Introduction: What is the American Walking Pony?

The American Walking Pony is a small horse breed that excels in its unique walking gait. This pony breed is a cross between the Tennessee Walking Horse, known for its smooth gait, and the Welsh Pony, known for its intelligence and athleticism. The result is a versatile, elegant, and intelligent pony that is ideal for riding, showing, and driving.

History: The origins of the breed

The American Walking Pony was first developed in the United States in the 1960s. The breeders wanted to create a pony that had the smooth and natural walking gait of the Tennessee Walking Horse, but with the intelligence, athleticism, and versatility of the Welsh Pony. The breeders crossed the two breeds and carefully selected the best offspring to continue the breeding program. Today, the American Walking Pony is registered with the American Walking Pony Association, which was founded in 1989 to promote and preserve the breed.

Characteristics: Size, appearance, and temperament

The American Walking Pony is a small horse breed that stands between 11 and 14 hands high. They have a refined head, a muscular neck, and a compact body. Their coat can be any color, including black, chestnut, bay, and gray. The American Walking Pony is known for its gentle and friendly temperament, which makes them an excellent choice for children and novice riders.

Gait: The smooth and unique walking gait

The American Walking Pony is known for its smooth and unique walking gait, which is a four-beat lateral gait that is completely natural to the breed. The gait is comfortable for the rider and allows the pony to cover long distances with ease. The American Walking Pony also has a natural ability to perform other gaits, including the trot, canter, and gallop.

Uses: Riding, showing, and driving

The American Walking Pony is a versatile breed that can be used for riding, showing, and driving. They are suitable for a variety of disciplines, including trail riding, dressage, jumping, and driving competitions. The American Walking Pony is also popular in the show ring, where they can compete in various classes, including pleasure, trail, and versatility.

Breeding: The process and standards

Breeding the American Walking Pony involves crossing a Tennessee Walking Horse with a Welsh Pony. The offspring must meet certain standards to be registered with the American Walking Pony Association, including height, conformation, and gait. The breeding process is carefully monitored to ensure that the offspring have the desirable traits of both breeds.

Training: Developing the pony’s gait and skills

Training an American Walking Pony involves developing their natural gait and other skills. The pony must be trained to perform various gaits, including the walking gait, trot, canter, and gallop. They must also be trained to respond to various commands and cues, both under saddle and in-hand. The training process should be gentle and consistent, and the pony should always be rewarded for good behavior.

Health: Common health issues and care

Like all horse breeds, the American Walking Pony is prone to certain health issues, including laminitis, colic, and respiratory problems. To keep the pony healthy, they should be fed a balanced diet, provided with regular exercise, and given proper veterinary care. Hoof care is particularly important for the American Walking Pony, as their gait can put extra stress on their feet.

Popularity: The American Walking Pony’s place in the equine world

The American Walking Pony is a relatively new breed, but it has gained popularity among horse enthusiasts for its unique gait and versatile nature. The breed is particularly popular among children and novice riders, as their gentle temperament and smooth gait make them easy to ride. The American Walking Pony is also popular in the show ring, where they can compete in various classes, including pleasure, trail, and versatility.

Associations: Organizations for breeders and owners

The American Walking Pony Association is the primary organization for breeders and owners of the American Walking Pony. The association is dedicated to promoting and preserving the breed, and it offers various programs and services to its members. Other equine organizations, such as the American Horse Council and the United States Equestrian Federation, also support the American Walking Pony and its breeders and owners.

Conclusion: The future of the breed

The American Walking Pony is a unique and versatile breed that has a bright future in the equine world. As more people discover the breed’s smooth gait and gentle nature, it is likely that the breed will continue to grow in popularity. With careful breeding, training, and care, the American Walking Pony will continue to be a beloved breed for generations to come.

Resources: Where to learn more about the American Walking Pony

To learn more about the American Walking Pony, visit the American Walking Pony Association’s website at www.americanwalkingpony.com. Other resources include equine publications, breed registries, and equine organizations.