The Beginnings of the POA

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Breeds of Horses and other Horse topics.

how did the POA begin?

The Beginnings of the POA

The foundation stallion of the Pony of the Americas (POA ) breed is Black Hand, also known as Black Hand #1 because he became the first POA registered. Black Hand’s sire was a Shetland pony and his dam was a cross between and Arabian and a Quarter Horse. The mating was accidental. The mare’s owner sold her while she was pregnant to Shetland pony breeder and attorney Les Boomhower of Iowa.

Black Hand was named for a distinctive hand-like formation of spots on his hip. The foal grew to resemble a small Appaloosa horse rather than a blocky pony. Black Hand also had a good temperament and was very athletic. He became in demand around Iowa as a sire for older children’s ponies. Boomhower started the Pony of the Americas Club in 1954 with fellow Shetland pony breeders.

Other breeds were added to the mix to create a breed of Black Hands. These breeds included Arabians, small Quarter Horses, Welsh ponies, small but horse-like Indian ponies bred by Native American tribes and mustangs. One mustang in particular who influenced the breed was Dragon or Dragon #103, caught leading a band of mustangs in Mexico in 1957. Despite being a fully mature wild stallion, he eventually was trained to ride and compete with children on his back.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Horse Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sheri Ann Richerson