor
These horses are the oldest inhabitants of the peat bogs and heathers of Great Britain in the counties of Devon and Somerset. They still live here semi-wildly, although they are one of the popular types of riding ponies. Today Exmoors are considered exemplary ponies: they are strong, energetic, strong. Good foot placement indicates natural balance. Like other breeds, they are widely used in children's equestrian sports.
The height at the withers is approximately 1.27 m, the color is brown, saurasai or bay with characteristic red tan markings on the muzzle. They have a strong body, a noble head with characteristic large and slightly protruding eyes, a strong neck with good projection, a wide chest, and a wide, even back. The limbs are short with neat, strong hooves.
Exmoors are the only horses that have one extra molar - a sign of the primitive structure of the jaw.
Icelandic
These northern horses have a slightly rough appearance: heavy head, short neck, muscular elongated body, short legs, reddish-gray color. However, their slightly unsightly appearance is fully compensated by their incredible endurance and very good movement. In addition to the usual gaits, they have the ability to run at a hasty high trot - a telt, which is especially popular in various horse shows.
Height at the withers is on average from 1.3 to 1.37 m, although the Icelanders themselves consider their horses to be horses, not ponies. Another important feature is the huge variety of colors, there are even such unusual ones as dark purple in apples or silver-smoky in apples.
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Photo gallery
Video “Little horses in the circus”
Ponies are very smart and quick-witted animals, so it is not surprising that they are participants in many circus acts. We offer you to watch interesting pony training in the video from CircusUkraine.
Who among us did not dream of our own pony as a child? Until now, children want to have their own little horse and beg their parents for it. If you are faced with such a request, then think about the possibility of fulfilling it. Because a pony will be a good partner in games for children. An animal can teach your child useful things.
A pony can be a great friend for a child
What are the benefits of horse riding?
- confidence;
- discipline;
- responsibility;
- friendliness;
- caring;
- coordination.
The children develop their bodies, which has a positive effect on their health. Communication with a small horse can have a positive effect on children, but friendly relations between them will not arise instantly. Parents face the difficult task of raising children even before purchasing a pony. Below are some recommendations that will help a child and a little horse become true friends.
Horseback riding is very good for your health
Breeds
Horse breeds whose representatives are short in stature began to be called ponies. Small animals (up to 1.5 m) are native to different islands. In the Russian Federation, these include horses of various miniature breeds. In domestic written sources on horse breeding, this group includes animals with a height of up to 1.1 m. However, not all known breeds of ponies fall under this criterion. In other countries, sizing criteria are different. In Germany, this is the name for all horses up to 1.3 m tall, in Great Britain - up to 1.473 m.
There are now approximately 20 different pony breeds around the world. Children love to spend time with them. Small horses are used in some sports disciplines.
Different countries have different standards for identifying ponies.
Welsh ponies
The hills of North Wales are the homeland of this breed of pony. They were named based on this fact. There are many mysterious moments and blind spots in the history of the origin of the breed. There is a version that horses began to appear after the arrival of Roman soldiers. They crossed horses from the east and small local ones. This led to the fact that the ponies began to display features characteristic of Arabian horses. For many years, horses were exploited for various purposes:
- work on farms;
- labor in mines;
- a riding school run by wealthy families in England.
At the very beginning of the 20th century, a book dedicated to ponies and cobs was published in Great Britain. Each of them was given two sections. Now Welsh ponies are used in breeding work, where they help improve the quality characteristics of other breeds of short horses. They are also very popular in special sports where the riders are children. It is widespread in the New and Old Worlds, as well as in New Zealand.
The Welsh pony has a very beautiful appearance
The external characteristics of the two varieties of Welsh ponies are similar:
- small head;
- huge expressive eyes;
- wide nostrils;
- small ears;
- developed back muscles;
- the tail is well set on the large croup;
- muscular legs;
- strong hooves;
- height at the withers up to 1.23-1.37 m;
- nightingale, red, bay or gray color.
Welsh ponies also have distinctive features. Their movements are free and high, and their gaits are soft. Their temperament is flexible, which makes them ideal partners for children. The memorable and bright exterior became the reason for their participation in various show rings.
The second variety of Welsh ponies has its own subtleties. Their height at the withers is no higher than 1.35 m. For many centuries they lived in mountainous areas, which contributed to the formation of a dense physique, strong legs and ingenuity. All this, coupled with the well-known local temperament, created the ideal horse for small riders. Mountain ponies are found in many countries: from Britain to Australia. The most pronounced features are the following:
- small head;
- graceful ears with sharp ends;
- huge bulging eyes;
- wide forehead;
- the ganache border is clear;
- the profile is strongly or slightly concave;
- a long neck on slanting shoulders;
- the withers have clear boundaries;
- limbs stand wide, their bones are flat;
- round small hooves;
- high tail set.
Welsh pony appeared in the highlands
The ponies move in a straight line that looks active and free. The joints have good mobility. For many generations, horses helped farms: they transported goods and participated in grazing livestock in difficult mountain landscapes. Natural and artificial selection have left exceptionally hardy and harmoniously built ponies. These qualities, coupled with the character of their ancestors from the highlands, affected the Welsh breed ponies for the better.
Shetland ponies
The Shetland breed is one of the oldest on Earth. Ponies are characterized by their small size, strong build, good stamina and productivity, and the ability to adapt to any environmental conditions. Animals with short legs, stocky, and their height is 1.02-1.07 m. Ponies are found in zoos, squares, equestrian sections and rentals. Despite their small size, the horses of this breed of ponies are very strong. They are capable of carrying heavy loads that are 20 times their own weight.
In ancient times, this breed was used to work in mines and mines. In Great Britain, approximately 16 thousand ponies were used.
The Shetland pony is resistant to climatic conditions
This breed took a long time to form, as the animals lived on the Shetland Islands. Until the 19th century, purebred breeding was carried out. In the mid-19th century, ponies spread to Britain and Scotland. At the same time, mixed breeds began to be bred. Therefore, they were divided into two classes: “A” – height at the withers 1.07 m (main type), “B” height at the withers 1.07-1.20 m (ennobled type).
In 1890, a stud book was created for the first time, where records were kept of Shetland ponies in England, and later in other countries. Approximately 3,200 newborn small horses are brought in each year. Purebred animals are usually black in color.
A pony is a type of horse distinguished by its short stature. These animals also differ from ordinary horses in their life expectancy. So, a healthy representative of the breed can live from 45 to 55 years, which is very impressive. Despite the many advantages of ponies, keeping them and choosing the right animal has some nuances.
Shetland pony
Choosing a future pet
Buying a mini horse requires a responsible approach. If you have decided to purchase a baby for your home, it is worth considering several nuances:
Price
It is worth understanding that a healthy horse cannot cost several times less than animals with documents and a pedigree. When purchasing, you should also not look for the most expensive horse.
Saving when buying a pony is not encouraged, otherwise the pet may be sick and suffer from all sorts of disorders, have very brittle bones and curvatures of the spine and legs.
Breeders
Breeders with a good reputation are also important. It is impossible to buy from such people an animal that does not have pure breed. And this factor is the most important. The breeder must provide a photo or the opportunity to personally meet the baby’s parents. In this case, you can make sure that the breed of the small pony corresponds to the declared one.
Breed
In Russia there is a fairly wide range of pony breeds. The most popular are:
- Arabic;
- Mountain;
- Shetland;
- Welsh;
- And forest ones.
The Shetland is considered the smallest breed. But the most easy-to-care and calm breed is the mountain pony. If you are looking for a hardy and strong pet, then the forest breed is perfect. Welsh ponies are distinguished by their excellent intelligence and outstanding intelligence. The Arabian breed will be able to transport large loads and develop high running speed.
Examination by a doctor
Before purchasing a horse, it is most advisable to have it professionally examined by a veterinarian. This will allow you to understand how well the horse’s health meets your requirements. Very often, small horses suffer from diseases that even the breeders themselves do not know about.
Outer beauty
The appearance of a pony is far from the main factor on which you should base your choice of horse. The breed and its characteristics are much more important.
Ponies, like any other animals, have different personalities. That is why when making a future purchase, you should base it not only on the selection of the breed you like and breeders with a good reputation, but also on the temperament of the horse.
The best choice for a family would be an animal with an easy-going, affectionate, and fairly calm character. Most often, Welsh ponies are purchased for children. They get along well with people and are suitable for sled dogs. Even untrained riders can ride this horse without any problems.
But the Shetland breed, thanks to its immoderate tenderness and intelligence, will become wonderful companions, friends, and pets.
Caring for a pony is very painstaking and requires special persistence and dedication to your pet. When shopping, you should understand that every day the horse will need attention, tenderness and communication with a person. Therefore, before buying such a pet, you need to clearly understand that a lot of time and effort will be required for the baby.
Walking horses A pony is an exotic type of horse. So, you must be prepared for significant financial expenses. They include not only equipment for the animal, but also expenses for proper nutrition, mineral and vitamin supplements, and cleaning products. The costs also include the services of a doctor, because examinations of the horse must be constant, and it is impossible to do without it.
The pony will also not be able to stay far from home. This animal cannot be bought and left on a summer cottage, which you would visit only 2-3 times a week. Small horses require frequent attention and the presence of a person nearby. In order for a pony to be well-mannered and truly obedient and a close friend, the owner must visit him at least twice a day, as well as walk the pet, allowing him to spend time actively and cheerfully. Otherwise, the pony may begin to act up, ruin the beauty around the house, or even tear off the lower layers of siding on the wall of the house, and you will have to buy new ones (note - if this happens, go to the website stroy23.mirdoma.org).
What should you do if you are not ready to purchase, and your child asks for a pony? How to properly explain to a child that such a purchase is impossible?
It's quite simple. The main thing is not to injure your child and explain that such a pet is very expensive and requires a special stall - a cozy house in which it will spend the night.
To compensate, take your baby to the zoo or take him to horseback riding. If the child is still quite dependent and small, then play online games with him where the main character is a pony. For example, you can find everything you are interested in about ponies and have a fun time.
And remember - we are responsible for those we have tamed!
Pony in sports
