Horse and Pony Breeds Unique to Australia

Australian Pony
Soon after imported ponies began arriving in Australia, there was a need for definite breeding guidelines. Selected pony sires were mated with mares of known pedigree and with certain foundation mares of a pony type to produce the Australian Pony. The Australian Pony should not exceed 14 hands in height, and all colours are acceptable. It should have good conformation and be free of hereditary defects. A good temperament is of the utmost importance. It makes an ideal riding or harness pony.

Australian Riding Pony
The Australian Riding Pony is a smaller edition of the show hack, ranging in height from 12.2 to 14.2 hands. It is a quality animal with superb conformation. Free, straight action from the shoulder and not the knee and an impeccable manner are its other main characteristics. The Australian Riding Pony was derived from selective crossing of Thoroughbred, Arabian and pony bloodlines and is mainly used as a children’s show pony.

Australian Saddle Pony
The Australian Saddle Pony is derived mostly from Australian Pony, Welsh Pony, Thoroughbred and Arabian bloodlines. It is slightly heavier in bone and a bit calmer in temperament than the Australian Riding Pony. The height of these ponies varies from 11 to 14.2 hands. Colours include black, grey, brown, palomino, buckskin, palouse and pinto. A very versatile pony, the Australian Saddle Pony is particularly suited to Pony Club competition.

Australian Spotted Pony
The Australian Spotted Pony must be less than 14 hands at maturity and show similar coat colour patterns to the Appaloosa. It must have good conformation, with the head and feet in proportion to the body, which should be well muscled. The action of the pony should make it easy to ride. The Australian Spotted Pony is generally for young riders, but it is also suitable for many adults. The disposition of the pony should be such that it can be handled and trained by children.

Australian Stock Horse
The Australian Stock Horse has evolved over the past 150 years as Australia’s own horse. The harsh conditions and vast open spaces of early Australian settlement demanded a tough, durable horse with a mild manner and a comfortable canter. Infusions of Thoroughbred blood have added to the versatility of the breed. Apart from its main role as a working stock horse, the Australian Stock Horse is now also used for polo, dressage, show jumping, hacking, Pony Club, endurance riding and tent-pegging. Its ideal height is 15 to 15.2 hands, but 14 to 16 hands is acceptable. The coat may be any color, but solid colors are preferred.

Australian Stud Saddle Pony
The Australian Stud Saddle Pony is derived from the mating of any registered pony breed and horses with Arabian blood. It is characterized by its quiet temperament under saddle, its ability to learn and its affectionate and loyal character. It is hardy and healthy, with strong hooves, and has a maximum height of 14.2 hands. It must be a solid color. These ponies have achieved outstanding success in all facets of the show ring.

Australian White Horse
Australian White Horses are classified by their colour, rather than their breeding. There are two varieties of White Horse: cremello and perlino. Both are genetically termed pseudo-albino because they differ from the true albino by having blue eyes and limited pigment in their skin.

Miniature Horse
Miniature horses include the Falabellas of Argentina and the American Miniature Horse. Enthusiasts insist that in its true form the Miniature horse is a breed apart from the Miniature pony because it is bred and developed to resemble a true horse in miniature, whereas the Miniature pony generally appears stockier than a horse. Ponies, particularly the Shetland, have, however, played a major role in the development of the Miniature horse. The Miniature Horse Association of Australia has defined its own breed standards. Miniatures must not measure more than 8.2 hands at the base of the last hairs on the mane and its size must be in proportion to the length of its neck and body. Miniatures must also possess broad foreheads with large, expressive eyes set well apart. The New Zealand Miniature Horse Association has two size categories: Category A horses must not measure more than 34 inches in height, and Category B horses not more than 38 inches.

Miniature Pony
The Australian Miniature Pony is the result of crossbreeding Shetlands with other small breeds such as the American Miniature Horse and the Falabella. Selective crossing with the Welsh Pony, Australian Spotted Pony and Arabians has also given the Miniature Pony greater coat colour variation and a finer, smaller head. To be eligible for registration as an Australian Miniature Pony, it must not exceed 8.2 hands in height from the highest point of the withers and must have a certificate of soundness. Any colour is permissible. The whole body should be balanced and in proportion to the pony’s height. The body should have well-sprung ribs, a slight natural curve of the back and a strong, well-rounded rump.

Waler
Walers originated in Australia during the 1700s and 1800s. They were originally sired by Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Anglo-Arabs out of local mares of undetermined breeding. Many of these mares would have had heavy-horse bloodlines. Regarded as excellent saddle horses, Walers were bred and exported in large numbers, chiefly as cavalry horses. The legendary World War I Australian Light Horse Brigade, numbering some 40,000 men, was largely mounted on Walers. After the war, interest in the breed declined and they were left to breed in a wild and natural state where, in the process of natural selection, only the strongest survived. Interest in the breed revived during the 1970s and 80s. A society and a program to identify and locate as many horses of the Waler type as possible were begun and a stud book was established. The society believes that the Waler population in Australia is difficult to estimate as many people do not recognise the type. Many are still believed to be running wild. Ranging from 14.2 to 16 hands, Walers have a general character suited to a strong Warmblood type with a kind temperament. Three categories of Waler have been established: light, medium and heavy.

This article is adapted, with permission, from Horse Sense—The Guide to Horse Care in Australia and New Zealand, second edition (2004).