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| The Canadian Pony of the
Americas |
Wynsome Gold of Shekinah Valley Ranch
POAs |
HISTORY
AA's Sheza Foxy Devil shown by Crystal Mckay,
CPOA National weaning Halter futurity Champion 2000 and Canadian Western
National Champion Mare for 2000 |
On March 12th, 1975 the
Canadian Pony of the Americas Association was recognized by Agriculture Canada
to maintain a registry for CPOAs in Canada. Appaloosa coloured ponies had been
bred in Canada prior to this date, but no one had maintained a record of them.
Consequently, ponies with unknown background, which met the breed requirements
could still be recorded and become part of the breed. Now there are CPOAs in
most provinces. |
Today our breed standard calls for a versatile
performance pony exhibiting excellent conformation, working ability and
durability combined with a good and willing temperament, which is suitable for
the entire family, at home and in the show ring. The CPOA measures between 11.2
h.h. (46") and 14 h.h. (56") which has the appearance of a small
horse, having sufficient body to be able to do a full day's work, while having
enough refinement to make it attractive. It should have beauty and personality
as well as stamina and stability.
AA's Braveheart of AA's POA Farm
Photo by Jill Hamilton |
The CPOA started out as mainly
a Western Pony but over years of breeding many have developed a long flat kneed
forward movement and the breed has advanced to now being very capable in all
disciplines including hunter, jumper, dressage, gymnastics and Three Day
eventing, and are being ridden by youths and adults alike! They have now become
the versatile using pony for the whole family |
Over the past couple of years interest in the
CPOA breed has increased considerably in most provinces in Canada particularly
in the West. It is really rewarding for CPOA breeders to embrace today’s
marketability that in turn enables the breeders to upgrade their stock to
supply the demand for the CPOA’s goal of producing quality stock that
focuses on the Olympic disciplines.
| The POA has been in the unique
position of being able to use other established breeds to improve the quality
of the POA. During this time breed development has concentrated on producing a
pony that has been specifically bred for a working, handy and sound saddle pony
with a quiet nature, wonderful disposition, intelligence and beauty. CPOAs
possess a lot of heart and will always give their riders that little extra when
it is needed. |
AA's Braveheart and Barb Hurtig showing
"A" circuit Hunters. |
There are several programmes available for
CPOA owners and breeders to participate in. Breeders can enter National
Futurities for their young stock and a 2 and under performance ROM to encourage
owners to train and show their babies. There are ROM awards for Halter, Colour,
Non-timed and Timed Events enabling CPOAs to try to achieve the highest honour,
a Supreme Champion + Award. Points for these awards are collected at every CPOA
point approved show.
| The future for CPOAs in Canada
looks exciting and now is the time to become involved with this rapidly growing
breed. We can still register CPOAs of unknown background. If you have, or know
of, an unregistered appaloosa coloured pony and would like to get involved
please contact us for more information and clubs that may be in your area.
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AA's Jelly Bean and Jessica Jeffery
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