Among the breeds influencing the original POA's were the Arab, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Welsh Pony, and Shetland Pony. • About 1,000 new foals are registered each year. One of the foundation stallions of the breed Pony of the Americas was Black Hand #1. In 1954, Black Hand became registry #1. For young equestrian riders, who are too big for the smaller ponies yet not quite ready for a full sized horse, the Pony of the Americas is a perfect match. His birth signified the beginning of the POA breed. The breed was developed from Arabian, Shetland pony, and Appaloosa horse breeds. A breed registry was founded in 1954, and within 15 years had registered 12,500 ponies. Pony of the Americas, riding-pony breed used as a child’s mount, developed in the United States in the 1950s by crossing ponies with Appaloosa horses. The Pony of the Americas is an ideal riding horse for children due to its small stature, athleticism, and gentle personality. The Pony of the Americas breed was founded in 1954 in Iowa. Pony of the Americas (POA) is a riding pony breed originated in the United States of America in 1950. The breed was developed for the riding of young and small adults. An Appaloosa mare was bred to a Shetland stallion and produced a black leopard named Black Hand #1. The foundation stallion was an Arabian/Appaloosa/Shetland pony cross. The owner offered to sell the pregnant mare to a neighbor, lawyer and Shetland pony breeder Les Boomhower. Pony of the Americas is an apropos title for this popular and colorful breed of pony, whose unexpected beginnings originated in America’s heartland with the unlikely breeding of an Arabian/Appaloosa mare to a Shetland stallion. Pony of the Americas Breed History The first Pony of the Americas (POA) was born in the spring of 1954 after an Arabian/Appaloosa mare accidentally bred to a Shetland stallion. They write: “The history of this colorful, diminutive breed began in 1954, when Les Boomhower of Mason City, Iowa, a Shetland Pony breeder and attorney, was offered an Arabian-A BREED ASSOCIATION FACTS AND FIGURES. The Pony of the Americas is a pony breed developed in the state of Iowa in the United States. EquiSearch gives a fantastic overview of the origins of this breed. Notes of Interest. We would like to invite you to check out this great breed and join us for some fun in the sun at one of our upcoming events. The horse is registered with the Pony of the Americas … They write: “The history of this colorful, diminutive breed began in 1954, when Les Boomhower of Mason City, Iowa, a Shetland Pony breeder and attorney, was offered an Arabian-Appaloosa cross mare in foal to a Shetland stallion. Pony of the Americas History. The first registered POA was bred in Iowa in 1954. Origin. We welcome new riders and new families. 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