Gypsy Vanner Horse Society: Fill & Download for Free

Sure. You just decide what you want your breed to be like, pick out some representative horses to start with, and start selectively breeding for whatever it is you want your breed to be. That's how most breed registries get started.Or you can grab up a type that already exists, name it as a breed, and create a registry. Then buy up the cream of the crop, register them, and charge people out the ying-yang for your "purebred" horses. That's how the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society got started.

“Pony” is sometimes defined as any horse under 14.2 hands (58 inches) at the withers. There are several horse breeds that are pony sized when full grown but are called horses. Some of these are exceptionally sturdy and can carry a normal or even large adult. In addition, there are larger pony breeds that can carry adult riders. There’s a lot to be said for having a horse that is strong enough to carry you, but that you can get on easily. (You can’t always find a convenient rock or log when on the trail!) Here are some breeds to consider:Haflinger Horse: This horse ranges from 13.2 hands (54 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches). It has “a strong constitution, a solid conformation with substantial bone, and an uncomplicated personality.” Haflingers can participate in many disciplines, and display “surprising athleticism and strength for their size.” They are always chestnut with flaxen mane and tail.Haflingers Under Saddle (from Bryan Hill Farms)Fjord Horse: These horses hail from Norway. They usually measure between 13.1 and 14.3 hands. They are very sturdy and have the build of a draft horse. Despite their size, they can pull heavy loads and carry adult humans. They are always a shade of dun.Fjord Horse Performing a Dressage Test (from Wikipedia)Icelandic horse: The Icelandic is a gaited horse. Its signature gait is called the tolt, a comfortable four-beat lateral gait that is nevertheless quite fast. The horse also has a “flying pace” that can achieve speeds of up to 30 mph. In addition, it can walk, trot, and canter.Icelandic Horse Performing the Tolt (from Wikipedia)Rocky Mountain Horse: Despite its name, the “Rocky” originated in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. It is a gaited horse that is used for riding, driving, and occasionally light draft work. It excels as a trail mount. The breed comes in many colors, but is famed for its “chocolate” color with flaxen mane. The range from 14.2 to 16 hands, although my friend’s Rocky is 14.1 and can carry me (and I’m not small). I have seen some pretty big people on some pretty small Rockies.Rocky Mountain Horse Gaiting (from Wikipedia)Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and Spotted Mountain Saddle Horse: This is another gaited breed. They come in two height classes: 14.2 hands and above (class A) and 11 to 14.1 hands (class B). They are similar to the Rocky Mountain Horse and the Mountain Pleasure Horse.Palomino Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse (from Wikipedia)Gypsy Horse aka Gypsy Vanner: This horse ranges from about 13 hands to 15.2 hands. It was originally used as a draft animal, but it makes a nice riding mount. It’s very sturdy. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, and has a “fairy tale” look with long, lush mane, tail, and feathering. In pictures they look like huge horses, and I’m always struck by how small they are when I see one in person.Gypsy Vanner on the Trail (Gypsy Vanner Horse Society)Pony breeds that can be ridden by adults include the Connemara Pony, Fell Pony, Welsh Cob, and others.Connemara Ponies on the Beach (from Wikipedia)Welsh Cob Performing a Dressage Test (from Wikipedia)Queen Elizabeth still enjoys riding her Fell Pony.I am sure I missed some other small saddle horses, so please chime in with additional suggestions.