British BREEDS CARD

BreedsBreeds A guide to pull out and SpecialSpecial keep and come in all shapes and sizes, and there are hundreds of different types and breeds around the world. The UK is the original home of some of Those breeds marked the most well-known and ancient breeds of horses to be with a *are part of the found anywhere in the world, many of which are now * nine official Mountain becoming increasingly rare. Just for you, here is an introduction to some of our and Moorland native native breeds, with thanks to the horses and ponies from ponies of Great Britain Redwings for being our willing and very lovely models! Cleveland Connemara* Clydesdale

Initially bred in the North East of Timmy here is a great example The majestic Clydesdale comes , the is one of Connemara. These hardy little from Lanarkshire in Scotland. of the oldest breeds of in ponies originate from Western Most are coloured bay or brown Britain and is now becoming Ireland and are naturally very with white markings, but blacks, increasingly rare. They are athletic, great at and greys, roans (like Boo above) and incredibly versatile horses, usually quick to learn. They range from chestnuts are occasionally seen. 16-17hh tall and always bay in 12.2h – 14.2h and can be grey, They had become very rare in colour, hence their name! They are black, bay, brown, dun or more recent years but their popularity known for being very intelligent rarely or palomino. is growing again now although although they can be rather they are still classified ‘at risk’ by strong-willed so they need careful the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. handling, like Pearl above. Dales* *

Dales ponies like Toby are strong for their size, usually between 14h and 14.2h, and they are known for being incredibly sure-footed and very calm in scary situations, although they can be a Beautiful Storm is a classic example of a strong for inexperienced riders. They also Dartmoor , a fantastic breed that comes have very strong hooves complete with silky from the South West of England. Dartmoors ‘feathers’ on the backs of their legs, which makes have lovely movement and make brilliant first them look very elegant indeed! The is ponies as they are very calm and love cuddles. now extremely rare and is classified ‘critical’ by They are quite small, no bigger than 12.2h, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. and can be bay, brown, grey, chestnut or . Exmoor* Fell* Hackney

The Exmoor is actually an The looks very similar Like the Exmoor, the beautiful endangered breed as there are to its cousin, the Dales, but is Hackney is very rare in the UK fewer than 500 of them in the smaller, not exceeding 14hh, and now, although it descends from . One of the originates from the fells of North the English Trotters of oldest of the British native West England. Like Lucy here, and and used to be a breeds, Exmoors are hardy and they are usually black although common sight on the streets of strong and although sometimes they can also be brown, bay or London pulling the famous stubborn, they are very loyal. grey and have lovely silky ‘Hackney cab’. Bob here is a Quentin here is an Exmoor feathers on their legs. They have Hackney cross, but he still has cross and we think he’s very unusual, strong feet made classic features such as a deep gorgeous! of hard, blue horn. body, large bright eyes and a graceful neck. BREEDS CARD Highland*

Highland ponies like Lakota (she is a Highland cross) come from the North of Scotland and the These strong dependable horses originated in Western Isles. They are usually 13-14.2hh and Ireland (hence the name!) where they were once are dun, black, grey or sometimes dark chestnut. used for farming as they are very strong and Although they have short legs they are very dependable with kind, gentle personalities. They strong and can carry up to 95kg! They have a have very strong legs and good feet so they are special coat made of coarse hair with a soft rarely lame. Mel here is a lovely example of an undercoat so they can live out in all weathers without worry. Sadly lovely Lakota is no longer Irish Draught! with us, she passed away in 2010. New Forest* Shetland* Shire

Ponies have lived in the New Shetland ponies are an ancient The largest of England’s native Forest in England since at least breed originally from the Shetland breeds, Shires are incredibly strong 1016. Ponies like Sophie still Islands in Scotland. They are one and have been used for many roam the Forest now although of the most popular breeds in the centuries as working horses and they all have owners, plus they world and are also the strongest even used to carry medieval enjoy the odd titbit given to ponies in relation to their size as knights into battle. Despite their them by tourists so they are they don’t reach more than 42 size, however, they are incredibly quite tame! They are sturdy little inches, bless! Harry Potter is a docile, gentle animals that love ponies that can be any solid lovely example of a Shetland, with humans. Fusilier here is 18.2hh colour except cream and they are very sturdy legs, a dished face and and even though he is the largest known for being very versatile large, intelligent eyes. What a horse at Redwings, he always and easy to train. handsome chap! behaves like a perfect gentleman! more overleaf... Punch

Midland here is a Cross – Suffolk were originally bred to be Punch horses are incredibly rare and classified racehorses like Tubbs here, so they are extremely ‘critical’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. They are light and fast with lots of muscle and very long always chestnut (spelt chesnut when referring to elegant legs for galloping. They are usually 15.2- this breed) and are very strong with a wonderful 16hh and although they are very brave they can temperament. Before the First World War there also be rather excitable. All Thoroughbreds have were thousands in East Anglia but the numbers two birthdays – they celebrate their official have dwindled so much the breed is in danger of birthday on January 1st – that means double the being wiped out altogether. Very sadly lovely presents, the lucky things! Midland passed away in 2007. Welsh Ponies*

Welsh ponies come in one of four types, section A, B, C, or D * Section A - Ollie * Section C - Washington according to their height and * Section B - Aero * Section D - Egbert build. Section A or the Welsh Mountain pony is the smallest, they grow no bigger than 12hh A and they are recognised as a vulnerable breed because they are becoming increasingly rare. Section D is the largest type, growing up to 15hh and known for being very sturdy and yet elegant. C

Why not D read all B about pony colours in the colour special on the ‘Learn’ page!