▲
OVERVIEW
Although ponies were first introduced to Australia in 1803, it only took around one hundred years to produce a pony with enough character and substance to be considered its own breed. Now typically used as show ponies, they were first developed as high quality children's ponies with excellent temperaments.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Australian Pony has a head of show quality, slightly concave with alert ears and dark eyes. The neck is nicely rounded, the shoulders slope back and the hindquarters well rounded and proportioned. The tail is set high and gaily carried, the bone in the leg is flat showing strength. It stands between 12 and 14 hands high. In general, this is an attractive pony of show quality.
ORIGIN
Ponies were first introduced to Australia in 1803. By 1920, a distinct type had emerged there. A stud book was opened nine years later detailing the standards of conformation for the pony. The basic stock for the Australian Pony is the Welsh Mountain Pony of Type A. Shetlands were introduced to give solid constitution and strength. Thoroughbred, Arab and Hackney were later introduced.
INTERESTING FACTS
Although this is an excellent pony both in conformation and temperament, it is relatively unknown outside of its own country.
INFLUENCES
1. Arabian
2. Hackney
3. Welsh Pony
4. Exmoor Pony
5. Thoroughbred
6. Timor Pony
7. Hungarian
For more information:
Australian Pony Stud Book Society
