Peneia Pony

The Peneia Pony (Greek: αλογάκι της Πηνείας) is a rare breed of pony from the Peloponnese in southern Greece. Peneia is a poetic name for the peninsula, often found in classical texts.

History

The breed was founded on an autochthonous Greek variety very possibly related to the Pindos, and later crossed with Anglo-Arab, Anglo-Norman and Nonius strains. Its herdbook was only established in 1995. The breed is found in Elis and Achaea in the northwest of the Peloponnese.^[1]

According to Greek Agriculture Ministry statistics, as of 2002 there were two hundred thirty-one breeding mares and sixty-nine stallions.^[2]

Breed Characteristics

Peneias generally stand between 10.1 and 14 hands high, and are usually bay, black, chestnut, or gray, although other colors are seen. They have a well-proportioned head with a convex profile and a well-set neck running into low withers, a wide chest, and muscular, sloping shoulders. They have a short back, sloping croup, and long lets with small, tough hooves.^[3]

The natural gait of the Peneia breed is fairly stilted, so they are usually taught a smoother gait called the aravani.^[4]

Uses

Peneias are used as draft animals, pack animals, and mounts for riding and jumping.^[1] The stallions are often used for breeding hinnies.^[3] Crosses with the Thoroughbred have produced faster horses, while the Hellenic National Stud Book Society is promoting a new breeding program crossing Peneia stallions with light draft mares.

References

1. 1 2 Springate, Lynda (1997). "Twenty-five: Principal Pony Breeds of the World". The Encyclopedia of the Horse (reprint ed.). New York: Crescent Books. p. 205, s.v. "Peneia Pony". ISBN 0-517-18461-3. 
2. ↑ "Peneia Pony". EAAP Animal Genetic Data Book. Retrieved December 29, 2007. 
3. 1 2 Bongianni, Maurizio (1988). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies. Simon & Schuster, Inc. p. 162. ISBN 0-671-66068-3. 
4. ↑ "Peneia". Equine Kingdom. Retrieved December 29, 2007. 

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