Baguio Light Horse (Baguio Pony)
Baguio light horses and Baguio ponies are Philippine equine breeds known for their elegance, hardiness, and disease resistance ability.
Baguio Light Horse Pictures
Quick Information
Temperament/Personality | Kind, willing, forgiving, friendly |
Physical Characteristics | Uneven head, short neck, chamfered shoulder, medium-length back, bushy mane, long and dense tail; strong legs with hard hooves |
Colors | All colors are possible excepting appaloosa |
Height (size) | 13.2 hands (134 cm, 53 in) on average |
Weight | Unknown |
Common Uses | Riding, transportation, racing, trail horse/pony |
Health | No known breed-specific diseases |
Popular Traits | Strength, endurance, pleasant temperament, ability to withstand local extreme weather |
Feeding/Diet | Hay, grain, grass |
Country of Origin | Philippines |
Ancestors | Chinese, South American, Arab, and Spanish horses |
Video: Baguio Light Horse/Pony Riding
History and Development
The Baguio horses and ponies descended from breeding stock brought by the Chinese, Brazilian, and other South American traders. Subsequently, the dealers abandoned their animals when they left the Philippine Islands. The small horses and ponies that evolved from these equine breeds adapted to the native climate and became physically sound and tough.
During the early 1700s, these horses along with other equine breeds flourished in the country. However, lack of selective breeding programs caused their numbers to decline gradually. Arabian and Spanish bloods were added to refine their traits and increase their numbers.
The modern-day Baguio horses and ponies are now handled by natives called the “pony boys,” who help tourists with horse riding around Wright Park, a place in Baguio City. They also take part in annual festivals, where they compete and race against each other.