Pony horse: differences with conventional breeds, varieties and content

A pony horse is a decorative animal for teaching children how to ride, participating in circus performances. But this is not entirely true. A miniature subspecies of the domestic horse has survived in the wild on Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. The ponies are used by farmers for agricultural work, and they used to work in the mines, not rising to the surface for years.

How ponies came about

Different ponies that evolved naturally and artificially bred by man. The first ones were formed on island territories with a harsh climate and sparse vegetation - in Scandinavia, on the British Isles, Hokkaido, and Sicily.Earlier than others, shaggy, unpretentious horses appeared in the south of France, in the current Camargue reserve, where the ancient ancestors of horses lived.

With miniature parameters, thick coat with undercoat, it is easier for animals to protect themselves from cold, penetrating winds. Small stature, strong legs made it easier to graze, dig up roots with a scarce food supply.

20 varieties of ponies artificially bred. Among them are riding breeds that take part in races, light harnesses, companion animals.

What is the difference between a horse and a pony

Features of the pony - short stature (height at the withers 80-150 cm), massive neck, lush mane and tail, thick hair. Despite their miniature size, they have a strong athletic build, muscular legs, and strong hooves. In Russia, animals no higher than 110 cm are considered ponaidh (small horses), and the International Equestrian Federation classifies horses up to 1.5 m high as ponies. If domestic horses live 25-30 years, the life expectancy of a pony with proper care is 30-50 years.

Differences in behavior:

Pony, like dogs, become attached to the owner. To keep calm, animals must communicate with humans several times a day, live close to home.
Miniature horses are smart, savvy and easy to train, absorbing both positive and negative skills.
You shouldn't pamper your horse. To prevent a pet from becoming an uncontrollable animal capable of throwing a child off its back, strict upbringing is required.
Short horses are friendly not only to people, but also to representatives of their breed, pets. Partitions are not required for maintenance, they get along in a common stall.

Pony who survived in adverse conditions of the natural environment, hardy, hardworking, have excellent he alth. The only inconvenience in their maintenance is the difficulty in acquiring a harness. Standard equipment does not fit, you have to make an individual order.

Varieties

Most purchased pony breeds:

Shetland. A variety of heavy trucks 70-110 cm high, weighing up to 200 kg, named after the place of origin - the Shetland archipelago, located at the junction of the Atlantic and the North Sea. Reliable animals of piebald, black or bay color are muscular, if necessary, show courage, ingenuity. Surprising is their endurance, the ability to carry goods up to 40% of their own weight. Among Shetland horses there are many circus performers, guides for the blind.
Welsh. A variety of ponies, originally from North Wales, formed in the 15th century BC. It is distinguished by a variety of colors and division into 4 types after crossing with Arabian horses. Representatives of type A - up to 120 cm tall, suitable for children. Type B horses grow up to 137 cm, participate in races along with other breeds.Pony type C, with an admixture of Arab blood, height 122-137 cm - used for riding, in harness. Type D, from 137 cm high, is versatile.
Falabella. The artificially bred breed retained the proportions of a tall riding horse. Dwarf animals with a height of 45-75 cm weigh no more than 60 kg, have no practical significance, are used as a companion animal. Smart, quick learner, friendly with children and adults.
Icelandic. Bay, black ponies came to Iceland from Norway through the Vikings. Animals reach a height of 137 cm. Representatives of this unique species, able to move in a gait, are characterized by a wide neck and a large head. The Icelanders, protecting the purity of the breed, banned the import of other horses into the country.

Like Asian wild horses hardy Scottish ponies. Of interest is the English riding variety, bred for teaching children to ride and outwardly resembling miniature Arabian horses.The smallest horse is Einstein - a representative of the Polo breed. The foal was born weighing less than 3 kg, 0.36 m tall.

What is important to know when caring for a pony

Miniature horses require attention and care to maintain their he alth. In summer, animals graze all day long on designated pastures. In winter, they eat hay, vitamin and mineral supplements. Small horses are prone to overeating, so the food is dosed, divided into 2 parts, the nursery is filled in the morning and evening. If you want to pamper your pet, treat them with apples, carrots, beets. The stable is regularly cleaned, fresh water is offered at least three times a day. If the soil on the pasture is not stony, trim the hooves as necessary, preventing the curvature of the joints of the legs.