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The Pindos pony is also known as the Thessalonian pony. It
is an ancient breed, traditionally raised in the Thessaly and Epirus regions
of France; it is still bred there today. Greece does not have the ideal
environment or climate for raising horses, mostly because of the harsh weather
conditions and very infertile, poor soil. These environmental issues have
produced an inordinately hardy and enduring pony whose functional abilities
more than make up for a lack of aesthetic beauty. These ponies are bred in the
mountains and have all the qualities that accompany such a breed, including
incredibly noteworthy climbing abilities.
This
pony is somewhat different from its ancestors by now, the ancestors who are
believed to have been largely oriental types and horses brought from the the
Scythian people, who were quite well-known for their horsemanship. They are
probably descended from an old Thessalonian breed developed by the Greeks,
noted for its courage and beauty.
These ponies are usually quite sure-footed and are stil
used to perform many of the tasks around the local people's small households.
These menial tasks may range from agricultural work, plowing, working in
harness to transport goods, as a pack pony, and also for riding. They have
great endurance and stamin and have a very sound constitution. Pindos ponies
are frugal. They can live on minimal rations and can live for a very very long
time. They have very sound legs and feet and rarely go lame. The mares of this
breed are often used to breed a good stamp of working mule.
In appearance, the Pindos has a course head with
unattractive, small eyes. Their necks and backs are a reasonable length and
they have light, narrow frames. Their hindquarters are poorly underdeveloped
with a high-set tail. This indicates Oriental influence. Their legs are fine
with small, strong joints and tough hooves. This pony has a reputation for
being difficult and very stubborn. They can be bay, black, dark grey, and
almost any dark color, and they stand no taller than 13 hh.
Pindos Pony Breed Description
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