American Walking Pony

The American Walking Pony is a relatively new breed, which was developed mainly for the use as a show horse in gaited competitions. Although it has three unique gaits, it is able to compete in seven. Due to its Welsh Pony heritage, the pony also makes an excellent light hunter.

History

The American Walking Pony is a cross between the Tennessee Walking Horse and the Welsh Pony. The registry for the American Walking Pony was first established in 1968. It regulates the breed by only allowing horses that have been registered with both the Walking Horse and the Welsh Pony (or a cross between the two), to be made available for stud to sell around the world. The first stud to be registered in the American Walking Pony Registry was BT Golden Splendor.

Breed Characteristics

Standing up to 14 hands high at the withers, the American Walking pony is a relatively large pony-type. It has a clean, smallish head on a well arched and muscled neck. The shoulder is slightly sloped, the hips are well muscled and the back is relatively short. It can be most colours.

The three main gaits which are unique to the American Walking Pony are the:Pleasure walk, the Merry walk, and the canter. Both the Pleasure walk and the Merry walk are four-time beat gaits, that are faster than a regular walk, and are described as being very light and free. The Merry Walk is the fastest of the two.

[http://www.howard.k12.md.us/res/gaitedhorses/172.jpg]

ee also

* List of horse breeds