British Spotted Ponies have been known to exist since prehistoric
times - they appear in cave paintings in France dating back around 20,000 years
and have also featured in Egyptian pictures dating from 1400 BC. They were at
one time feral in the British Isles and their spotted coat pattern was their
natural camouflage as they roamed the heaths and forests of ancient Britain.
Through history Spotted Ponies have been regarded as
somewhat magical and mystical and were subsequently highly regarded by Royalty
and noblemen. During Roman times, some of the mounts of the more important
Officers were spotted horses of great elegance; and during the dark ages many
spotted Ponies were sent as gifts between the Royal Families of Europe.
After World War II there was a great awakening of interest
in spotted horses. Many of which were exported to Australia, America, Canada,
and Europe. In 1947 the British Spotted Horse and Pony Society was formed to
keep a register. However during the 1960s and 1970s they became relatively rare
and in 1976, the Society split with the ponies of 14.2hh and under being looked
after by the British Spotted Pony Society, while the bigger ones were
registered with British Appaloosa Society.
About British Spotted Pony Horses
