Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky
The mating of a Shetland pony stallion to an Appaloosa mare resulted in an "in between" pony that inspired its owner from Mason City, Iowa, to establish a breed association of Western-type ponies that would be small enough for children yet large enough for adults to break and train.
The registry, founded by Leslie Boomhower, was the Pony of the Americas (POA) in 1955. The size limit of 46 inches to 56 inches was established, and the registry was populated by crossing pony breeds with Appaloosas, crossing Quarter Horses and Arabians with ponies having Appaloosa markings, and importing small horses of the required size and Appaloosa color from Mexico and Central and South America.
This is a color breed that requires Appaloosa-type coloring, according to the POA rulebook. White sclera is required but does not have to encircle the eye. Striped hooves are desirable but not required.
