What breeds of horses and/or ponies are bred for cold and mountionus regions?

Question

I was wondering what horses were bred for these places. I need to 'create' a breed of horse based on existing horses and ponies that can survive (with some shelter) a long and very cold winter. It would have to be sturdy, have a good endurance and be strong.
So what breeds come close or match to those guidelines?

Answer 1

Icelandic pony is a definate. When I was in Iceland, the ponies were surviving with no shelter, little water (a couple miles to the next glacial stream) and scrubby brush plants. This was in summer (July) and they were still fluffy. I couldn't imagine winter. I rode one on old lava fields- they could go up mountains of ash and gravel and not lose their footing. I could not even do that (I was slipping all over the place- there was no steady footing).

Answer 2

Yes the answerer who said Icelandic Ponies nailed it. There are also Norwegian Fjords, little Mongolian ponies, Shetlands if you wanted strength but smaller size due to less food, possibly mustangs and horses in South America who deal with high altitudes and long winters, you could probably find a Russian breed who'd add some good traits too. Good luck sounds like an interesting project

Answer 3

If were talking English wise.. The native ponies would fit that description, Fell, dales, welsh, shetland, exmoor and new forest etc. are all sturdie types that alough not found in the wild now (other than the new forest) would/will but up with those sort of living conditions with no problems.

These pages may be worth a quick read...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fell_pony
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shetland_pony

Other than them, there are the Icelandic ponies, mustangs live wild but in hotter temps.

Cant think of anything else right now!! Hope it helped!!

Answer 4

Yes, the Icelandic, also curly's. They have long curly coats that aid in keeping them warm. They are great cart horses and often pull sleds. They are very popular in Greenland and Alaska. Most people however forget that normal ponies and miniatures were intended to do hard work in cold weather. When they were introduced to the states they were increasingly popular in the large northern American cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, and Seattle. Because of their small stature but strength and strong personalities they quickly became popular little cart horses. Because of their size people didn't have to spend a lot of money to board them, feed them, and groom before heading out each morning with them pulling their work cart. They are especially hardy and great in colder weather.