Pony of the Americas

The Pony of the Americas, or the POA, was developed to be a children’s mount. The breed’s origins are in America, where an Iowa breeder crossed a Shetland stallion with an Arabian/Appaloosa mare to produce a pony-sized mount with stunning Appaloosa markings.

Breed Characteristics

The POA was originally developed for small riders in need of a mount larger than a small pony, but not the size of a full-fledged horse. The breed standard originally had the height requirement between 11.2-13 hands. However, since that time the maximum height has been raised to 14 hands.

The head has large, expressive eyes with a small, refined, and "dished" face similar to an Arabian. The body is more like a stock horse, with plenty of muscling like a Quarter Horse, with a broad chest, round belly, sloping shoulders, and powerful hindquarters. The pony should have free-flowing movement, and the tail is typically carried high.

The coloring of the pony must be the markings of an Appaloosa, and visible from a distance of 40 feet. This includes the spotted coat in any Appaloosa pattern and the white sclera around the eye, muzzle, and genitals, as well as striped hooves.

The ponies are tractable and willing, with a gentle nature.

History of the POA

The POA first was developed in 1954, when Leslie Boomhower, an Iowa breeder of Shetland Ponies, founded the breed. Her Arabian/Appaloosa mare accidentally gave birth to a foal sired by a Shetland stallion. The resulting colt was named Black Hand, and he became the foundation sire for the breed.

Other breeds, including the American Quarter Horse, Welsh Pony, Thoroughbred, and Arabian have been used to infuse athleticism, stamina, and size.

Today there are over 40,000 registered POAs in the United States. The ponies are presently being bred to have less Shetland Pony blood, with breeders striving for a little horse rather than pony conformation.