Celtic Horse

Intro

There are a number of pony breeds which can be called Celtic, most of them are related to one another on some level. The original was a wild horse found on the British Isles and parts of Western Europe, which as the name suggests, was probably domesticated by the Celts

Origins

The term Celtic horse or pony generally refers to a group of small, native horses with similar characteristics. Found mainly in Western and Northern Europe, the type was small with a thick build and incredible agility. There emerged two fairly distinct types based on geography, essentially the island and continental.

Island Type
Found native throughout the British Isles and includes Connemara, Exmoor and Shetland ponies. Perhaps even the Icelandic ponies have a genetic link.

Continental Type
Evolved in France and along the Iberian Peninsula, today represented by the Garrano, Jaca Navarra and Pottok.

Features

Average height 12.8 hands
Back legs had no chestnuts

Physique

Head has a slightly concave profile that becomes convex towards the nose
Hindquarters are straight

Traditional Colors

Generally black, brown, dun (with primitive markings) and sometimes mealy

Temperament

Intelligent and brave
Spirited and loyal

Use

Riding
Transportation
Pack animal