Pony

Centuries ago, herds of wild ponies roamed across Britain, and in 1060, Canute’s Forest Law makes mention of ponies living in the forests along the English coast. Welsh mares were later introduced in an attempt to upgrade the bloodlines, but perhaps the most notable influence came in the 1760s from the Thoroughbred stallion Marske, sire of the outstanding racehorse, Eclipse. Other British pony breeds contributed bloodlines to the New Forest Pony, including the Galloway, Dales, Fells, Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Welsh, as well as the Arabian. Today’s New Forest Pony makes an agile and reliable riding pony for children and small adults.

Conformation:

Head may be either “horse-like” or “pony-like.” Long, sloping shoulder. Deep body. Powerful, well-muscled hindquarters. Sturdy, straight legs. Tough, hard hooves.

Characteristics:

Long stride for a pony. Prominent colors are bay, brown and gray.

Temperament:

Intelligent. Agreeable, easy-going and willing to please. Good family pony.

How tall is it?

12 to 14.2 hands

What can I use it for?

Riding and driving.

Where does it come from?

England, Europe