Intro
The history of this breed dates back to the early 19th century when the first settlers arrived with horses & ponies to work the land. By the early 20th century, crossbreeding of the imported animals had created many solid pony types.
Origins
The main initial contributors to the Australian Pony are English Thoroughbred, Hackney, Welsh Mountain & Cob type, Arabian, Timor, Hungarian & Exmoor ponies.
In 1931 the Australian Pony Stud Book Society was formed to establish & document a standard of type. The stud book contains the records of many different pony breeds & the Australian pony section encompassed the British mountain & Moorland pony breeds along with stock bred in Australia.
Features
Average height 11 – 14 hands
Action is smooth & free
Physique
Head should be alert with a flat forehead
Neck is slightly crested, long & fine
Back is strong with a deep girth
Tail is well-set & carried high
Legs are strong & fine with well-shaped joints
Hooves are strong & neat
Traditional Colors
Any color is allowed (except pinto patterns) although grey is preferred
Temperament
Alert & sensible
Even tempered & often used as a children’s horse
Use
Riding pony
Show pony
Eventing pony
Driving pony
Mounted games
Helpful Links
*All links open in a new window
Pony Club Australia
Australian Sport Pony Registry
Australian Stud Saddle Pony Society
Australian Pony Studs
Australian Pony Stud Book Society