One of
the most versatile of British native breeds. It is hardy and of
sound constitution, while the winter coat, consisting of a layer of
strong, badger-like hair over
a soft, dense undercoat, enables it to live out in all weathers.
They are
good rides, and make excellent “family” ponies, many being natural
jumpers. They are easily broken to harness and because
of their docility, sure-footedness and native intelligence, are invaluable as pack ponies and for
farm and forestry work.
Height:
The height is 13 hands high to
14.2.hands high (132 – 148cms)
Colour:
Arrange of duns,
muse, yellow, golden, grey, cream, fox etc. Also
grey, black and occasionally bay and
liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Many ponies have a
dorsal stripe and some show zebra
markings on legs and shoulder. Apart from a small star, white
markings [blazes, socks etc] are disliked and discouraged.
Stallions with white markings other than a small star are not eligible
for registration.
A small star
is defined as no greater than 2.5cm in diameter
Head:
Head is well carried and alert with a
kindly eye. Broad muzzled with a deep jowl
Neck
and shoulders:
Reasonable length of neck going from the withers with a good sloping shoulder
and well placed forearm.
Body:
Well
balanced and compact with deep chest and plenty of room for heart and lungs. Ribs well sprung.
Quarters and Hindlegs:
Powerful quarters with well developed thigh, strong second thigh and clean
flat hocks.
Mane and Tail:
Hair should be natural,
flowing and untrimmed with a full tail.
Limbs:
Flat
hard bones, broad knees, short cannon bones, oblique pasterns and well shaped broad dark hoofs.
Feathers soft and silky
Action:
They
should move straight and freely and show true ‘pony’ character.
Show Presentation:
There should be no
pulling or plaiting or trimming of mane and
tail, nor the feather on the legs.
Light trimming of long hairs in jaw line is permitted. Whiskers should
not be trimmed. Eye or other
cosmetic make up must not be applied under any circumstances. The pony should be shampooed, or
thoroughly groomed to look and feel absolutely clean. Mane and tail
brushed out well with a
soft
brush. Hoofs should only be oiled or have clear polish. Ridden ponies
for winter competitions or hunting may be clipped out always giving due regard to the above
preparation rules. Legs should not be clipped in these cases. It should
also be accepted that these clipped ponies may be placed somewhat lower
In early, In hand, spring show
classes depending on the in hand judges view.
