British Native Ponies

by Elaine Saunders

The extremes of weather and terrain found in the British Isles have produced nine distinctive pony breeds perfectly suited to living and working there. They range from the tiniest pony to large, sturdy animals and have evolved to survive on the poorest pasture in the harshest conditions.

Exmoor ponies from Southwest England are still allowed to roam freely over a huge expanse of moorland, left alone except for an annual inspection. They are not provided with shelter or food, but are tough enough to survive even the coldest winter. Their coat is double layered – a wool coat underneath for warmth and a longer, greasy coat on top for waterproofing. The insulation is so effective that snow falling on the pony’s back does not melt. Exmoor ponies look almost identical – around 12.2 hands with distinctive oatmeal coloring on the muzzle and eyes. It is the most ancient breed – unchanged for thousands of years with characteristics of 30,000-year-old fossil horses dug up as far away as Alaska.

The ponies on nearby Dartmoor have a different background. In the early 1900s, very small ponies were needed to pull wagons in coal mines, so Shetland pony stallions (the smallest of the native breeds) were allowed to run with the wild Dartmoor herds. It has taken careful breeding to restore the Dartmoor to its true form. It is a refined pony with clean legs, a small, intelligent head and a strong, compact body that lacks the stockiness of many native breeds. At under 12.2 hands, it is an ideal child’s pony and is a foundation for many crossbreds.

The New Forest area in Hampshire is a busy tourist destination, so the pony population is used to traffic and being handled. They are sure-footed and intelligent and, standing up to 14.2 hands, they are strong enough to carry an adult. They make superb riding or harness ponies and are speedy enough for polo, but with the stamina for long distance events. Queen Victoria introduced an Arabian stallion to the herd in the mid-1800’s, but this “improvement” has since been seen as undesirable and steps were taken to preserve the original characteristics of the breed. Like all moorland ponies, the New Forest is very hardy and even domesticated ponies are happier living outdoors all year round.

The Dales pony, and its close cousin the Fell, originated in Northern England and are thought to be descended from Friesian horses brought to Britain during the Roman invasion in 55 BC. The Dales were used during the 19th century as pack animals, carrying an average of 225 pounds some 240 miles across bleak Northumbrian countryside from the mines to the docks. As a result, although they are usually under 14.2 hands, they are bred to have exceptional strength. They have neat, pony-like heads, but their shoulders, hindquarters and backs are broad. Manes and tails are thick and their solid legs have fine feathers. The usual color is black without white markings.

The Fell pony is limited to 14 hands and has a lighter build, but is still noted for its hardiness and strength. It, too, was used to transport heavy loads over rough terrain and legend has it that Fells were used by smugglers to carry their booty inland! With the coming of the railways, there was no need for pack animals, but the Fell soon became a popular riding pony, its quiet nature making it an ideal holiday trekking ride. Its strength lies in its endurance and hardiness and a sixth sense alerts it to danger, making it one of the most surefooted ponies.

Scotland has two native ponies, the Highland and the Shetland. The Highland probably crossed over from Europe during the Ice Age. Selective breeding in the 19th century produced the Garron, a strong pony for farm work and deer hunting, and a lighter strain called the Western Isles. Cross-breeding the two produced the Highland, which is known to be quiet, responsive and trusting.

The Shetland, Britain’s smallest breed, is traditionally measured in inches rather than in hands. Registered stock must not exceed 42 inches and many top quality ponies are much smaller. Harsh conditions in the Shetland Isles have produced the small but surprisingly strong pony that was used as a pack and saddle animal. They were much in demand for mine work in the 1800s and their stocks declined alarmingly until a breeding program was started. Today, Shetlands are popular for their lovability. They are extremely cute with their profuse manes and tails and have great “pony appeal”. They are in demand as children’s ponies, but their great strength in relation to their size means that they work well in harness.

The Welsh pony may well be the most beautiful native breed. It is divided into four size/type categories – Sections A to D.

The Welsh Mountain Pony forms Section A, the smallest classification. At less than 12 hands, it is a beautiful animal with a silky flowing mane that is traditionally left unbraided. There is a strong Arabian influence from horses brought to Britain during the Roman Invasion, but it is also incredibly hardy, having lived in wild mountain regions. They are equally at home under saddle or in harness. Section B Welsh Ponies are a hand larger, yet still have the same refinement. Originally used for herding sheep in the hills, they have speed, balance and natural jumping ability, which makes them ideal riding or hunting ponies. The same applies to Section C ponies, which are slightly stockier with distinct cob features. The Welsh Cob falls within section D and has been described as the best ride-and-drive animal in the world. It is strong, docile and hardy, stands over 13.2 hands and its far-reaching action makes it ideally suited to harness work.

The Connemara is Ireland’s only native pony. It originated from Barb and Spanish horses taken to Ireland in the 6th century BC. During the late 19th century, Welsh, thoroughbred and hackney blood was introduced, which accounts for its elegance and clean lines. They are very clever jumpers and make popular eventing mounts.

Britain’s native ponies have evolved because of their often harsh living and working conditions, and so have stamina and hardiness lacking in some “manufactured” breeds. They may have remained unchanged for centuries, but they are valued even moreso today.

British Native Pony Societies in the North America:

(Most of these societies also maintain websites)

The American Dartmoor Pony Association

203 Kendall Oaks Dr., Boerne, Texas 78006

North American Exmoors

Anne Holmes, P. O. Box 155, Ripley, Ontario, N0G 2R0

Dales Pony Association of Canada

P.O. Box 733, Walkerton, Ontario

Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Canada

350 Davis Drive, Box 95530, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8J8

American Shetland Pony Club,

6748 N. Frostwood Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615.

American Connemara Pony Society

PO Box 964, Hudson, OH 44236-5964

The Fell Pony Conservancy of North America

129 Edwards Farm Lane, Dobson, NC 27017 USA

The New Forest Pony Association & Registry

P.O. Box 206, Pascoag, RI 02859 USA