Banker Pony
Intro
The Banker Pony inhabits the Outer Banks of Carolinas and are also called Shackleford ponies, Banker horses and Ocracoke ponies.
Origins
Believed to have been descendant from Spanish horses brought by some of the first explorers of the area early in the 16th century.
The initial bloodlines of these animals were undoubtedly influenced by English horses as well as Spanish during early exploration. However, their blood has remained relatively pure since due to their isolation
The Banker ponies have been the topic of controversy, some conservationists believe that they are destroying their natural habitat and want them removed. While animal activists believe that if the horses have always been there, they should be allowed to stay in their natural habitat.
Currently the horses on these islands are managed (similar to Assateague ponies) to keep numbers at a sustainable level by the National Park Service.
Features
Average height 13 – 14.3 hands
A tough animal with typical hardy Spanish traits
Physique
Head is simple with broad forehead and generally convex profile
Deep, narrow chest and short back
Often lack chestnuts on hind legs
Traditional Colors
black | chestnut | bay | dun | pinto | buckskin
Temperament
Docile and friendly for wild ponies
Willing to learn and easy to train
Use
Wild horses
Riding pony
Pleasure pony
Helpful Links
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Shackleford Horses
Ocracoke Island