The United Kingdom boasts a rich heritage of native horse breeds, each with unique characteristics and historical significance. From the diminutive yet hardy Shetland pony to the majestic Shire horse, these breeds have played vital roles in British history and continue to be cherished for their versatility and specific qualities. This guide explores the diverse range of UK horse breeds, focusing on their origins, attributes, and modern-day uses.
British Native Ponies
A cornerstone of the UK’s equestrian landscape is its twelve distinct breeds of native ponies, eligible for Mountain & Moorland (M&M) showing classes. These ponies are categorized by breed or height, with classes often divided into small and large breed groups.
Shetland Pony
Originating from the northernmost British Isles, the Shetland pony is the smallest UK native pony, standing between 28 and 42 inches. Renowned for their hardiness and longevity, these ponies were once employed as pit ponies and are now popular with children, as driving ponies, therapy animals, and companions. They are also known for their jumping abilities, often seen in the Shetland Pony Grand National series.
Highland Pony
Hailing from Scotland, the Highland pony is one of the larger British native breeds. This strong, well-balanced pony is a popular choice for families for both riding and driving, and also serves as a capable pack animal. Many Highlands excel in jumping and long-distance riding.
Dales Pony
Native to the upper dales of the Pennine range, the Dales pony typically stands between 14hh and 14.2hh. Known for their impressive trot, they are sought after for riding, driving, and as versatile all-round mounts due to their kind nature and intelligence.
Fell Pony
The Fell pony, originating from northwest England, particularly Cumbria, is an ideal all-round family pony for both adults and children. Historically used for pack work and hunting, they are also known for their use in trotting races and by collieries.
New Forest Pony
Native to central southern England, the New Forest pony measures up to 148cm and is a popular choice for pony clubs and riding clubs, excelling in showing, hunting, jumping, and dressage. They are capable of carrying adults while remaining suitable for children.
Dartmoor Pony
From the English county of Devon, the Dartmoor pony has a history stretching back to the Middle Ages on the Dartmoor moors. These hardy ponies, not exceeding 12.2hh, are well-built and make excellent riding ponies, historically used for transporting tin from mines and farm work. Today, they are favored as children’s ponies.
Exmoor Pony
One of the UK’s oldest native horse breeds, the Exmoor pony originates from the southwest of England. Historically used by hill farmers for various tasks, including shepherding and farm work, they are now versatile all-round mounts for children and smaller adults. They are also recognized for their role as conservation grazers.
Welsh Cob (Section D)
The largest of the four Welsh native pony breeds, the Welsh Cob (Section D) has no upper height limit but must exceed 13.2hh. Known as an exceptional ride and drive animal, the Welsh Cob is popular with adults for riding and driving, and performs well in various ridden disciplines and show classes.
Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C)
The Welsh Section C, or Welsh pony of cob type, does not exceed 13.2hh. This athletic, compact, and sturdy pony is a favorite for adults and children alike, popular in the show ring and excelling in jumping and dressage.
Welsh Pony (Section B)
Standing no more than 13.2hh, the Welsh Section B is a more refined version of the Welsh Mountain Pony. Highly versatile, these ponies are successful across disciplines, often excelling in plaited showing classes and as ridden ponies for children due to their athleticism and movement.
Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
The smallest of the Welsh breeds, the Welsh Section A, or Welsh Mountain Pony, stands no taller than 12hh. It is a popular choice for children’s lead rein and first ridden classes. Historically used by farmers and in mines, they possess good jumping abilities and easy temperaments, making them ideal first ponies.
Connemara Pony
Originating from County Galway in Ireland, the Connemara pony is included due to its popularity in British show rings as a large breed M&M. Known for their excellent temperament and versatility, these ponies are fun for both children and adults. While the official upper height limit is 15hh, part-breds and over-height purebreds are increasingly popular for amateur riders.
Other UK native ponies include the rare Eriskay pony and the Dartmoor Hill Pony.
UK Horse Breeds: Heavy or Draught Horses
Britain has a strong history of heavy or draught horse breeds, including the Shire, Clydesdale, and Suffolk horse. These breeds were crucial for heavy work on land and transportation, prized for their ability to pull immense loads.
The Shire Horse
Originating from Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, the Shire horse is renowned for its impressive size, typically standing 17hh to 17.3hh. These gentle giants possess a calm and friendly temperament. Shires are still used by breweries for deliveries and promotional purposes, as well as in logging and land management where their ability to access difficult terrain is beneficial.
The Clydesdale
Native to Scotland, the Clydesdale horse is known worldwide, partly due to its association with Budweiser commercials. Vying for the title of “world’s biggest horse,” Clydesdales are tall, typically at least 17hh, but possess a lighter frame than some other draught breeds, lending them elegance. Historically used for agricultural and haulage work, they are now primarily used for breeding, showing, and carriage driving. They have also served as drum horses for the Household Cavalry.
The Suffolk Horse
Also known as the Suffolk Punch, this breed dates back to the 16th century and originated in Suffolk and Norfolk. It is the only draft horse breed developed exclusively for farm work. All Suffolk horses are chestnut in color. Once facing decline, it remains one of Britain’s rarest horse breeds. They stand 16hh to 17hh and have less feathering than other heavy horses.
Other UK Horse Breeds
English Thoroughbred
Founded in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, the English Thoroughbred is celebrated for its athleticism and refinement. Thoroughbred bloodlines are influential in numerous breeds worldwide and are popular for racing, polo, hunting, and eventing.
The British Riding Pony
A blend of Thoroughbred, Arabian, and British native pony bloodlines, the British Riding Pony was developed in the 20th century. These quality ponies are known for their beauty, elegance, and movement, excelling in show rings, dressage, eventing, and showjumping.
The Hackney
Originating in the 18th century from a cross between the Thoroughbred and the Norfolk trotter, the Hackney is best known for its flashy, high-stepping trot and is typically shown in carriage driving competitions. The breed is currently at risk, listed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s watchlist due to declining numbers.
Cleveland Bay
This breed from northeast England predates written records and combines substance, activity, stamina, and a good temperament. Cleveland Bay stallions were used extensively to improve European warmblood breeds. The breed received a boost when Queen Elizabeth II purchased a purebred colt in the 1960s, leading to top-quality horses competing in driving, dressage, and showjumping.
