Horse Breeds: Exmoor Pony, Faeroes Pony, Falabella, Fell Pony, Finnhorse

OR PONY*developed the breed during the 19th Century. The
In southwestern England, the Exmoor Pony areorigination of the Falabella breed comes from the
descendants of horses that walked along the land ofAndalusian horse, brought with Spaniards during the
Britain before it was an island. The oldest native ponyattempt of a conquest. When the Spaniard's were
breed, the Exmoor pony is evidenced to exist overunsuccessful at taking over the human inhabitants,
60,000 years.they left the horses to survive on their own.
The Exmoor Pony is suited to survive in we and coldThe horses wandered over vast plains, and with each
climates, and can do so without assistance fromfoaling, the breed underwent biological and structural
people for food or shelter. The Exmoor breed haschanges in order to adapt and survive in their new
hooded-eyes that protect them from rain and wind,environment. They built up incredible resistance and
and a chute down the tail that channels snow andstamina due to their need to travel long distances in
rain off the bodies of the horses. Exmoor's havesearch of pasture and water. They developed sharp
shiny and sleek coats in summer, and grow a doubleinstincts to sense danger.
layer in the winter for waterproofing and insulation.The Falabella family found the horses in a province in
They are always brown in color, with black pointsArgentina, and began experimenting with breeding.
and a ring around the eye and muzzle. Their heightAfter years of breeding, they achieved a breed of
ranges between 11 and 12 hands and weight aboutwell-structured horses that live to 40 or 45 years of
750 pounds.age. Offspring are bred with similar temperaments of
Originally, Exmoor's were horses used for tending andthe parents, and the Falabella is a gentle animal that
herding to livestock, but they are also great inenjoys people.
competition and win events in dressage, jumping, andHair on Falabella horses is silky, and they have short
long distance riding with both children and adultmanes. They are energetic and walk with a
drivers. Exmoor's seem to enjoy working, arespontaneous gait. Their colors may be pinto, chestnut
intelligent and can jump like a cat!and bay, but most are black and brown.
In the 1950's, Exmoor's were imported into Canada.*FELL PONY*
The breed is still rare, with only about 800 poniesCourage and adaptability are the characteristics of a
existing around the world, but the foal number isclassic native breed in England, the Fell Pony. The
increasing.breed can trot at a steady speed over long
*FAEROES PONY*distances, has a docile temperament which makes it
Similar to the Icelandic Pony, the Faeroes Pony is ofa good horse for riding.
ancient origin and is among the purest breeds due toPresent day Fell ponies are about 14 hands in height,
isolated conditions. The Faeroe breed is foundhave long necks and laid back shoulders.
between the shetland Islands and Iceland on the*FINNHORSE*
Faeroe Islands. The climate of the islands is mild andSometimes referred to as the Finnish Universal horse
the temperature is quite constant.because it offers Finland horse owners all qualities
Faeroes Pony has a resemblance to the horsesneeded in a good horse, the Finnhorse is adescendant
brought from Asia to Europe around 200 A.D, andof the European domestic horse. Finnhorses are easy
are small in size. Most are bay color, with some black.to handle, quick, live long and have good endurance.
Their hair grows heavy in winter, but is thick yearMost are chestnut in color, and have white markings
round.on the legs and face. Some Finnhorses are bay or
*FALABELLA*greyish colored, with only a few brown or black.
The Falabella breed is named after the family who