English Riding Pony
Origin
Great-Britain
History
The Riding Pony was developed by a handful of dedicated, forward-thinking British breeders from a blend of Arabian, Thoroughbred, and British pony blood. It began to attract attention in the 1940s when another use was sought for the smaller Thoroughbred polo pony sires. From the outset, the base stock was chiefly Welsh, and to a lesser degree, Dartmoor. The Arabian has also played a most significant part and is responsible for one of the two premier dynasties through the grey stallion, Naseel which originated in Co. Meath, northwest of Dublin in Ireland.
Today, studs producing Riding Ponies are to be found throughout the UK and Ireland. There are large entries in show ring breeding classes at major shows and smaller events for young stock, broodmares, and stallions. They are a reflection of what has become a small industry with an increasingly popular product.
Description
- Head:
it is the ultimate in refinement, but it is that of a pony, not of a horse - Conformation:
-perfectly proportioned quarters, well-muscled, but not too heavy or too rounded
-tail set high-well formed hooves, open, hard and of equal size.There is an adequate slope to the pasterns and no feather at the heels - Average height:
12.2 h.h-14.2 h.h. - Colour:
most of the ponies are bay or chestnust but grey is also found - Temperament:
intelligent, courageous, not always easily managed - Today:
the Riding Pony competes in the show ring in three height divisions.12.2 hh, 13.2 hh, and up to 14.2 hh. It provided a base for both the Working Hunter Pony, which performs in the ring over a jumping course, and the more substantial Hunter Show Pony, which, at its best, is a miniature middleweight hunter.
