The Australian Pony is acknowledged as one of the best pony breeds in the world. Its breeding was carefully planned and engineered for over a century, ensuring a mixture of all the desirable traits of several pony breeds. 

Physical Characteristics

With slightly crested neck, sloped back, strong back, and well-defined withers, the Australian Pony strongly shows the refining Welsh Mountain Pony influence. Standing between 11 to 14 hands high (44-56 inches, 112-142 centimeters), this riding pony also has deep chest, well-rounded hindquarter, and short, strong legs.

Personality and Temperament

After years of interbreeding, breeders were been able to bring out the most desirable qualities in the Australian Pony, including its good temper. Though an obedient horse, it still retains its air of pride.

History and Background

As its name implies, the Australian Pony is a horse breed that was established in Australia. Its ancestors, however, are far from natives of the area. In fact, horses and ponies only came to Australia when settlers began to migrate to the continent with the livestock in the late 18th century.

The Australian Pony's ancestors include the English Thoroughbred, the Hackney, the Welsh Mountain and Cob type, the Timor, the Arab, the Exmoor, and Hungarian ponies. Those foals that exhibited the best set of characteristics after several trials of crossbreeding and interbreeding were further propagated. After more than a hundred years of refinement, the modern Australian Pony breed was finally established.