The International Quarter Pony
By International Quarter Pony Association

The International Quarter Pony is a small scale replica of a Quarter Horse. Unlike the Quarter Horse, the International Quarter Pony may come in any color, or combination of colors. The Quarter Pony has been around for many years, deriving from quarter horses not reaching the AQHA's minimum (14.2hh) height requirement of the early years. Even though the AQHA's height requirement was later phased out, the quarter pony continued, only to evolve into one of the largestand most popular pony breeds in the US today. Many International Quarter Ponies are in fact foundation bred registered Quarter Horses.

The International Quarter Pony is a vastly popular and growing breed, as the International Quarter Pony appeal is, truly international. The IQPA was instituted to provide and promote a correct, well-balanced, sound pony with quarter horseconformation and enough body, speed, and eye appeal to sufficiently compete with larger breeds as well as other ponies.

The International Quarter Pony is perfectly suited for riders who are too small to handle, or who simply don't wish to handle, a big 15hh or 16hh horse. Quarter Ponies are often the first choice for a child's mount due to their calm dispositions and even temperaments combined with their compact size. Most Quarter Ponies average around 13.2h and weigh 800-900 lbs., however, many breeders are beginning to raise Quarter Ponies weighing in excess of 1100 lbs., at 13.2hh -14hh tall. These heavily muscled Quarter Ponies are quite suitable for the smaller, as well as the larger riders, and are often being used to compete in such (mostly adult) events as Bull Dogging or Steer Wrestling. The International Quarter Pony is a conformation and height breed, which must measure between 11.2hh (46") and 14.2h (58") at the withers at maturity.