Intro
The history of this breed dates back to the early 19th century when the first settlers arrived with horses and 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 and Welsh Cob type, Arabian, Timor, Hungarian and Exmoor ponies.
In 1931 the Australian Pony Stud Book Society was formed to establish and document a standard of type. The stud book contains the records of many different pony breeds and the Australian pony section encompassed the British mountain and Moorland pony breeds along with stock bred in Australia.
Today this pony is endangered and according to the DAD-IS in 2022 there were 5,000 left.
Features
Average height 11 – 14 hands
Action is smooth and free
Physique
Head should be alert with a flat forehead
Neck is slightly crested, long and fine
Back is strong with a deep girth
Tail is well-set and carried high
Legs are strong and fine with well-shaped joints
Hooves are strong and neat
Traditional Colors
Any color is allowed (except pinto patterns) although grey is preferred
Temperament
Alert and sensible
Even tempered and often used as a children’s horse
Use
Riding pony
Show pony
Eventing pony
Driving pony
Mounted games
Helpful Links
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Pony Club Australia
Australian Sport Pony Registry
Australian Stud Saddle Pony Society
Australian Pony Studs
Australian Pony Stud Book Society
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