Carlyon Pony

Intro

The Carlyon Pony was not an official breed, they were the result of imported Exmoor Ponies crossed with local animals of New Zealand.

Origins

A herd of Exmoor Ponies were imported to Hawkes Bay, New Zealand in the mid 19th century by one Major George Gwavas Carlyon. He crossed his ponies with local animals to create the Carlyon Pony, a hardy and robust type, notable for being sure footed. Later, Welsh blood was introduced and this cross produced the Comet Horse (named for a Welsh stallion). Some of the Comets made their way into the wild, where today they are still feral and called Kaimanawa horses.

While his intentions were not bad, when Donald McLean introduced his Welsh blood, it signaled the beginning of the end for Carlyon Ponies. They were essentially cross-bred into extinction and what remains of their genetics runs wild in the Kaimanawa Mountains.

Features

Average height 11.3-13.3 hands

Physique

Head has a straight profile
Neck is medium length
body is rather fine
Legs are robust

Traditional Colors

Generally bay or brown, sometimes mealy

Temperament

Calm and enduring
Willing and brave

Use

Riding
Pack animal
Light agriculture