Intro
Similar to the Devon Pack Horse, the Goonhilly Pony was developed as a pack animal. Their home was the Goonhilly Downs in Cornwall, from which they get their name (goon is Cornish for flattish moorland). This breed is extinct.
Origins
Thought to be an ancient breed, Goonhilly Ponies comes from the coast of Cornwall, between Helston and the Lizard Head. It is said that Cornwall was among the last places in Britain to use wheeled carts for transport. Not because they were backwards, but because the pathways were rough and muddy, not conducive to wheels. Until more passable roads could be built, the Cornish used skids. The hardy local ponies excelled at pulling the skids, making them popular with the locals and flourish in the area.
At some point (the date is unclear, but likely mid-to-late 19th century) they faced extinction a first time. A man named John Williams, whose father was a property owner in the area, stepped in to save them. He started a breeding program using hand selected stallions to bolster the bloodlines. Preferring Hackney animals, as crosses with Thoroughbred studs were not found satisfactory for riding or driving.
Sadly, the hardy little Goonhilly again faced extinction and lost the battle, perhaps because of Mr. William’s breeding program itself. It was fashionable in late 19th century Britain to create ‘improvement schemes’ for native ponies. The Goonhilly was one of them and they were essentially bred out of existance.
Features
Average height 11 – 12 hands
Physique
Pretty head with pleasant features
Medium neck
Stout cob-like frame
Short, clean legs
Traditional Colors
Probably most frequently bay or brown with mealy
Temperament
Sturdy and true
Easy keepers
Use
Pack pony
Transportation
Riding
Light agriculture