What kind of ponies are there? What breeds of pony horses are there? What are the benefits of horse riding?

Pony horses are a type of domestic horse that is short in stature, up to one and a half meters. They have a strong and voluminous body, but short legs. There are 20 breeds of horses in the world, with different colors and sizes. Initially they were used to work in mines.

Pony horses are a type of domestic horse that is short in stature, up to one and a half meters.

There are ponies various types. The most common ones include the following:

1. Shetland. Many people are familiar with ponies of this species. They work tirelessly in circuses and also take children for rides in parks.
2. Exmoor. The animal is widely used in children's equestrian sports.
3. Welsh. Universal look. They are indispensable helpers for the residents of North Wales. Height at the withers is 145 cm.
4. Horse. Representatives of the group are similar to ordinary animals, but only slightly lower. The horse is bred to participate in sports competitions and championships.
5. Icelandic. Due to their ability to trot, these ponies are in great demand in various horse shows. Average weight— 150 kg.
6. Dwarf. Horses live as pets. Their height is 85 cm, weight does not exceed 25 kg.
7. Scottish. Distributed in Scotland. Within the breed, it is divided into small, large and riding types.

The Scottish pony is the oldest breed of English horse. They are easy to train, obedient, love children, and have an average weight for a pony. Decorative horses are used for medicinal purposes to help disabled children. The little pony loves to communicate with children. Horses living with the same owner do not quarrel with each other. But true friendships are made with their pets.

Gallery: pony horse breed (25 photos)

The smallest horse (video)

Description of appearance and origin

All varieties of these animals have a squat stance, short and often shaggy legs, and a body covered with thick hair. Pony horses find it easy to forage for roots and grass in the frozen soils of northern countries. Thick fur makes miniature animals resistant to low air temperatures.

These ungulates easily transport loads that exceed their weight several times. A trained horse can carry a heavier rider than a young and inexperienced one. According to the rules, the transported load should not be more than ⅙ of the horse’s weight. Excessive overload will negatively affect the animal's muscles and the horse will injure its back.

There are ponies of various types.

Horse care and nutrition

The dwarf breed is very unpretentious. It is quite easy to maintain, and the good health and endurance of these pony horses makes life much easier for the owner. The most beautiful ponies - snow-white - remain so for a long period.

In winter, ponies do not need to be kept in a closed, warm stable. They only need a furnished enclosure with 3 walls and a roof to protect the mini animals from rain and wind. Despite their short stature, ponies are very hardy.

Animals monitor the condition of their hooves on their own. The owner of dwarf horses does not take care of these parts of the body. But if the horse works every day, then the owner must also take care of it.

It is recommended to wash all breeds of ponies only if it is impossible to do without it. For the procedure, you should choose a warm and sunny day. A healthy pet always has sparkling eyes, an excellent appetite, does not lose weight, and is interested in what is happening around him.

These ungulates easily transport loads that exceed their weight several times.

There are several essential feeding rules:

• drinkers and feeders must be kept clean;
• you need to feed the horse often, but in small portions;
• food should be stored in a dry place;
• It is forbidden to give fresh bread and sweets;
• The diet should include apples, carrots and sweets specially designed for dwarf horses.

In winter they feed on concentrated feed and hay. Due to the lack of vitamins in the required volume, it is advisable to additionally include:

• bran;
• sugar beets;
• compound feed;
• nutritional mixtures;
• alfalfa.

And ponies are horses too (video)

Reproduction and lifespan

- part of selection. Stallion ponies are selected for mating, taking into account certain parameters required to obtain the desired breed. Estrus in females lasts several days. A specific smell attracts the male. Coitus lasts no more than 30 seconds.

Sometimes the male tries to court his chosen one and begins mating games. He persistently tries to attract her attention, gently sniffs her, tickles her shoulders and sides with his teeth. The horse responds to signs of attention with restraint.

Pregnancy lasts an average of 11 months. The exact duration of gestation depends on the breed. Usually 1-2 cubs are born. They appear sighted, and after a few minutes they are already on their feet and starting to walk. The birth should be attended by a veterinarian to prevent the development of complications.

The life expectancy of a pony does not depend on the quality of care and maintenance and can reach 4-5 years. Ordinary horses live much shorter lives.

An animated cartoon about the task of one of the characters, named Twilight Sparkle, who was sent by her teacher, Princess Celestia, on an important task - to find friends and learn what friendship is.
Twilight Sparkle, who, along with all the cartoon characters, lives in the fairy-tale country of Equestria, goes to the city of Ponyville, accompanied by the dragon Spike, whom the princess sent to look after and help the student. They meet various residents of the country and become friends with some of them. Every day Twilight Sparkle sends her report to her mentor, Princess Celestia, about new adventures and events.
A fairyland where ponies live Equestria, which is also populated by different residents (read the names of the My Little Pony characters below), among which there are unicorns, which include little Twilight Sparkle, as well as Earth ponies, Pegasi and Alicorns. Every resident of this country lives for a reason, but has their own responsibilities, they are endowed with magic and magical powers.
Unicorns all have one horn, which contains their magic, and also know how to use telekinesis. They are a type of pony with a horn.
Earth ponies are mainly engaged in various types agriculture, so among all the inhabitants they are closest to nature. Ponies are very hardworking and this is what their species is famous for.
Pegasi in the country they control the weather, they manage this with ease, since from birth Pegasi are endowed with wings, which allows them to fly among the clouds, on which, by the way, they can also walk.
Alicorns a separate species, there are very few of them, but they are the most powerful in the country, since they embody elements of the other three species at once, they are not just ponies, but ponies with wings and a horn. They have great mystical power; there are only five of them in the whole country.

Name	Photo	Description	Who voiced
My Little Pony list of main characters
Twilight Sparkle Twilight Sparkle unicorn		Sparkle is called Twilight, she has a very interesting body color, but her tail and mane are blue, with purple and pink stripes on them. She is the best student of Celestine, who is a princess in the cartoon. Sparkle is a book lover and is passionate about magic and science. Sparkle is the embodiment of the element of magic.	Tara Strong, Olga Golovanova
Applejack Applejack earth pony		Applejack is the element of honesty and is a cheerful orange pony with green eyes and a yellow mane. She is also marked with the sun and has freckles. This pony is very reliable, she is good-natured and attentive to the problems of others. On her head is a cowboy hat. The whole family of this pony lives on a small farm called Apple Alley. The whole family grows fragrant apples and then sells them. They also bake all sorts of sweets from apples and sell them too.	Ashley Ball Larisa Brokhman, Olga Shorokhova
Rainbow Dash Rainbow Dash Pegasus		Rainbow Dash is a very brave pony horse, she is heavenly in color and has pink eyes. Dash is a very brave pony, she is not afraid of anything, and her job is to drive clouds across the sky. She feels great in the sky and moves quickly there. She wants to join the squad of the best ponies that fly. This pony is the embodiment of loyalty.	Ashley Ball Lina Ivanova, Elena Chebaturkina
Rarity Rarity unicorn		Rarity is a unicorn who works as a fashion designer. He has his own personal boutique called Carousel. He is very cute, his mane is bright purple, always chicly styled, and his body is snow-white. Rarity loves sewing and does it all the time. She is a big neat person, she likes order, and she embodies generosity. Her sign, which distinguishes her from others, is three sky-colored crystals.	Tabitha Saint Germain Olga Zvereva, Daria Frolova
Fluttershy Fluttershy Pegasus		Fluttershy, a cute pegasus who is very afraid of heights. She has a sunny yellow body and a pink mane. This pony loves to communicate with her brothers. She has a magical look that is unique, she knows how to use it perfectly. Her gaze can frighten any animal. But in fact, Fluttershy is shy and very often gets scared by any rustle, she lives in a forest, she has her own house there. She is the embodiment of kindness. It can be distinguished by three pink butterflies.	Andrea Libman, Olga Golovanova
Pinkie Pie Pinkie Pie earth pony		Pinkie Pie is a very cheerful pony, her color is pink and her mane and tail are curly. She is a big fidget and cannot sit in one place for a single minute. She loves to play pranks on her friends, organize various parties for them, and loves sweets. She is an employee of a bakery whose name is Sugar Corner. She is the embodiment of laughter. It can be recognized by its distinctive icon, these are three balloons.	Andrea Libman, Lina Ivanova
Spike Spike dragon		Spike the dragon holds the position of assistant to the well-known Sparkle. Spike the dragon was awakened by Sparkle while he was sleeping in the Egg. During the magic exam, she revived him. He is very small for now and loves turquoise. He is currently in love with his lady love, Rarity.	Katie Weslak, Olga Shorokhova
My Little Pony minor characters
Princess Celestia Princess Celestia alicorn		Celestia is a princess heroine whose task is to raise the Sun every day. This beauty is an alicorn, she has a very long horn and large wings, thanks to which she can fly. Her mane is constantly developing, even in the absence of a breeze. Its color is deep turquoise, and its distinctive sign is the Sun.	Nicole Oliver Elena Chebaturkina, Lina Ivanova
Princess Luna Princess Luna alicorn		She is called Princess of the Moon and is Celestia's little sister. Her dream is to plunge everything into constant and eternal night. But Celestia defeated her, imprisoning her on the moon and using the elements of harmony, and then turning her into a princess. And she turned from an evil and treacherous pony into a decent and kind princess of the Moon. Her eyes are dark green, her mane is dark blue, which flickers with lights. It can be identified by its blue crescent.	Tabitha Saint Germain Olga Zvereva, Daria Frolova
Princess Cadance Princess Cadance alicorn		Princess Cadance is Twilight's favorite nanny. She has a special talent: when ponies quarrel, she knows how to reconcile them very quickly. She has bright purple eyes, as well as purple-pink wings that help her move quickly. You can recognize her from afar, because her distinctive sign is a blue heart, it is made in the form of a ring in a gold rim.	Britt McKillip Elena Chebaturkina, Lina Ivanova, Olga Shorokhova
Shining Armor Shining Armor unicorn		Armor is one of Twilight's brothers, who is considered the best brother and calls him SBDN, distinguished by his blue color and dark blue stripes. Married to Princess Cadance. Cheerful and kind, brave and selfless, probably because of these character traits he became the ruler of the Crystal Empire.	Andrew Francis Evgeniy Valts, Oleg Virozub
Flurry Heart Flurry Heart alicorn		Twilight's niece, daughter of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. Flurry Heart is the only alicorn in the country who did not appear through magic, but was born naturally. Quite by accident, she broke the “Crystal Heart” artifact, for this reason frost and darkness fell on the country, but by uniting into one crystallization, the alicorns managed to restore warmth and light.	Tabitha St. Germain
Discord Discord dragon		This dragon sowed the spirit of discord and chaos, but was imprisoned in stone. After some time, he freed himself, but with the help of his friends’ magic he was defeated and reincarnated into a good dragon.	John de Lancie Nikita Prozorovsky
Apple Bloom Apple Bloom earth pony		She founded the "Mark Finders" club and became a leader. Has a yellow color.	Michelle Kroeber, Olga Shorokhova
Scootaloo Scootaloo Pegasus		Scootaloo, a pegasus, is a girl, but with a boyish personality. Extreme sports enthusiast, loves to ride a scooter. It is distinguished by its orange color and blue mane.	Madeleine Peters Lina Ivanova
Sweetie Belle Sweetie Belle unicorn		A shy unicorn who sings well. Relatively clumsy, dreams of becoming a designer.	Claire Corlett Olga Golovanova
Babs Seed Babs Seed earth pony		A pony from a neighboring town is looking for insignia along with everyone else. It has a dark ocher coloration with a dark pink mane with pink stripes, as well as white freckles.	Brianna Drummond Daria Frolova
Gabby Gabby griffin		The first griffin to receive the insignia. Talented and friendly.	Erin Matthews, Daria Frolova
Starlight Glimmer Starlight Glimmer unicorn		Stubborn, insidious and cruel, although at first glance friendly, sincere and caring. Knows how to remove distinctive signs from other heroes.	Kelly Sheridan, Lina Ivanova

In addition to the above-mentioned characters, the country of Equestria is home to many other inhabitants, both good and evil.

Pony is a subspecies of domestic horse, characterized by short stature ranging from 80 to 140 cm.

Translated from English, the name of the animal means: “little horse.” Ponies have endurance, a powerful neck and short legs. In the subspecies it is customary to classify any specimen below 100-110 cm in height; in Germany the scale is slightly higher and is 120 cm.

If measured by English standards, then half of the horse breeds can be classified as ponies. In Russia, Shetland, Falabella, American, Scottish and Welsh breeds are especially common. There are about two dozen breeds in the world horses ponies.

Among them there are horse-drawn and light-harnessed ones. The most interesting are horses little pony. For example, Shetland, among which there are individuals up to 65 cm. The breed was bred on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite their miniature size, its representatives have a wide body, a massive head and are capable of carrying heavy loads.

These little pony horses widely used for children's riding. External features also include: lush manes and tails, thick fur. Most often they have a piebald color with light spots throughout the background.

A century and a half ago, the Argentine farmer Falabella began breeding a special breed of horses, later named after him. Similar a horse is smaller than a pony. An ordinary specimen has a height at the withers of 86 cm, but particularly amazing individuals are often found, only 38-45 cm tall and weighing 20-65 kg.

Their uniqueness is that with each generation they only become smaller. Bred through selective breeding, this curious specimen of the mini-Appaloosa horse is popular in Holland, Germany, etc. Since horses ponies Since they are domestic animals, they are distributed throughout the world where humans live.

Character and lifestyle of ponies

The remains of the Solutre, a horse that is the ancient ancestor of the modern pony, were discovered in France. Versions have been put forward that various breeds of ponies originated from wild primitive subspecies.

It was in such an unfavorable climate that this unpretentious breed of small, patient and hardy animals with shaggy hair was formed. Then the ponies spread across nearby territories.

There is an opinion that little pony horse More suitable for children's entertainment. They are usually seen in parks and zoos, in equestrian schools and at rentals. However, these stocky animals have been kept and used for many types of work and transportation of heavy loads since ancient times.

These patient animals lived in harsh conditions in the mines, without sunlight, breathing coal dust and soot. About pony horses tell amazing stories.

They take part in sports competitions, compete in horse racing, jumping and overcoming obstacles, winning valuable prizes and awards. A 37-year-old pony named Scampy was recorded winning a dressage competition at Aintree Equestrian Center in England.

Nutrition

Ponies have a small stomach, so frequent meals in small portions are preferable for them. It is very important to ensure that there is plenty of drinking, the water is clean, and the feeders are constantly washed. It is advisable for animals to spend the whole day on grass, which is their main food, easier to digest than other types of food.

However, they quickly get bored with monotony, so something new should be introduced into their diet all the time. There are many delicious types of food for ponies that you can pamper your pet with without fear for its health.

Carrots and apples are very beneficial for their digestion; sugar beets will supply the body with useful and energy-intensive substances; You can also give alfalfa, barley, ground sunflower, rapeseed with vitamins, fiber-rich bran and soy.

The amount of food directly depends on physical activity, as well as from the place of detention, living conditions and time of year. In the summer, it is necessary to ensure that the animal does not overeat, and in the cold season and early spring, feed it with high-quality hay, concentrated food and vitamins.

Buy a pony horse Today many people wish, and children dream of a small horse. For enthusiastic people, breeding such horses ponies has turned into a real exciting hobby.

Pony horse price, buy which is possible via the Internet depends on its rating, age, suit and gender. However, the cost of maintaining this cute animal is many times higher than its cost.

But the owners will love such a pet with all their hearts, and this miracle will bring a lot of positive emotions. Pony horse practically for free can be purchased at a suitable farm, while getting a lot of pleasure and impressions after first riding it.

Reproduction and lifespan

Reproduction of ponies is considered by humans as part of selection. The selection of ponies for mating takes into account certain parameters necessary to obtain the desired breeds. The female's estrus lasts several days, during which she is ready to mate with the male. The stallion is attracted to the specific smell of the female.

Males often try to court their chosen one by engaging in mating games, which manifest themselves in persistent attempts to attract attention, gentle tickling of the sides and shoulders with their teeth, as well as sniffing. Coitus lasts about 15-30 seconds.

A pony's pregnancy lasts approximately 11 months. The exact duration of gestation depends on the breed. The period from conception to birth can be difficult to determine, so it is usually counted from the date of last contact with the male. It is better if the birth is attended by a veterinarian to avoid complications.

As a rule, the female gives birth to one or two cubs at a time. They are immediately born sighted, and after a few minutes they are already on their feet and trying to walk. Ponies live longer than their tall counterparts and can reach 4-4.5 decades. It all depends on the conditions of detention and the quality of care.

Recently, thanks to the successes of veterinary medicine and the attentive attitude of the owners, the lifespan horses ponies began to increase significantly. Cases of longevity have been recorded. For example, a pony owned by a certain French farmer managed to live up to 54 years.

Ponies belong to a subspecies of horses that are distinguished by their short stature, not exceeding 140 cm. The name comes from the English word ponaidh, which means “small horse.” Short horses are found everywhere, striking with their variety of colors and unusual appearance, causing the delight of children and adults. But not everyone knows where ponies came from, what breeds exist, and what their features are.

Ponies belong to a subspecies of short horses. In English, pony translates as a small horse.

Currently, there are about two dozen pony breeds, differing in appearance, size and use.

It is also believed that the progenitor of modern European pony species is wild horse(Equus ferus caballus).

There is a theory that the first small horses appeared in the north of Scandinavia and the western islands of Europe. There is also an assumption that the habitat of wild Camargue ponies - the Camargue Nature Reserve - is also their ancestral territory. It was there, on the swampy coast of the Rhone River Delta, in southern France, that the remains of the prehistoric primitive horse Solutre, the direct ancestor of modern ponies, were found.

What they look like

The appearance of the pony was formed due to the harsh climatic conditions of northern latitudes with wet and cold winds from the Atlantic Ocean, as well as due to the scarce pastures of the rocky islands.

Ponies are squat horses with short legs and a strong, deep body, their hair is thick and fluffy. The neck is covered with a long lush mane, and bangs fall on the forehead. Their short stature allowed the horses to be content with grass on the hills with poor vegetation; with their muscular legs they pulled out root crops from the frozen ground. Thick and warm wool saved from strong winds and cold in harsh winters.

The pony's homeland is considered to be the north of Scandinavia and the Western European islands.

Usually horses whose height does not exceed 140 cm are equated to ponies, but in different countries this scale is not the same:

• in Germany, ponies are considered small horses no more than 120 cm tall;
• in Russia the maximum height characteristics are 110 cm;
• in England they include horses that grow up to 147 cm.

How much a pony weighs will depend on its height: the weight of some individuals is no more than 100 kg, while larger animals reach 200 kg. There are also tiny horses, whose weight barely reaches 14 kg.

You can see what modern ponies look like in the photo.

The weight of an individual differs from the type and height of the animal. On average, ponies weigh between 100 and 200 kg.

Usage

It is believed that a pony is a horse intended for entertainment and children. Now they can be found in homes, zoos, entertainment centers and circuses around the world. They are used in pediatric hippotherapy to improve the physical and emotional state of a sick child.

But they were once bred for hard work: the ponies' unusual strength relative to their small size allowed them to be used for transporting goods. For example, the Shetland pony is a hardy and strong animal, capable of moving weights 20 times its weight. Horses transported peat, worked in mines, hauled heavy trolleys with ore and coal (up to 3,000 tons per year), many never saw sunlight, being born and dying deep underground.

Historically, ponies were used for draft labor and transport.

In the west, in Italy and the Czech Republic, small horses are used as guides for blind people. Smart animals successfully replace dogs and serve as good helpers for a helpless person.

• Horses prefer to be outdoors, so in warm weather a corral is organized for them, where they can live all summer. If possible, they are sure to be released into the wild to frolic and nibble grass in the pasture.
• In severe frosts, downpours, and windy weather, they are driven into the barn. There should be no drafts in it, because animals catch colds and get sick.
• For heat-loving breeds, like the falabella, it is necessary to equip a warm stable with additional heating; in the cold season, the pony is covered with a blanket.
• During the spring molting period, the undercoat is regularly combed out.

Ponies are easy to keep, but need protection from the winds.

Nutrition

Ponies are genetically programmed to feed on pasture, so the animals are not picky about their food, but the main condition is quality. The diet includes:

• grass . The main food, and weeds are not included in the list. Horses love clover, vitamin nettles, and field herbs;
• hay Used in winter;
• concentrated feed. It is important that a lot of oats do not enter the horse’s stomach at one meal, otherwise digestive upset may occur;
• vegetables and root vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, turnips, and beets are included in the diet in small quantities. Occasionally you are allowed to pamper your pets with a pumpkin or an apple;
• water . Horses drink only clean water, so it is given fresh, from washed dishes. It is advisable to have constant access to the liquid.

Ponies need to be watered regularly. It is better when access to water is constant.

You cannot feed yeast bread, you are not allowed to give a lot of sugar and sweets. The pony has a small stomach, so it is important to feed in small portions, but often. To prevent food from being trampled, a nursery should be equipped; the number of feeders depends on the livestock.

Breeding

Breeding ponies is no different from ordinary horses. Animals become sexually mature after a year, so when they reach this age, mares and stallions are separated to prevent uncontrolled mating.

Mating is carried out when the young horse is 3 years old. Here, too, correct selection work is important; pairs are selected taking into account their external parameters, the goals that the owner wants to achieve, and family ties. The breeder chooses the mating method based on the conditions of detention. If a broodstock of 6 mares is created, you can allow one stallion to approach them, then mating occurs naturally. Males smell heat and begin to care for the mare: sniffing her, clicking her teeth on her shoulders and sides. When kept separately, the stallion is brought to a stall, the process takes place under the control of the owner.

Mating of ponies occurs under the control of the breeder.

On average, a pony's pregnancy lasts 11 months, the duration depends on the breed. For example, falabella under normal conditions can last for more than a year.

It is difficult to determine the date of birth, so the countdown starts from the day of coverage. It is important not to miss the onset of labor and to invite a veterinarian to avoid complications.

The mare gives birth to one foal, but sometimes two foals are born. Within a few minutes, the pony foals are on their feet and follow the mare everywhere.

Ponies are born fully capable of movement and nutrition. Within a few hours the foal follows its mother.

Price

Short horses are becoming increasingly popular; many owners of private houses with a plot of land dream of owning a pony. Pony horses are cute and funny and will make great friends for all family members. It’s difficult to say for sure how much a pet will cost. The price depends on the breed, gender, color, external features, rating of the parents. The most low price is 60 thousand rubles.

Several breeds are popular in Russia, each with its own price.

• The average cost of an American pony is about 60 thousand rubles.
• A Shetland foal can be bought for 50 thousand, and an adult horse for 70 thousand rubles.
• A young Welshman will cost 100 thousand, an adult from 120 thousand rubles.
• The most expensive dwarf species is the falabella; for a horse you will have to pay from 250 thousand rubles. Foals, accordingly, cost less, from 80 thousand.

Do not forget that keeping a pet also requires serious investments. First of all, you need to create comfortable conditions for the horse, organize a room, prepare equipment, and purchase food. Quality veterinary care is important.

The cost of a pony foal depends on the breed and name of the parents.

When purchasing, you should keep in mind that a healthy horse may not cost less than usual, so a low price should alert you. It is possible that she has hidden pathologies, a bad character, or too soft bones. It is best to buy ponies from reputable breeders who have proven themselves among fans of dwarf breeds. This is a guarantee that the declared type corresponds to reality.

How long do small horses live? A pony has an average life expectancy of 45 years, but with good care the pet will live longer.

Species difference

Currently, dwarf horses are distributed throughout the world. Let's list the most popular pony breeds in Russia.

Welsh

The Welsh pony breed developed in the northern valleys and hills of Wales before the arrival of the Romans. Small horses were used as draft power, for transporting coal and peat, and fallen trees. But with the arrival of foreigners, Arab blood flowed to them, which influenced modern look pony. The result was a magnificent breed with a large but graceful head, a strong back and muscular legs, small ears and expressive eyes. The color is monochromatic, there are red, bay, gray dun and brown individuals.

The growth of the Welsh is not limited to strict limits; they are divided into types.

• Type A. These include the smallest representatives up to 122 cm in height.
• Type B. The horses are larger (137 cm), have a strong build, they are called “merlins”.
• Type C and D (bobs). The racing qualities of ponies have been improved by crossing with large breeds; the height of such horses exceeds 137 cm, in category D it reaches 147 cm. They are not only ridden, they look great in a harness. Participate in sports competitions and driving, show the ability to jump.

The Welsh pony can participate in sports competitions and is capable of jumping.

By nature, the Welsh pony is calm and docile; he can be trusted with children. Horses are beautiful and artistic, which is why they are indispensable participants in competitions and shows.

Shetland

The ancestors of modern horses lived on the Shetland Islands two millennia BC; the breed is considered the oldest in the world. The height of the pony is 65 - 107 cm, in appearance they resemble small heavy draft horses; the color of the horses is usually piebald. Thanks to their good-natured disposition, flexible nature and unpretentiousness, they are very popular among lovers. Shetlands, along with other breeds, participate in competitions, pull mini-sleighs, and give rides to children.

The Shetland pony has an easy-going character, which is why it is used for riding by children.

Highland

The homeland of the species is Scotland and the adjacent islands, which is why the horses are also called Scottish. Currently, the breed is the result of crossing with Arabian, Spanish and Clydesdale horses; Percheron blood also flowed into them. The horses have become more agile and stronger; they are considered the most seasoned, hardy and strong of all pony breeds. There are both low types (107 cm) and rather tall animals up to 142 cm tall. In the Middle Ages they were used for hard work, now horses accompany tourists on hikes in the mountains. The Scottish pony takes part in dressage, harness racing, and hunting. The color includes all shades of sand color; less often you can see black and brown horses.

The Highland or Scottish pony is considered the hardiest species.

Polo

These are short horses up to 147 cm, intended for riding and participating in equestrian polo competitions. Features of the type - intelligence, strength, high speed. This is not a separate breed, but a type of large pony, bred in China, America, England, Iceland and other countries. From the age of three, they are actively taught to quickly pick up speed during a race, to maneuver and stop at the request of the rider, and not to be scared at the moment. difficult situation that appeared on the field. With age, the horse begins to get involved in the game itself, helping the rider win competitions. The cost of a prepared pony is 10 – 50 thousand dollars.

Polo ponies are bred in China, the USA, and England. This is a subspecies of ordinary large ponies that are trained to participate in the game.

Exmoor

The species originated in the southwestern islands of Britain. The horse has retained purebred features, its height is 125 cm, and has a unique jaw structure: it has a seventh molar, like prehistoric animals. The color is mainly bay of different shades, the hair around the nostrils is light. The eyelids are swollen, which is why the eyes are called “toad eyes.”

The Exmoor is a British horse. She has still retained her purebred identity.

Icelandic

The height of the Icelandic horse reaches 140 cm, but there are also small individuals below 125 cm. It is believed that the ancestors of the species are wild forest horses and Celtic horses. Their descendants are Norwegian horses, which were brought to the island by the Vikings in the 8th century. But since then, crossing with other breeds only worsened the quality of the species, so they were banned from exporting and infusing other people's blood. Icelandic ponies are considered the purest breed.

Horses are distinguished by their ability to move in different gaits; they are characterized by telt and ambling, for which they are especially valued by amateurs. In winter, ponies in Iceland, like real predators, catch and eat fish on their own.

Icelandic ponies are descended from Scandinavian ponies. They were brought to the island by the Vikings.

Dwarf horses

The most famous and rare breed of dwarf horses is the Falabella. The usual height of a representative of the species is 86 cm, but there are also very tiny ones: around 40 cm. Weight ranges from 20, reaching a maximum of 65 kg. The animals are proportionally built, they have thin and high legs, and in appearance they resemble a smaller copy of Arabian horses.

The pedigree of this tiny but real horse includes the blood of Spanish Creollo, Shetland ponies, as well as horses of English breeds. Therefore, there are colors of red, bay, piebald, black, with different undertones. They are used in harnesses to carry small children, but more often they are kept simply for aesthetic pleasure. Horses are very smart and good-natured, they love to gallop over rough terrain and overcome obstacles.

A striking representative of dwarf horses is the falabella.

It is noteworthy that falabellas have 2 fewer ribs than other horses. And when an ordinary mare is inseminated, the dominant dwarfism gene prevails, and a dwarf foal is born.

Resume

• Horses of short breeds are considered ponies.
• The origin of the species dates back to northwestern Europe.
• The exterior of the animals is distinguished by a strong physique and strength.
• Short horses are used in sports and recreational activities.
• Keeping a pony requires the creation of favorable conditions and high-quality nutrition.
• The cost of a dwarf horse is high, depending on several factors.
• There are many types of ponies, and there are breeds that are in demand in Russia.

Ponies are not as in demand in private farms as heavy draft horses, and are rarely used in breeding nurseries, but there is still a category of people who prefer just such small horses.

Let's find out how ponies appeared, in what areas they can be used and what you should know about the most popular breeds.

Origin

A pony is a subspecies of the familiar domestic horse, but with reduced parameters. Low stature (up to 140 cm) is the calling card of these animals, because otherwise they resemble ordinary horses with a powerful, strong neck, short legs and high level endurance.

Many believe that the first ponies appeared on the European islands located in the northern part of Scandinavia, where they lived for a long time in rocky terrain. The local population used them to transport goods, and speed did not play any role. In particular, such small horses were often used to transport ore and to help people in agriculture, and their small stature was of absolutely no importance.

Did you know? In different countries, the name “pony” means completely different horses. Thus, in the Russian Federation, the height of a mini-horse at the withers should be no more than 110 cm, and in England, animals with a height of 143 cm at the withers or even higher are classified as “ponies”.

Many breeds of small horses that are widely used in racing today were formed only in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Scope of application

When you mention ponies, the first thing that comes to mind is children's rides and circus performances, but, in truth, the scope of application of these small horses is much wider. Often they become the main instrument of restorative practices for people with disabilities, regardless of their age, they are great for hippotherapy with children and can become their true friends, becoming attached to a little person no worse than a dog.

There are cases when ponies transported people in sleds and worked in express delivery services, which earned them worldwide fame. Nowadays, small horses can even be used in sports, although competitions are held among representatives of the same type of horse.

When kept at home, ponies often become excellent companions, and if you choose the right breed of animal, you can also use it to help with household chores, particularly agricultural ones.

Important! Do not forget that most ponies are small horses, unsuited to hard work. Excessive stress on them can cause serious health problems.

Pony breeds

The scope of its use directly depends on the breed of the animal, so before choosing a pony it is very important to study all the characteristics of a particular animal. Let's look at the most famous breeds of small horses.

Welsh

The Welsh pony is one of the most graceful representatives of its species. Today it is difficult to say exactly where and when the first representatives of these animals appeared, but they received modern features after the Roman legions appeared in Britain (researchers believe that it was at this time that Welsh ponies actively reproduced with the participation of other varieties that influenced their appearance and performance).
The exterior of modern representatives of this species has the following features:

• height- 120–152 cm;
• head- relatively large, with large nostrils;
• back- short and rounded, with a well-prominent croup;
• legs- massive and strong, with straight forearms protruding forward;
• tail- high-ranking and betrays the presence of Arabian horse blood;
• color- different, but the most common are gray, bay and red; other colors are also allowed, the main thing is that they are the same color.

This large difference in height values ​​is due to four different breeds that are today classified as Welsh ponies:

1. Mountain pony(or type A, height no higher than 123 cm) is characterized by a smaller head and large bulging eyes, and the profile of the skull is always concave (a straight or convex structure is considered a breed defect). The neck is of medium length, but blends well with the shoulder region, the withers stand out. The legs are set wide apart, with round and small hooves. Typically, mountain horses are used to ride children, whom these animals love very much.
2. Welsh type B- the horse is no taller than 135 cm, but otherwise in almost all respects it corresponds to the previous variety. Nowadays it is used in equestrian schools, takes part in races and performs in show rings.
3. Welsh type C- the height of the animals is 135–146 cm, which, combined with a massive body and strong limbs, makes such ponies indispensable assistants to humans in various fields of activity.
4. Welsh type D or cob- the height of this animal exceeds 140 cm, and the body is distinguished by its depth. Legs are strong, with well-developed joints. All movements are smooth and free, thanks to which the horse is used for riding, although it copes well with harness.

Of course, the latter types cannot be called “ponies” in the full sense of the word, but they are also remembered when speaking about the Welsh variety of small horses.

Did you know? The word "pony" comes from the Old French word poulenet and means "foal".

Scottish

The Scottish pony (also known as Garron and Highland) combines three types of horses: small ponies (with a height at the withers of no more than 132 cm), Scottish riding ponies (132–140 cm at the withers) and the largest representatives (up to 147 cm at the withers). ). They all seem to be very robust animals and have a number of common characteristics:

• head- medium in size, with a wide forehead and equally wide nostrils, “live” eyes and small ears;
• breast- wide and strong;
• torso- strong and deep, with a short back and strong, muscular thighs, croup - wide;
• legs- strong, with hard hooves;
• color- dark gray, gray, black, bay, red-red, but with a lighter tail and mane.

Scottish horses are prone to problems with the heart, blood vessels, joints and often faint. In addition, these animals often suffer from accidental disease, laminitis and morbillivirus pneumonia, so their owners should very carefully monitor the health of their charges.

Many breeders consider these miniature horses not ponies, but an independent breed of the smallest horses in the world. These animals were bred in Argentina in the middle of the 19th century, and the improvement of breed qualities and exterior characteristics continued until the middle of the last century.

Did you know? The breed owes its name to the Falabella family, whose representatives bred small horses for many years near Buenos Aires. The blood of Andalusian and Creole horses flows in the veins of these animals.

The exterior characteristics of the horses are reflected in the following features:

• height- 40–75 cm;
• weight- 20–60 kg;
• physique- proportional, graceful (compared to other ponies, these animals lack several ribs);
• head- large, with erect small ears and a smooth forehead;
• breast- moderately wide;
• leather- thin;
• legs- thin, with small hooves;
• color- absolutely anyone, maybe even speckled or piebald.

Falabella ponies have a long lifespan and often live to be 40 years or more. Of course, they can only be used as decorative animals, especially since these days there are only a few hundred of them. The French, Dutch, Americans, British and Italians are engaged in professional breeding of these horses.

Shetland

This variety of small horses is often referred to as Scottish ponies, but in fact they can be considered a separate breed that formed on the territory of the Shetland Islands more than a thousand years ago. Since these lands are part of Scotland, theoretically, the Shetland can be called Scottish, but, at the same time, these animals are not very similar to the above species of their fellow tribesmen and are distinguished by the following characteristic features:

• height- 65–110 cm;
• head- massive and heavy;
• breast- wide;
• legs- short and thick;
• physique- strong and wide;
• mane and tail- long and thick (protect the horse from the cold);
• color- often piebald, with large spots on any background (for example, red, gray or black).

Shetland ponies are very playful and are often used for riding for young children in equestrian schools. In addition, they take part in horse racing and are good at jumping over obstacles. Life expectancy is 45–54 years.

Exmoor (Celtic)

Celtic ponies are considered the oldest inhabitants of England's peat bogs, located in the counties of Devon and Somerset. From ancient times to today, they exist in a semi-wild way, although they are one of the most famous breeds of small riding horses, especially in children's equestrian schools.
The exterior features of Exmoor horses are expressed in the following characteristics:

• height- up to 127 cm;
• physique- strong and strong;
• head- medium in size, with large eyes located on it and slightly protruding from the sockets;
• breast- wide;
• back- flat;
• legs- shortish, with strong hooves;
• color- brown, gray, bay, with lighter red spots on the face.