The American Walking Pony is a relatively new and distinctive breed known for its smooth gait, versatility, and exceptional temperament. As a crossbreed developed to combine the best qualities of both the Tennessee Walking Horse and the Welsh Pony, the American Walking Pony has quickly gained popularity for both performance and pleasure riding. This unique pony breed exhibits the signature smooth gait of its larger gaited relatives while being compact, friendly, and easily manageable.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, characteristics, and care needs of the American Walking Pony, as well as its uses and the reasons behind its rising popularity.
Origins and History of the American Walking Pony
The American Walking Pony was first developed in the 1960s by crossing the smooth-gaited Tennessee Walking Horse with the spirited Welsh Pony. The breed was officially established by Joan Hudson Brown, who sought to create a pony that would not only retain the size and versatility of a pony but also possess the natural gaits of a gaited horse. Through selective breeding, Brown achieved a pony that could perform a variety of gaits, making it both comfortable to ride and adaptable to numerous disciplines.
The American Walking Pony was formally recognized as a breed in 1968 with the creation of the American Walking Pony Registry. Today, the breed is recognized for its charming personality, flashy looks, and impressive range of abilities, from trail riding to competitive events.
Characteristics of the American Walking Pony
The American Walking Pony combines the best features of both its parent breeds. Below are some defining characteristics that set this breed apart:
1. Size and Build
- Height: American Walking Ponies typically stand between 11.2 and 14.2 hands high (46 to 58 inches), which places them firmly in the pony category.
- Weight: They usually weigh between 400 to 800 pounds, depending on height, build, and individual conformation.
- Build: They have a compact, well-muscled build with a refined, slightly arched neck, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, and powerful hindquarters. The body is proportionate, showcasing an elegant and athletic appearance.
2. Gait
- The American Walking Pony is celebrated for its smooth, natural gaits, inherited from the Tennessee Walking Horse lineage. The two signature gaits include:
- The Pleasure Walk: This is a four-beat gait similar to the flat walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse, offering a comfortable, smooth ride.
- The Merry Walk: Also known as the running walk, this gait is a faster-paced, rhythmic gait that provides both speed and comfort.
- In addition to these specific gaits, the American Walking Pony can often perform additional movements like the canter and trot, adding to its versatility.
3. Coat and Coloring
- The American Walking Pony can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including bay, black, chestnut, palomino, gray, pinto, and roan. They may also exhibit some color patterns associated with the Welsh Pony lineage, giving them a unique, eye-catching appearance.
4. Temperament
- American Walking Ponies are known for their friendly, willing, and intelligent nature. They are easy to train, making them suitable for a variety of riders, from beginners to experienced equestrians.
- Their adaptable temperament allows them to thrive in various environments, whether as family pets, trail companions, or competition mounts.
Uses and Disciplines
The American Walking Pony is versatile and capable of excelling in multiple disciplines due to its unique combination of gaited movement and the athletic ability of a pony. Here are some popular ways this breed is used:
1. Trail Riding
- The smooth, natural gait of the American Walking Pony makes it ideal for long trail rides. Riders can enjoy a comfortable experience over varied terrain, making this breed highly popular for leisure and endurance trail riding.
2. Show and Performance
- American Walking Ponies are frequently showcased in events that highlight their gait, such as pleasure classes, gaited competitions, and versatility shows. These ponies are not only eye-catching but are also known to perform well in competitions due to their graceful gaits and lively personalities.
3. Driving
- Their compact size, stamina, and intelligence make American Walking Ponies well-suited for driving. They are often trained to pull carts in competitive driving events and for recreational driving.
4. Youth and Family Riding
- The friendly, manageable temperament and moderate size of the American Walking Pony make it an excellent choice for youth riders. Children and novice riders appreciate the pony’s willing nature and ease of training, while families value its adaptability and friendliness as a companion animal.
5. Therapeutic Riding Programs
- The American Walking Pony’s calm temperament and smooth gait are beneficial for therapeutic riding programs, where individuals with disabilities may find the pony’s movement comforting and manageable.
Care and Maintenance of the American Walking Pony
Like all horses and ponies, the American Walking Pony requires specific care tailored to its unique needs. Here are some essential care practices:
1. Nutrition
- Given their moderate size, American Walking Ponies do not require as much feed as larger horses but should receive a balanced diet of forage (grass or hay) and, if needed, a fortified feed to meet their energy requirements.
- They are prone to weight gain due to their pony heritage, so feed should be closely monitored to prevent obesity.
- Supplements like biotin for hoof health and omega-3s for coat shine can support their appearance and overall health.
2. Grooming and Skin Care
- American Walking Ponies should be groomed regularly to maintain their coat and skin health, especially if they have sensitive skin or are prone to sunburn (as some lighter-colored ponies can be).
- Since they often have dense, thick manes and tails, especially if they inherit the Welsh Pony’s features, detangling and thorough grooming are essential to prevent matting.
3. Hoof Care
- Regular hoof trimming every 6–8 weeks is crucial. Some American Walking Ponies may also require shoes if they frequently work on rocky or uneven surfaces.
- Due to the amount of time they spend on trails or in shows, maintaining healthy, strong hooves is important to prevent injuries.
4. Exercise and Training
- These ponies benefit from consistent exercise, and daily turnout is ideal for keeping them physically and mentally fit.
- Training should be positive and reward-based, as American Walking Ponies respond well to gentle, consistent methods that make use of their intelligence and eagerness to please.
5. Veterinary Care
- Annual vaccinations, dental care, and deworming are standard for keeping the American Walking Pony healthy. Their compact size and gaited movement mean they may require special attention to joint and muscle health, especially if used extensively in high-impact sports.
American Walking Pony Registry and Breed Standards
The American Walking Pony Registry, established in 1968, maintains breed standards and organizes events to celebrate and promote this breed. To be registered, an American Walking Pony must meet specific criteria related to size, conformation, and gait performance. Registered ponies may compete in various events that showcase their unique gaits and versatility, further promoting the breed’s distinctiveness.
Summary: The Unique Appeal of the American Walking Pony
The American Walking Pony is an exemplary breed, combining the elegance and smooth gaits of the Tennessee Walking Horse with the spirited, compact structure of the Welsh Pony. These ponies are excellent companions for riders of all ages and skill levels, offering comfort, versatility, and an easygoing temperament that makes them ideal for a variety of riding and non-riding disciplines.
Whether used for trail riding, competitive shows, youth riding programs, or simply as a family pet, the American Walking Pony remains a beloved and versatile breed in the equestrian world. Their charming personality, combined with the smoothness of their gaits, makes them a unique addition to any stable and a breed well worth getting to know.