Why Arabian Ponies? A MOST DIST ING U IS HE D DE RIVAT I V E
ABLUE MOON’S MILK N HONEY
A
One of the most prominent registries, in terms of both numbers and general popularity, is surely the Arabian Pony. Introduced in 1971, the Arabian Pony is one of our oldest and most distinguished Derivative sections and, almost half a century after the creation of its registry, remains a popular and admired ambassador for the Arabian breed.
Partbred, however, they must be descended exclusively from registered stock and their pedigrees can be traced accordingly. The smallest Arabian Ponies are extremely petite, well within the restrictions for Leading Rein classes. Whether it’s as a small Show Hunter or Open pony, or as a means of introducing Arabian refinement and type to a miniature breeding program, they are sought-after additions to many families. At the other end of the scale, and depending on the parents used, an Arabian Pony could easily exceed 15 hands. Taller Arabian Ponies can often be found competing with success in the Partbred and Half Arabian rings, a testament to the desirability and correctness of their pony heritage.
The countless attractions of the Arabian Pony are immediately and easily discernible. Like the Partbred, they represent a comprehensive spread of sizes and colours. Unlike the
Representing various colours, as well as sizes, the Arabian Pony occurs in almost every colour of the equine rainbow. In addition to the usual suite of solid colours, and the
ustralia is home to a beautiful and diverse collection of Arabian Derivatives. Each of our Derivative sections has its own strengths and its own history, from the earliest registries (Partbred and Anglo Arabian in 1949) to the most recent (Half Arabian in 2015).
120
ARABIAN STUDS & STALLIONS 2022
perennially lovable grey (a little grey pony with big black eyes is difficult to resist), dilute Arabian Ponies have been enduringly popular for many years. Dilution occurs with a high frequency in certain pony breeds, making the Arabian Pony an ideal choice for anyone seeking to produce a coloured Arabian Derivative. For those who favour patches, eye-catching pintos can also be seen in Arabian Pony classes all around Australia. Arabian Ponies possess an enduring appeal that has made them a popular promotional avenue for the Arabian horse more generally. If you visit the Arabian Derivative page of the Arabian Horse Society of Australia (AHSA) website, you will find them represented by a photo of an Arabian Pony. When the society introduced the Half Arabian registry, their print advertising featured an Arabian Pony with a Purebred parent. International judges at our leading
