The Breed

Pony of the Americas

If you associate the word “pony” with stubborn, fat, wily, or mean, you need to meet a Pony of the Americas! These sweet-tempered versatile ponies are the only all-youth breed in the United States, and they’re great for children to ride, love, show, and learn with.
 A POA is a pony (measuring between 46”-56” or 11.2hh-14hh) with appaloosa markings. A POA must have at least one registered POA parent; the other, if not a POA, must be a registered horse or pony of an approved breed (Appaloosa and Quarter Horse, for example). A horse that fits the height and color requirements, but does not have registered POA parents, can be hardship registered into the breed.
POAs are very versatile. The National Pony of the Americas Club (POAC) offers a wide variety of classes—English and western pleasure, equitation, jumping, trail, games, driving, halter, reining, costume, and more—and many POAs and their children show in all these classes. POAs have very good temperaments and are often ridden by very young children independently. POAs are also used for pleasure and trail riding, dressage, and gymkhana/rodeo events. Many 4-H and United States Pony Club members choose POAs for their excellent dispositions and all around ability. Many POA families have several generations involved since at a POA show there is something for everyone.

If you aren’t familiar with appaloosa markings, more detail on color may help you understand what a POA is. In Pony of the Americas: History of the Breed, author B. J. Spahr describes the seven approved POA coat patterns as follows (pp. 109-111):

1. Snowflake pattern -- basic dark body color with snowflake-type white spots over all or part of the body.
2. Frost pattern -- basic dark body color with frost-type white sprinkled over all or part of the body.
3. Blanket pattern -- basic dark body color with white blanket over croup, hindquarters, loins, back (or part of these). Blanket may have dark spots (note: a completely white blanket is referred to as a snow-cap).
4. Leopard pattern -- basic white body color with dark spots over entire body and neck.
5. White with black spots on hindquarters-- basic white body color with dark spots over hindquarters, loins, croup, back (or part of these).
6. Marbleized roan pattern – basic roan body color (including neck). A mixture of light and dark hairs with light color predominant and with varnish marks.
7. Few spotted leopard pattern – basic body color white with no or few spots on body. Areas of solid color or dark roan may be found on the ears, behind the elbows, the flank and usually the underside of the neck. Strong sclera and mottled skin required.

There are many places to find a POA for sale. The POA International Sale is held each year in October. The location varies, but all information is published in the POA magazine and members receive a sale catalog (go to www.poac.org ). In addition, several regional sales are held by state clubs. Many ponies are advertised for sale in POA magazine and on the internet, but the majority change ownership through word of mouth. Please see our “Classified Ads” section for POAs available for sale in Virginia or contact the ODPOAC (see list of officers in “The Club” section) for information on POA breeders in Virginia.
For more information on the breed, please go to the POAC website (www.poac.org) or contact one of our officers.

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