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By Smith Northam

Last updated: 3rd June 2021

Australian Riding Pony

By

Smith Northam
Last updated: 3rd June 2021

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

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.

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