American Walking Pony
The orseAmerican Walking Pony, developed by crossing a Welsh Pony and Tennessee Walking Horse, is a new breed of ponies native to the United States. Being a naturally gaited horse, the walking pony is frequently entered in gaited competitions and horse shows.
American Walking Pony Pictures
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- American Walking Pony Horse
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- American Walking Pony Images
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- American Walking Pony Pictures
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- American Walking Pony
Quick Information
| Temperament/Personality | Calm, docile, willing; obeys owner’s instructions and commands |
| Physical Characteristics | Relatively large-sized for a pony; small and neatly chiseled head, bold and widely set eyes, well-shaped and pointed ears; long, arched, muscular, high-set neck; short back, slightly sloped shoulder, well-muscled hips |
| Colors | All solid colors including black, brown, dun, roan, champagne, palomino, grullo, etc |
| Height (size) | Approximately 14 hands (142 cm, 56 inches) at the withers |
| Weight | About 600 lbs (272 kg) |
| Common Uses | Jumping, driving, showing, dressage, pleasure riding |
| Health | No known health issues specific to this equine breed |
| Gaited | Yes; seven different gaits that are distinctly smooth, relaxed, and very light |
| Feeding/Diet | Good quality pasture, hay, sugar beet pulp, low amount of mineral and vitamin supplement |
| Distinguishing Traits | Refined and elegant movements, pleasant physical attributes and disposition |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Ancestors | Tennessee Walking Horse, Welsh Pony |
| Breed Association/Registry | American Walking Pony Registry |
Video: American Walking Pony Gaits
History and Development
Over the years, extensive breeding experiments were performed to create a large pony similar to the size of Arabian horses and with smooth saddle gaits. On 10 May 1968, the foundation cross (a golden palomino colt) was derived from a registered Welsh Pony and Tennessee Walking Horse. In the same year, a breed registry was formed by the founder of American Walking Ponies, Joan Hudson Brown.
The breed was regulated by allowing horses registered with either the breed associations of the Welsh Pony and the Walking Horse or those that were produced by crossing the two breeds. Browntree’s Flicka was the first mare registered in the breed registry while the first stallion was BT Golden Splendor.
Interesting Facts
- These ponies make excellent show hunters because of their Welsh Pony ancestry.
- Aside from trotting, the American Walking Pony has some other gaits such as the Canter, the Merry Walk, and the Pleasure Walk.
