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Pony of the Americas
| Country Of Origin | United States of America |
| History and Background | The POA was developed in the United States in the 1950s by Les Boomhower, a Shetland pony breeder in Iowa. The foundation stallion of the breed was an Arabian/Appaloosa/Shetland pony cross with Appaloosa markings named Black Hand. Boomhower appreciated the stallion's conformation and disposition and decided to use him to develop a new breed of Appaloosa-colored ponies. In 1954, Boomhower and a group of associations founded the Pony of the Americas Club, with Black Hand receiving the first registration number. A year later, twelve ponies and twenty-three members had been registered. The club's goal was to develop a medium-sized pony for older children and small adults, with the coloration of the Appaloosa, the refinement of the Arabian and the muscle and bone of an American Quarter Horse. Originally the height requirement called for ponies between 44 and 52 inches (110 and 130 cm); in 1963 this was changed to a range of 46 and 54 inches (120 and 140 cm), and in 1985 a final change was made to height, raising the upper limit to 56 inches (140 cm). Over the first 15 years of its existence, the breed club registered 12,500 ponies. Between the founding of the breed club and the present, the early Shetland blood has been almost completely bred out, in order to maintain and improve the small stock horse look sought by the breed founders. The Pony of the Americas Club hosted its first national convention in 1988, and in 1990, the Club developed a Hall of Fame for its members and ponies. As of 2012, the Pony of the Americas Club has registered over 50,000 ponies. The Club has become one of the equine industry's largest youth-oriented breed registries, with over 2,000 members, and one of the most active, with over 40 affiliated chapters. Although originally developed mainly for Western riding and stock uses, it has also been seen competing in endurance riding, three-day eventing, show hunter, and driving. It jumps well, and can be used for dressage. Originally, breed club shows did not allow people over the age of 16 to show POAs under saddle; adults could, however, show them in halter or driving classes. In 1973, the age limit for riders was raised to 18, and in 1987 it was decided that adults 19 and over could show horses two to four years old under saddle. |
| Use Today | Sport pony, riding pony, show pony |
| Height | 11.2 to 14 hands (46 to 56 inches, 117 to 142 cm) |
| Colour | Appaloosa patterns |
| Characteristics | Head is fine with a slightly concave profile Ears are medium size and pricked Eyes are large and expressive Neck is well proportioned and arched Back is short and straight Chest is deep and wide Legs are solid and strong Hoof is well proportioned and high heeled |
| Personality and Temperament | Quiet and willing |
