Intro
The Sri Lankan Pony is a small, dwarf breed shaped by local conditions. Brought to the country with Portuguese colonizers. Hardy Iberian animals to begin with, over time they have grown smaller in stature.
Origins
The Portuguese colonized Sri Lanka roughly from 1505 to 1658 and like the Spanish, they brought horses with them to explore new lands. Likely stock from the small, hardy horses native to the Iberian Peninsula. These animals were probably used for a variety of purposes, but mainly for transportation of goods and people around. Most horses were imported to Neduntheevu (Delft Island) where they ran feral after the Portuguese left. Not a great place to sustain horses and their small numbers led to inbreeding problems and dwarf animals were produced.
Today horses can be found in most parts of Sri Lanka, many of them descendants of Portuguese animals. These are handsome little horses and their genetic connection to some of the small breeds native to the Iberian Peninsula is unmistakable.
Features
Average height 12.3-12.8 hands
Physique
Head is well proportioned with a straight profile
Neck is thin
Legs are thin and strong
Hooves are hard
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut, brown or bay
Temperament
Feral animals
Calm and friendly when tamed
Use
Riding
Transportation
Pack animal
Light agriculture
More Images
