Early Crossbreeding Efforts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFoundation Breeds: Our journey started by breeding local French pony mares with several influential breeds like Arabian horses, Connemara ponies and Welsh stallions, each providing its own special qualities such as endurance, agility and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diverse Genetic Pool: As breeding progressed, other larger native equine breeds were gradually introduced. This widening of genetic diversity was intended to strengthen and refine their physical attributes and make them better suitable for saddle riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formation of Association French of Croisement Poney<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nYear 1969: 1969 marked a landmark development when the French Association for Crossbred Ponies was created, providing crucial guidance and oversight in managing its breeding program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vision and Aim: Our primary goal was to enhance existing native breeds into versatile saddle ponies capable of supporting a range of equestrian activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Establishing the Breed 1972 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1972 – Stud Book Creation: The establishment of a stud book in 1972 was a landmark achievement. It formalized the recognition of this new breed, outlining its characteristics and breeding standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus on Breed Purity: Over the years, breeders emphasized maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the breed. This led to a strategic shift in breeding practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solidifying Breed Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n1991: Registry Closing: To protect the breed’s identity and ensure stability in characteristics for future generations, the association closed the registry to outside bloodlines in 1991, marking an end to its foundational development phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renaming to “Poney Francais de Selle”: To reflect both their national origin and specialization as saddle ponies, the breed was rechristened the “Pony Francais de Selle”. This name better conveyed their nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n