Jennifer von Geldern for DiscoverHorses.com

Today Hackneys are bred almost exclusively for the show ring, and compete most often in harness, though some are exhibited in hand as weanlings or yearlings, or under saddle. Show divisions for Hackney Ponies include harness pony, cob tail pony, roadster, and pleasure driving.

Though some still exist in a semi-feral state on Dartmoor, the ponies are primarily found in good practical use today ? ridden, driven, shown, and appreciated for their excellent qualities.

Despite having survived thousands of years, the Exmoor Pony today is one of the rarest equine breeds. Still bred throughout Great Britain, their numbers worldwide are only about 2,000 with a breeding population of only about 10 percent of that.

Historically, they have pulled military equipment, farm wagons, and bakery and dairy carts, and now are agile competitors in combined driving events and prized exhibitors in harness classes at horse shows.

The Welsh Pony is one of the most popular pony breeds ever developed. Today, they are known for smooth, graceful movement and athletic ability, and have been used to improve many other breeds. They are excellent for pleasure riding and for many show disciplines under saddle and in harness. They?re particularly favored as children?s show hunters and jumpers, dressage, and eventing mounts.

Founded in the United States just more than 50 years ago, the Pony of the Americas is a versatile performer, brightly colored with the spots of an Appaloosa horse. The breed was created as a pleasure and competition mount for children, with adults allowed only a limited ability to show them.

Icelandics are the only breed in Iceland and have been bred pure in that country for more than 1,000 years. They are survivors ? for centuries they?ve overcome their homeland?s harsh weather, starvation, and even a volcanic eruption that killed most of their population a few hundred years ago.