A pony horse is a decorative animal for teaching children how to ride, participating in circus performances. But this is not entirely true. Miniature subspecies of domestic horse preserved in the wild on Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. Ponies are used by farmers for agricultural work, and previously they worked in mines without rising to the surface for years.
How did ponies appear?
There are ponies that have evolved naturally and those that have been artificially bred by humans.The first 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 nature reserve, where the ancient ancestors of horses lived.
With miniature parameters and thick hair with undercoat, it is easier for animals to protect themselves from cold, piercing winds. Their short stature and strong legs made it easier to graze and dig up roots with a meager food supply.
20 varieties of ponies have been artificially bred. Among them are riding breeds, those that take part in racing, light draft breeds, and companion animals.
What is the difference between a horse and a pony
Features of the pony are short stature (height at 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, ponaidh (small horses) include animals no higher than 110 cm, and the International Equestrian Federation classifies horses up to 1.5 m in height 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:
- Ponies, like dogs, become attached to their owner. To remain calm, animals must communicate with humans several times a day and live close to home.
- Miniature horses are smart, savvy and easy to train, absorbing both positive and negative skills.
- The horse should not be spoiled. To prevent your pet from becoming an uncontrollable animal capable of throwing a child off its back, strict training is required.
- Short horses are friendly not only to people, but also to representatives of their breed and pets.No partitions are required for maintenance; they get along in a common stall.
Ponies that have survived in unfavorable conditions of the natural environment are hardy, hardworking, and have excellent health. The only inconvenience in keeping them is the difficulty in purchasing harnesses. Standard equipment is not suitable, you have to make an individual order.
Varieties
The most commonly purchased pony breeds are:
- Shetland. A variety of heavy trucks with a height of 70-110 cm, weighing up to 200 kg, named after its place of origin - the Shetland archipelago, located at the junction of the Atlantic and the North Sea. Reliable animals of piebald, black or bay colors are muscular and, if necessary, show courage and ingenuity. Their endurance and ability to transport loads amounting to up to 40% of their own weight are surprising. Among the Shetland horses there are many circus performers and guides for the blind.
- Welsh. A variety of ponies, native to North Wales, developed 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 are up to 120 cm tall and are suitable for children to ride. Type B horses grow up to 137 cm and compete alongside other breeds. Pony type C, with an admixture of Arab blood, height 122-137 cm - used for riding, in harness. Type D, with a height of 137 cm, 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, and are used as a companion animal. Smart, quick to learn, friendly with children and adults.
- Icelandic. Bay and black ponies came to Iceland from Norway through the Vikings.The animals reach a height of 137 cm. Representatives of this unique species, which can move at a gait, are characterized by a wide neck and a large head. Icelanders, protecting the purity of the breed, banned the import of other horses into the country.
Hardy Scottish ponies are similar to Asian wild horses. Of interest is the English riding variety, bred to teach children horse riding and outwardly reminiscent of Arabian miniature horses. The smallest horse is considered to be Einstein, a representative of the Polo breed. The foal was born weighing less than 3 kg and measuring 0.36 m in height.
What is important to know when caring for a pony
To maintain the health of miniature horses, attention and care are required. In summer, animals graze all day on designated pastures. In winter they feed on hay and vitamin and mineral supplements. Small horses are prone to overeating, so the food is dosed, divided into 2 parts, and the manger is filled in the morning and evening. If you want to pamper your pet, treat them to apples, carrots, and beets. The stables are cleaned regularly and fresh water is offered at least three times a day. If the grazing soil is not rocky, trim the hooves as needed to prevent curvature of the leg joints.
