Peneia Pony

Peneia
Other names	Geogalidiko; Georgalidiko; Pinia
Country of origin	Greece
	Equus ferus caballus;

The Peneia Pony (Greek: αλογάκι της Πηνείας) is a rare breed of pony from the Peloponnese in southern Greece. Peneia is a poetic name for the peninsula, often found in classical texts.

Characteristics[]

Peneias generally stand between 10.1 and 14 hands high, and are usually bay, black, chestnut, or gray, although other colors are seen. They have a well-proportioned head with a convex profile and a well-set neck running into low withers, a wide chest, and muscular, sloping shoulders. They have a short back, sloping croup, and long legs with small, tough hooves.^[1]

The natural gait of the Peneia breed is fairly stilted, so they are usually taught a smoother gait called the aravani.^{[citation needed]}

History[]

The breed was founded on an autochthonous Greek variety very possibly related to the Pindos, and later crossed with Anglo-Arab, Anglo-Norman and Nonius strains. Its herdbook was only established in 1995. The breed is found in Elis and Achaea in the northwest of the Peloponnese.^[2]

According to Greek Agriculture Ministry statistics, as of 2002 there were two hundred thirty-one breeding mares and sixty-nine stallions.^[3]

Uses[]

Peneias are used as draft animals, pack animals, and mounts for riding and jumping.^[2] The stallions are often used for breeding hinnies.^[1] Crosses with the Thoroughbred have produced faster horses, while the Hellenic National Stud Book Society is promoting a new breeding program crossing Peneia stallions with light draft mares.

References[]

^ Jump up to: ^a ^b Bongianni, Maurizio (1988). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies. Simon & Schuster, Inc. p. 162. ISBN 0-671-66068-3.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b Springate, Lynda (1997). "Twenty-five: Principal Pony Breeds of the World". The Encyclopedia of the Horse (reprint ed.). New York: Crescent Books. p. 205, s.v. "Peneia Pony". ISBN 0-517-18461-3.
^ "Peneia Pony". EAAP Animal Genetic Data Book. Retrieved December 29, 2007.

[Bongianni-1] Jump up to: ^a ^b Bongianni, Maurizio (1988). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies. Simon & Schuster, Inc. p. 162. ISBN 0-671-66068-3.

[Springate-2] Jump up to: ^a ^b Springate, Lynda (1997). "Twenty-five: Principal Pony Breeds of the World". The Encyclopedia of the Horse (reprint ed.). New York: Crescent Books. p. 205, s.v. "Peneia Pony". ISBN 0-517-18461-3.

[Peneia_Pony-3] "Peneia Pony". EAAP Animal Genetic Data Book. Retrieved December 29, 2007.

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[2]

[3]

Other names	Geogalidiko Georgalidiko Pinia
Country of origin	Greece
Equus ferus caballus

hide v t Horse breeds of Greece
These are the horse breeds considered to be wholly or partly of Greek origin. Many have complex or obscure histories, so inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed is predominantly or exclusively Greek.
Andravida Messara (Cretan) Peneia Pony Pindos Pony Skyros Pony