I have recently been introduced to an amazing horse – the Pony of the Americas. Ranging from 46 to 56 inches tall, these versatile mounts are a relatively new breed. However, their ability to compete in so many events -- from gymkhana to endurance to trail – as well as their size and gentle nature makes them a very good horse for young people.
The breed was developed by a mating between a Shetland pony stallion to a half Arab/half Appaloosa mare, which yielded a beautiful pony named Black Hand. White with black markings that looked like a hand, Black Hand retained horse-like characteristics, but was pony sized with Appaloosa coloring traits. From this one out crossing, the idea of the Pony of the Americas (“POA”) was born.
POAs have mottled skin, the coat pattern of an Appaloosa, striped hooves and white sclera (the part of the eye that surrounds the iris). Though technically a pony by height, the POA should have the lithe body type of a light horse breed rather than the cobby, stockier body type of many ponies. Their head should be small and dished like an Arabian’s.
The official Pony of the Americas Breed Organization maintains the bylaws of the registry and certifies ponies that meet the standard of the breed. In the short time since its inception, 50,000 POAs have been registered.
Two of the prime reasons that POAs have become so popular are 1) the youth-oriented purpose to the horse, and 2) the emphasis on good sportsmanship which predominates at POA competitions. A youth must learn to win or lose with grace and dignity, and to celebrate the success of their competitors as much as their own. The POA motto is “Try hard, win humbly, lose gracefully and, if you must ... protest with dignity."
If you are familiar with the sometimes cutthroat nature that surrounds some adult shows, you will be amazed at the difference at a POA show. For this reason, the Pony of the Americas is becoming a favorite for parents who wish to avoid such an atmosphere yet still want their child to be able to ride and compete.
POAs are suitable for a wide variety of disciplines: dressage, western pleasure, reining, hunter/jumper, equitation, pole bending, barrels, gymkhana, and more. The breed has its own magazine, which provides information about upcoming shows, breeders, and some of the top POAs and riders in the nation.
Adults may only show futurity prospects of POAs (2, 3 or 4 years of age). The rest of the fun goes to the kids. If you are looking for the ideal mount for your young rider who is perhaps too big for a stocky pony but not ready for a full-sized horse, consider the Pony of the Americas. Look at the Pony of the Americas Club web page to locate POA clubs and breeders in your state.
