The question arose a while ago, as to why the Highland Pony population in Australia seemed to exhibit a large number of white markings. It was ask of me if I would be interested in putting together some percentages to show, either how big or small the issue really is here.

These basic pie graphs are based on the conclusion that the white markings, in question, are caused by a singular gene, that acts the same as all the other colour genes within the breed, with the exception of being a recessive gene.

This would mean that a pony would have to inherit two copies to exhibit any white markings but can still carry one copy of the gene (a hidden copy) but exhibit no white markings.

All ponies representing the white percentage (RED) are ponies with the customarily excepted star, though some ponies may have larger star.

The ponies representing the excess white percentage (GREEN) are ponies with any extra white other than the customary excepted star, this may but not limited to white socks, snips and blazes.

The ponies representing the hidden white percentage (BLUE) are ponies that have no visible white but have either one parent with a white marking or have produced at least one foal with a white marking of some sort.

The ponies representing the possibility of no white gene percentage (YELLOW) are ponies that have no white markings as well as neither parent having any visible white markings and have not produce any offspring with any white markings. In some cases, either no offspring or not enough have been produced to tell truly if these ponies are really truly free of any hidden white gene.

This first pie graph represents all the Purebred Highland Ponies in Australia that come from wholly Scottish origins

This second pie graph represents all the Purebred breeding Highland Ponies in Australia registered with the APSB

This second pie graph represents the entire Purebred population of Highland Ponies in Australia registered with the APSB

These next lot of pie graphs show the breakdown of the percentages of white markings in all the Purebred Highland Ponies in Australia that come from wholly Scottish origins.

First up is the stallions

Next is the mares

And lastly the geldings

These next lot of pie graphs show the breakdown of the percentages of white markings in all the Highland Ponies in Australia that are descendants of the Ballinton Islay Sky bloodline.

First up is the ponies that have reach purebred status and their offspring.

Next is all the mares in various levels of the breed up program

And lastly are all the geldings from this bloodline out of the above breed up level mares.

These next lot of pie graphs show the breakdown of the percentages of white markings in all the Australian Highland Ponies in Australia that are make up the Australian Highland Pony Breed Up program and their descendants.

First up is the ponies that have reach purebred status and their offspring.

Next is all the mares at the FS2 level of the breed up program.

Next is all the mares at the FS1 level of the breed up program.

Next is all the mares at the FS level of the breed up program.

Next is all the mares at the Appendix level of the breed up program.

Next is all the gelding offspring that were produced by any of the mares in the above appendix, FS, FS1 or FS2 levels of the breed up program.

Please note: All above percentages are based entirely on all ponies listed on the APSB online studbook as are reliant on the APSB recording all ponies’ details correctly and that breeders have correctly informed the APSB, upon registration correctly of any and all white markings.

No unregistered ponies were used for the above percentages.

Additionally, it has come to my attention since completing these graphs that there have been some ponies that exhibit a very small amount of white, be it a few hairs to a 10c size star that when breed to another pony with the customary or larger size star, have produced foals with no visible white. This leads me to believe that the size of the white markings is also plays a large factor and these particular ponies are in fact heterozygous for white as well. I will look into this more over time and see where it leads me 🙂