Pony of the Americas (POA) is a rather young horse breed, which was first established in 1954. Nevertheless, the breed is considered one of the most popular in the USA today. The somewhat small horses have an impeccable character and are therefore predestined as leisure, family and therapy horses. But the horses also cut a fine figure in western riding and even in front of carriages. Find out everything about the Pony of the Americans in this article.
Table of Contents
Important data on the Pony of the Americas at a glance
- Origin: USA
- Main breeding area: USA
- Distribution: USA, partly Europe
- Height: 46 – 55 in
- Weight: 661 – 881 lbs
- Appearance: Muscular pony with the appearance of a large horse.
- Colours: Tiger piebald
- Main use: Family, show, leisure, therapy, western horse
Origin/ancestry of the breed
Pony of the Americans (POA) is a relatively young breed of US-American origin. It did just emerge in the year 1954. The first official horse of this breed was the stallion Black Hand POA#1.
Ponies of the Americas are a mixture of small Arabians, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and American Shetland Ponies. The Ponies have inherited certain characteristics from each of the original breeds. For example, the typical head shape (baby-doll head) goes back to the Arabian horses. The muscular and compact build undoubtedly comes from the Quarter Horses. The influence of Appaloosas on the breeding can be seen most clearly in the characteristic tiger spotting. The size comes ultimately from the small American Shetland Ponies.
While in the early days of breeding many crossbreeds were allowed, today the rules are much stricter. Only POAs, Appaloosas and Quarter Horses registered in the stud book are allowed. Horses that have been crossed with other breeds such as Welsh Ponies or Arabians only on application and only in exceptional cases receive breeding papers for the Ponies of the Americas. Although the breed has only been around for a relatively short time, it is now considered one of the most popular horse breeds in the USA. The ponies are especially suitable for children and young people, but also for lightweight adults.
Appearance of the Pony of the Americas
With the Ponies of the Americas, the name pony is quite misleading. Although the small animals with a height of between 46 – 55 in are in fact ponies, their build and movements are more reminiscent of a small horse. It is not for nothing that POAs in America are called standing in the “little horse look”. The horses are athletically and elegantly built. The wedge-shaped head and long strong legs as well as a good basic musculature complement the look of a modern Western horse.
The entire body reminds one of a Quarter Horse in mini-format. The shoulders are well muscled, the ankle joints short and strong. The smooth topline with flat withers merges into muscular hindquarters and a round sloping croup. POAs are considered small western horses and are allowed to compete in all western disciplines on an equal basis with large horse breeds.
The breed originated from crossbreeding Appaloosas, Quarter Horses, American Shetland Ponies and Arabians.
POAs grow until they are six years old. At this age the ponies also have their final colour coat pattern. Therefore, only then are the final papers issued in the American association. The typical colour of POAs is a tiger check, which is caused by a certain gene. The most common colour is the blanket colour. Here the horses have G-shaped, dark patches in the coat on the loins and the croup. The leopard pattern, in which the patches are distributed over the whole body, is also common. If the patches are darker on the inside and become lighter on the outside, the appearance is called halo. Many tiger checkers have spotted skin under the coat, especially in the genital area, on the lips and nostrils (mottled skin).
Ponies with white spiked hairs visible in the base colour are called Varnish Roans with regard to their colouration. Depending on which variations occur in the coat pattern, red, blue and marbelized Roans are distinguished. If irregular edges appear at the sides of the patches, this is an indication of the paint or pinto pattern. This is prohibited in POA breeding. Horses with a solid coloured coat or a too large height are also not desired. They receive so-called pink papers. This means that they are entitled to breed, but are not allowed to participate in POA shows.
How tall does a Pony of the Americas grow?
POAs grow between 46 - 55 inches tall.
Description of the character traits
Naturally, every individual is different, which is why the traits described below do not necessarily apply to every single Pony of the Americas. Nevertheless, the traits are particularly common in horses of this breed. POAs are considered to have strong nerves and to be well balanced. They are friendly and calm and therefore also very suitable for beginners. At the same time, however, the ponies are by no means phlegmatic, but are always attentive, hard-working, willing to perform and very trainable when working.
Pony of the Americas – Special characteristics
A very typical feature of the Ponies of the Americas is a white dermis (sclera) on one or both eyes. The sclera is the outline of the iris (coloured central part of the eye).
The hooves often have distinctive features as well. There are frequently clearly defined vertical stripes in the hoof (striped hooves). These can be light or dark.
How heavy does a Pony of the Americans become?
The average weight is between 661 - 881 lbs.
Areas of use of the POA
POAs are very friendly animals that are perfect beginner horses for children and youngsters, but also for lightweight adults. They always remain calm and relaxed, are very reliable and pay attention to their rider. This makes them ideal therapy horses. But also advanced riders have a lot of fun with these obedient and performance willing horses. From a sporting point of view, the animals are predestined for trail and western riding. Sometimes the ponies are also used in front of carriages.
What is a Pony of the Americans suitable for?
POAs are typical western horses that are also used in shows. Due to their lovely character, these small horses are also good family and leisure horses.
Pony of the Americas – Hereditary diseases
Like many other horse breeds, Ponies of the Americas can be affected by the hereditary disease PSSM1 (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy). Especially Quarter Horses and Appaloosa as well as horses bred from them are affected by this disease. PSSM1 is a muscle disease in which sugar in the muscles can lead to pain, general weakness, restricted movement and other symptoms.
How old does a Pony of the Americans become?
Ponies of the Americas can live between 25 and 30 years.
Known horses of the breed
Well-known representatives of the breed are not known. In film and television, important roles are often filled by the larger Quarter Horses or Appaloosas. Within the breeding scene of the Ponies of the Americas, the stallions Santee Rustler Bill, Santee Silver Sun, Santee Champ, Santee Prestige as well as Gold Dreamer and Sunnyside are best known. The original stallion of the breed, Black Hand POA#1, should not be forgotten in this list.
