Australian Riding Pony
The Australian Riding Pony is a breed of extremely popular domestic equines that was developed in Australia by selective crossing of British riding pony bloodlines, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses. They are like small copies of the Show Hacks, and are primarily used as a children’s show pony.
Australian Riding Pony Pictures
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- Australian Riding Pony Foal
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- Australian Riding Pony Horse
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- Australian Riding Pony Images
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- Australian Riding Pony Pictures
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- Australian Riding Pony Stallion
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- Australian Riding Pony
Quick Information
| Physical Characteristics | Both studs/stallions and mares have an average conformation with the head and the ears are small, while the forehead is flat, neck is fine and long and is slightly crested; has a strong back with a deep girth; the tail is set high, while the legs are strong and sturdy with well-chiseled joints; the hooves are neat and strong |
| Temperament | Intelligent, docile, even tempered, alert, sensible |
| Type | Riding Pony, Show Pony, Driving Pony, Sports Pony |
| Colors | Solid colors; grey, black, brown (grey being most preferred) |
| Height | 12.2 – 14.2 hands |
| Weight/Size | 606 pounds (adult) |
| Common Uses | General riding, combined driving, gymkhana, mounted games, dressage, show jumping, horse shows |
| Health Problems | Normally healthy with no known breed specific issues |
| Popular Traits | Multi-talented, good for children and young adults |
| Feeding/Diet | General equine diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
| Ancestors | British Riding Pony, Thoroughbred, Arabian Horse |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Time of Development | 1970 |
| Association/Registration/Other Information | Breed Standards |
Video: Riding a Male Australian Riding Pony
History and Development
In the 1970s, while the breeders from Australia traveled to Britain with an intention to import Welsh ponies, what they came across were the elegant British ponies, to which they developed some attraction.
In 1973, eventually they took home the first pony stallion, Aristocrat of Flawforth. They used this pony, as well as two other male foals of Bwlch Valentino breed – Treharne Talisman and The Laird, all three of which played a major role in the development of the Australian Riding Ponies. The resultant new equids were successful in impressing the show exhibitors and the Australian breeders, for which they quickly came to the limelight. However, at present, most of the major bloodlines from Britain and New Zealand are represented in this pony breed, while the usage of artificial insemination has permitted even more bloodlines.
In 1980, the ‘Australian Pony Stub Book Society’ came into being for the very first time. This was purposely done so that the proper document could be established for ponies, a smaller version of horses. Since then, because of its elegance and grace, the Australian Riding Pony breed has been featured in a number of Royal Shows.
Interesting Facts
- In April 2015, 21-year-old Australian riding pony named ‘Marena’ won both novice level tests and the Australian Pony Owners and Breeders Dressage championship.
