Finding the ideal native

The versatility and hardiness of a native pony means they’re an apt choice for many riders. But which breed would be the best fit in your life? Alex Robinson investigates

Which breed would suit you best?

VISIT any livery yard in the UK and you’re likely to find a pony with native influence residing in one of the stables. The idea that the mountain and moorland (M&M) is only suitable for a rider with low ambitions and competitive expectations is a thing of the past, as we witness them performing grand prix dressage, winning horse trials and scooping supremes at the likes of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

“All 12 of the M&M breeds from the British Isles are tough and, as their heritage demands, extremely intelligent,” says the National Pony Society (NPS) council’s M&M breed council representative Madge Taylor. “Each individual breed – and indeed, each individual pony – has their own special attributes.

“Many riders started their careers on a Shetland. They’re a good introduction to the joy of riding and learning to care for a pony, its

“Research your chosen breed, observe it in action and talk to those who know”

MADGE TAYLOR OF THE NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY

diminutive size not being too overwhelming for a small child.

“Dartmoors, Exmoors and Welsh section As – and not forgetting New Forest ponies under 12hh – are ostensibly children’s ponies, although some could carry a small, lightweight adult with ease.

“The slightly older newcomer to natives may consider a Welsh section B or C, and this is also an ideal step-up from a small breed.

“For an older child or family mount there is little to choose between the larger breeds. Fells, Highlands, Dales, Connemaras and New Forests are all tough and dependable. Not for the faint-hearted is the Welsh section D, an athletic and huge-moving pony who can excel but is not for the novice rider.

“Compatibility is the key word. Research your chosen breed, observe it in action and talk to those who know.”

NATIVE producer Amy Smith’s most famed ride is her bay Connemara gelding Laburnum Richard (Pedro), a two-time HOYS worker champion who Amy maintains is a “quirky” ride.

“Some would assume that a Connemara is suitable for a novice home but I think it takes a very special type of pony to do that job,”

says Amy. “Ultimately, they’re performance ponies and while you may be drawn to them after watching them in the ring, they can be challenging to get to that stage. Pedro is anything but easy and he has to be ridden in a specific way to get the best out of him.”

But Amy maintains that in the wrong hands, any breed of pony can take advantage. The heavier breeds, such as Highlands and Fells, have garnered a reputation for being docile “happy hackers”.

“What makes a pony is its upbringing,” Amy continues. “A wild animal which has never been handled and has come straight off the moors or fells is going to take time to come right.

“If you want something quiet you’re best buying something that’s been there and done it, not just assuming it’s going to be a certain way because of its breed.

“Researching certain breeding lines can help gauge a pony’s temperament, too. Look into the bloodlines and research siblings by the same stallion who are already on the circuit. You can’t always base it on breeding but it can help.”

NICOLA and Malcolm Salter have driven natives for many years. The duo have five national private driving championship supreme accolades between them.

“Natives have the ability, temperament and intelligence as well as naturally good stamina to be a harness pony,” says Malcolm. “We’ve worked with all the Welsh sections and have achieved great success with them because of their attitude to work. They do learn very quickly, so it’s important to train them correctly from the beginning.

“All of the breeds have their strengths; it’s all about temperament, conformation and paces. When we’re seeking a suitable driving pony we look for a youngster that hasn’t been touched so we can do everything ourselves, or a pony that has been successfully shown in-hand or under saddle. This doesn’t mean it has to have won lots of red rosettes, but has been in the ring and behaved.

“In the show ring, it helps if a pony has that extra wow-factor, like an exuberant extension, but is equally mannerly and correct.

“Natives can also do extremely well in driving trials and indoor driving, too, because of their sure-footedness, power and willingness. Pleasure driving and attelage require stamina and strength which natives have in abundance.

“Don’t rule any breed out; the Shetland, though small, makes a superb driver because of its strength, while Exmoors and New Forests are very workmanlike, both in stature and attitude. I’ve also worked with the Highland breed and have found them to be extremely affable in their attitude to training.”

MINI pony specialist Sharn Linney also has a wealth of experience with all types. “Everyone knows I love a Welsh section

A,” says Sharn. “Children grow at such different rates. Section As come in all shapes and sizes and if you source a substantial type with a good temperament it can carry the child and there is less worry about them outgrowing it so soon, but is still rideable for the dinky jockeys.

“While there are some fantastic Dartmoors out there, I have found some to be more strong-willed and harder for the kids to bridle. They tend to be stronger or stuffier and just take a little more riding.”

One of the hardest step-ups for many young riders is from the first pony.

“At this stage, the junior jockey will hopefully be more confident,” continues Sharn. “While safety is still important, we can look for something with more movement and place emphasis on type and conformation. The older the rider, the more diverse the search can be.

“I do like a nice Welsh section B for this stage of riding. They have substance and are showy but can also be great fun and can usually jump.”

Madge adds: “To help you make an informed choice, attend a larger show where there are performance and breeding classes for all the breeds in a large variety of disciplines.”

“The breed societies would be the first port of call for further information and access to ponies for sale. The NPS also holds study days where those new to natives can learn the pros and cons of each breed.”