Banker Pony

Banker Pony

Image from BOBXNC

Intro

The Banker Pony inhabits the Outer Banks of Carolinas and are also called Shackleford ponies, Banker horses & Ocracoke ponies.

Banker Pony

Image from blunderer

Origins

Believed to be descendant of Spanish horses brought by some of the first explorers to the area early in the 16th century.

The initial bloodlines of these animals were undoubtedly influenced by English horses as well as Spanish during early exploration. However, their blood has remained relatively pure due to their isolation

Causing Controversy

The Banker ponies have been the topic of controversy, some conservationists believe that they are destroying their natural habitat & want them removed. While animal activists believe that if the horses have always been there, they should be allowed to stay in their natural habitat.

Currently the horses on these islands are managed (similar to Assateague ponies) to keep numbers at a sustainable level by the National Park Service.

Features

Average height 13 – 14.3 hands
A tough animal with typical hardy Spanish traits

Physique

Head is simple with broad forehead and generally convex profile
Deep, narrow chest & short back
Often lack chestnuts on hind legs

Traditional Colors

black | chestnut | bay | dun | pinto | buckskin

Temperament

Docile and friendly for wild ponies
Willing to learn & easy to train

Banker Pony

Image from BOBXNC

Use

Wild horses
Riding pony
Pleasure pony

Helpful Links

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Shackleford Horses
Ocracoke Island
Visit NC
North Carolina Wild Horses

Where to Buy

National Park Service

Video

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