Somali Ponies are from Somalia in East Africa. They are genetically
horses but are considered Ponies because they are pony sized (only 13-13 1/2 hh).
The severe climate and poor food sources, in Somalia, have contributed to their
smaller size. They are bred by most tribes excluding the Esa and Géri. The
Dolbanhanta tribe is the breeder of Somali ponies.
They have heavy heads, short, thick necks, with inharmonious
conformations. They are able to carry light weight very well and for long
distances. They have extremely hard hooves; some say harder than the Arabian
horses. They can gallop and perform better without shoes because of the terrain
and the nature of their feet. They can go three days or longer without water
and eat only grass. They require virtually no care. They are extremely hardy
and perfectly adapted to their hostile environment. They often are tick
infested with the Kudkudaha tick which reaches a size of 1/2 inch in diameter.
Somali Ponies are used for riding as well as packing. They
are bred for use in intertribal fighting. The mares are most prized for this
purpose.
About Somali Pony Horses
