Horse breed
Poney Landais
The Landais Pony is a very ancient breed, descending from the wild horses that populated the Landes de Gascogne region. Its geographical isolation allowed its hardy characteristics to be preserved.
The breed at a glance
The Landais Pony is renowned for its lively, intelligent, and courageous temperament. It is also gentle and close to humans, making it an excellent companion for children and adults. It is willing to work and learns quickly.
- Category
- pony
- Origin
- France · Antiquity / Middle Ages (established in the 19th century)
- Height at withers
- 118–148 cm
- Weight
- 250–400 kg
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Common coats
- bay, chestnut, black, grey
- Disciplines
- show jumping, dressage, eventing, pony games
- Other names
- Poney des Landes
Origin and history
The Landais Pony is a very ancient breed, descending from the wild horses that populated the Landes de Gascogne region. Its geographical isolation allowed its hardy characteristics to be preserved. In the 19th century, crosses with Welsh and Arabian ponies were introduced to improve the breed, particularly for riding. The studbook was created in 1968, formalizing the recognition of the breed and its conservation program.
Conformation and physique
It is a medium-sized pony, elegant and harmonious, with a rather slender yet muscular build. It has a mesoline conformation, with solid but not heavy bone structure, typical of riding ponies.
The head is refined, expressive, with a straight or slightly concave profile. The eyes are large and lively, the ears small and well-set. The muzzle is broad and the nostrils well-opened.
The neck is well-set, long and muscular, blending harmoniously into well-defined and extended withers. It is carried elegantly.
The back is short and strong, the topline is taut and muscular. The chest is deep and wide, ensuring good respiratory capacity. The croup is long, muscular, and slightly sloped.
The limbs are refined but strong, with clean and well-defined joints. The forearms are long and muscular, the cannons short. The feet are small, hard, and well-formed. Feathering is sparse.
- Common coats: bay, chestnut, black, grey
Temperament and aptitudes
The Landais Pony is renowned for its lively, intelligent, and courageous temperament. It is also gentle and close to humans, making it an excellent companion for children and adults. It is willing to work and learns quickly.
The gaits are ample, supple, and energetic, with good balance. The walk is regular, the trot is extended, and the canter is balanced and rhythmic, showing good impulsion.
- Uses: riding pony for children and small adults, light driving, trail riding, breeding, preservation of genetic heritage
- Disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, pony games, vaulting, endurance riding
Feeding the Poney Landais
The Landais Pony is a hardy pony with a rather efficient metabolism, inherited from its origins. It tends to utilize its feed well and can easily become overweight if overfed. A diet based on good quality forage (hay or grass) in sufficient quantity is paramount. Concentrates are only necessary in cases of intense work or specific needs (growth, lactation), and should be given sparingly to avoid excess weight.
Due to its efficient metabolism, the Landais Pony can be predisposed to laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) if subjected to a diet too rich in sugars and starch, or if it is overweight. It is therefore crucial to monitor its diet and body condition.
With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Poney Landais as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.
Health and points to watch
Regular monitoring of weight and body condition is essential to prevent obesity and laminitis. It is important to ensure a balanced diet and regular exercise. The feet should be inspected frequently to detect any signs of sensitivity or problems.
- More frequent conditions: laminitis, obesity, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Care and grooming
The Landais Pony, being hardy, does not require excessive care. Regular hoof trimming is essential, especially if it lives out in the pasture. Its mane and tail can be thick and require regular detangling. The coat is easy to maintain; regular brushing is sufficient. Clipping is generally not necessary except for ponies in intense work during winter.
Did you know?
- The Landais Pony is one of the oldest pony breeds in France, directly descending from the wild horses that populated the Landes region.
- It is sometimes nicknamed the 'little horse of the Landes' due to its elegance and gaits.
- The breed almost disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century before being saved by passionate breeders and conservation programs.
The Poney Landais and how to track it
The Landais Pony is primarily bred in its region of origin, the Landes, but its population remains modest. It is used for leisure and competitive riding, contributing to the diversity of French equine breeds.
Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Poney Landais: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.
- Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
- Add known conditions or sensitivities
- Scan feeds, plants and care products
- Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
- Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment
Frequently asked questions
Is the Landais Pony suitable for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its gentle, intelligent, and willing temperament, the Landais Pony is generally very suitable for beginners, including children. It is patient and learns quickly, making it an excellent first pony.
What is the maximum height of a Landais Pony?
The maximum permitted height for a Landais Pony is 148 cm at the withers. This classifies it as a D-pony, making it suitable for riding by children and small adults.
Is the Landais Pony a good sport pony?
Absolutely. The Landais Pony has good gaits, energy, and a courageous temperament, making it proficient in various equestrian disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, eventing, and pony games.
How to prevent laminitis in a Landais Pony?
To prevent laminitis, it is crucial to control their diet by limiting sugars and starch, provide sufficient good quality forage, and ensure regular exercise. Monitoring weight and body condition is also paramount.
Where can Landais Ponies be found in France?
Although the breed is present throughout the country, the main Landais Pony breeding farms are located in its region of origin, the Landes. Breeders' associations can also guide potential buyers.