The United Kingdom boasts a rich and diverse equine heritage, with a wide array of horse breeds that have been developed over centuries to suit various purposes. From the diminutive and hardy Shetland pony to the majestic Shire horse, these breeds represent a significant part of British history and culture. This guide explores some of the most notable UK horse breeds, categorizing them into native ponies, heavy or draught horses, and other distinctive breeds, offering insights into their origins, characteristics, and modern-day roles.
British Native Ponies
The UK is home to twelve distinct breeds of native ponies, many of which are eligible to compete in Mountain & Moorland (M&M) showing classes. These ponies, shaped by their specific environments, are known for their hardiness, versatility, and unique characteristics.
Shetland Pony
Hailing from the northern Shetland Isles, the Shetland pony is the smallest of the UK’s native breeds, typically standing between 28 and 42 inches at the wither. Developed with minimal external influence, these ponies are renowned for their resilience and longevity. Historically, their strength made them valuable as pit ponies in mainland Britain. Today, they are popular mounts for children, excel as driving ponies, serve as therapy animals, and act as companions for larger equines. They also participate in events like the Shetland Pony Grand National.
Highland Pony
Originating from Scotland, the Highland Pony is one of the larger native British breeds. It is a strong, well-balanced, and compact pony, valued for its substance and power. The Highland Pony is a versatile family mount for both riding and driving, and its strength makes it suitable as a pack animal, traditionally used for transporting game. Many Highland Ponies are also capable jumpers and perform well on long-distance rides.
Dales Pony
Native to the upper dales of the eastern Pennines, the Dales pony typically stands between 14hh and 14.2hh. Its coat colors are limited to black, brown, grey, bay, or roan, with minimal white markings. The Dales pony is popular for riding and driving, admired for its stylish trot. Their intelligent and kind nature, coupled with their versatility, makes them a solid choice for working hunters and general riding.
Fell Pony
The Fell pony breed is indigenous to the north-west of England, primarily found in Cumbria. These ponies generally do not exceed 14hh. Historically, Fell ponies were used for pack work, carrying various loads, and for hunting. Known locally as ‘galloways’, they were also used in trotting races and by collieries. Today, the Fell pony is considered an ideal all-round family pony for both adults and children and is a popular choice in the show ring.
New Forest Pony
Native to central southern England, the New Forest pony has a history dating back to at least 1016. These ponies, measuring up to 148cm, excel in various equestrian disciplines. They are popular choices for pony clubs and riding clubs as all-rounders and are also used for showing, hunting, jumping, and dressage. Their build allows them to carry adults comfortably while remaining suitable for small children.
Dartmoor Pony
Hailing from the English county of Devon, the Dartmoor pony has inhabited the Dartmoor moors since the Middle Ages, developing into a hardy and resilient breed. These ponies, not exceeding 12.2hh, are sturdily built yet possess a quality conformation, resembling a scaled-down middleweight hunter, making them excellent riding ponies. Historically used for transporting tin from mines and for farm work, they are now an excellent all-round children’s pony, though also suitable for small adults.
Exmoor Pony
Considered one of the UK’s oldest native horse breeds, the Exmoor pony originates from the Exmoor National Park in the south-west of England. The Doomsday Book contains the first written records of these ponies. Historically, they served hill farmers in various capacities, from being ridden for shepherding to pulling ploughs and carts. Today, their versatility makes them suitable as all-round mounts for children and smaller adults. Exmoors are also recognized for their role as conservation grazers.
Welsh Cob (Section D)
The largest of the four Welsh native pony breeds, the Welsh Section D, or Welsh Cob, has no upper height limit but must exceed 13.2hh while maintaining its pony character. Celebrated as an exceptional ride and drive animal, the Welsh Cob is favored by adults for both under saddle and harness work. They are adept hunters and perform well across ridden disciplines and in show ring competitions.
Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)
The Welsh Section C, or Welsh pony of cob type, should not exceed 13.2hh. This is a highly popular British pony breed suitable for both adults and children. The Welsh C is an athletic, compact, and sturdy pony with significant body and bone. Its power, strength, and depth make it a versatile all-rounder, frequently seen in the show ring and excelling in performance disciplines like jumping and dressage.
Welsh Pony (Section B)
The Welsh Section B, or Welsh pony, not exceeding 13.2hh, is a taller and more refined version of the Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A). These ponies are exceptionally versatile and successful across disciplines due to their athleticism, often competing effectively against non-native breeds. They are also successful in showing classes and are excellent ridden ponies with good jumping ability, making them great all-rounders for children.
Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
The Welsh Section A, or Welsh Mountain Pony, is the smallest of the four Welsh breeds, standing no taller than 12hh. It is a favored choice for children, often seen in lead rein and first ridden classes. Believed to exist since prehistoric times, these ponies were used by farmers and later in mines. Welsh Section A ponies typically possess a good jump and easy temperaments, making them ideal first ponies for children and capable all-round Pony Club ponies.
Connemara Pony
Originating from County Galway in Ireland, the Connemara pony is included due to its popularity in the British show ring as one of the official large breed M&Ms. These ponies are renowned for their excellent temperament, versatility, and athletic build, making them enjoyable for both children and adults. While the official upper height limit is 15hh, part-bred Connemaras are popular, and purebreds are increasingly sought after as competitive all-rounders for amateur riders.
Other UK horse breeds not typically competing in M&M classes include the rare Eriskay pony and the Dartmoor Hill Pony.
UK Horse Breeds: Heavy or Draught Horses
Britain has a strong tradition of developing heavy or draught horse breeds, historically crucial for agricultural work, transportation, and industry. Breeds like the Shire, Clydesdale, and Suffolk horse were vital for pulling heavy loads.
The Shire Horse
The Shire horse is a British draught horse, believed to have originated in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, descending from the “Great Horse” of the Middle Ages. Shires are known for their immense size, typically standing around 17hh to 17.3hh, and considerable strength. Despite their power, they are often described as gentle giants, possessing calm and friendly temperaments. Some breweries still utilize Shire horses for deliveries and promotional purposes, and a small number of farms opt for them over tractors for environmental sustainability. They are also used in logging and land management where vehicle access is limited.
The Clydesdale
Native to Scotland, the Clydesdale horse is recognized globally, partly due to its association with Budweiser commercials. This British heavy horse breed competes with the Shire and Belgian Draft for the title of the “world’s biggest horse.” Typically standing at least 17hh, Clydesdales are lighter than some other draught breeds due to a more refined frame, giving them an elegant appearance. Historically significant in agriculture and haulage, they are now primarily used for breeding, showing, carriage driving, and parades. Some Clydesdales also participate in general riding club activities and have served as drum horses for the Household Cavalry.
The Suffolk Horse
Also known as the Suffolk Punch, the Suffolk horse dates back to the 16th century and originated in the eastern English counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. It is the only draft horse breed developed exclusively for farm work. All Suffolk horses are chestnut in color, and their lineage can be traced to the founding stallion Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, foaled in 1768. Following World War II, the breed’s numbers significantly declined, making it one of Britain’s rarest horse breeds. They stand 16hh to 17hh and have less feathering than other heavy horses. The breed continues to be used in commercial forestry and under saddle.
Other UK Horse Breeds
English Thoroughbred
The English Thoroughbred is an exceptional equine athlete, with its origins in England during the 17th and 18th centuries, developed by breeding English mares with imported Barb, Turkoman, and Arab stallions. The General Stud Book, established in 1791, registers horses traceable to these foundational stallions. Thoroughbreds are primarily bred for racing but their bloodlines are infused into many other breeds to enhance refinement and athleticism. They are also popular in polo, hunting, team chasing, and eventing.
The British Riding Pony
The British Riding Pony is a result of blending the best of Thoroughbred, Arabian, and British native pony bloodlines, developed by discerning breeders since the 20th century. Registered ponies are either direct progeny of British Riding Pony parents or part-breds with native ponies, Arabs, or Thoroughbreds. These ponies are known for their beauty, elegance, and ground-covering movement. They achieve considerable success in the show ring, dressage, eventing, showjumping, and pony racing. Many have been exported and formed the foundation stock for German and Dutch Riding Pony studbooks.
The Hackney
The Hackney horse originated in the 18th century from a cross between the Thoroughbred and the Norfolk trotter. Hackneys are most famous as carriage horses, known for their flashy, high-stepping trot, and are typically shown in private driving competitions. The Hackney is considered at-risk, appearing on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s watchlist due to a significant decline in registered foals. The Hackney Horse Society is working to promote the breed’s versatility beyond driving and showing.
Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay originates from the Cleveland area of north-east England, with a history predating written records. This breed combines substance, activity, stamina, and a good temperament, making it suitable for various tasks including farm work, pulling coaches, and hunting. Cleveland Bay bloodlines have influenced many European warmblood horses. The breed received a boost in popularity when Queen Elizabeth II purchased a purebred colt in the 1960s. Today, Cleveland Bays compete at high levels in driving, dressage, and showjumping.
