Intro
Not native to Australia, but historically significant the Australian Timor Pony is a handsome, robust little horse.
Origins
Imported to Australia in the early 19th century, they are native to Timor Island from which they take their name. The smallest of Indonesian breeds, Timor Ponies are descendants of animals from China brought over during the 7th century. Now highly adapted to life on Timor, the ponies are well known for their strength to size ratio. They may be small, but they can carry heavy loads over difficult terrain with ease.
Their strength, agility and ability to handle the harsh Australian conditions made them popular for a variety of uses and they began to import larger numbers as the 19th century wore on. Often used as pack animals for explorers and miners, they made their way to most of the Australian colonies.
Adaptable enough to be used as everything from children’s mounts to cattle ponies, the Timor breed has contributed their genetics to the betterment of Australian equine populations, including the Waler. Said to be descendants of two truly wild horse breeds, the now extinct Tarpan and Przewalski’s Horse, they share an ancestor with some of the ancient pony types found in the UK and on the Iberian Peninsula.
Modern Timor Influence
Today’s Australian Pony was highly influenced by the Timor, initially bred with the Carpathian Pony, Thoroughbred, Shetland and Welsh Ponies. Today they fall under the Waler Horse Owners and Breeders Association Inc. and Australian Pony Stud Book.
Rare Treasure
While their genetics live on in modern breeds, there are very few Australian Timor animals left in captivity. A small feral herd can still be found in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula.
Features
Average height 10 – 12 hands
Physique
Head is small with a straight profile
Ears are small
Neck is short and muscular
Back is short
Chest is deep
Legs are sturdy with good joints
Feet are shapely and hard
Traditional Colors
Most solid colors
Temperament
Calm and kind
Enthusiastic and brave
Use
Riding
Cattle horse
Transportation
Helpful Links
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Waler Horse Owners and Breeders Association of Australia
Rare Breeds Trust of Australia
Australia Pony Stud Book Society