Australian Pony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Australian Pony | ||
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| Country of origin: | Australia | |
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| Greatly influenced by the Arabian and the native British breeds, especially the Welsh Pony | ||
The Australian Pony developed, as its namesake suggests, in Australia. Since the continent has no native breeds, all horses that now live there are from imported stock, which first arrived in 1788 on the ship First Fleet from South Africa. In 1803, the first Timor Ponies arrived from Indonesia, and provided the foundation stock for the breed. The Australian Pony also had later influence from the Welsh Mountain Pony, Hackney pony, Arabian, Shetland Pony, Highland Pony, Connemara Pony, Exmoor Pony, and from small Thoroughbreds. Stallions of influence include:
- Sir Thomas and Dennington Court: Two Exmoor stallions who were imported in the mid-1800s
- Bonnie Charlie: Hungarian stallion
- Dyoll Greylight: Welsh Mountain Pony who arrived in 1911, is considered the founding sire and passed on his excellent looks to his offspring
In 1931, the Australian Pony Stud Book Society was formed. Today, the pony is mainly used as children's mounts and for novices. They are especially successful in dressage, eventing, show jumping, combined driving, gymkhana, mounted games, and are extensively shown.
Australian Ponies are of great quality, strongly showing the refining from Arabian and Welsh Mountain Pony influence. They usually have a good stride and excellent conformation. The head is distinctly pony, with large eyes, the neck is well-set, the shoulders are nicely sloping, giving the breed their longer stride and good jumping ability. The chest is deep, the barrel is round. The legs are short and strong, with dense bone. The ponies stand between 12-14 hh, and are usually gray, although they may be any color except pinto.
