The Fàlaire, aka the Gaited Cob
Quick Info:
Country of Origin: (Republic of) Ireland
Height: 147 cm - 150 cm (about 14.2 hh)
Distinguishing features: gaited cob
Color: black, bay or grey preferred. Tobiano and chestnuts are also common. White markings on head and lower legs acceptable. Duns are rare and not encouraged, however is not a cause for disqualification.
Discipline: Pleasure Riding, Trekking, Gaited Horse Competition
Country of Origin: (Republic of) Ireland
Height: 147 cm - 150 cm (about 14.2 hh)
Distinguishing features: gaited cob
Color: black, bay or grey preferred. Tobiano and chestnuts are also common. White markings on head and lower legs acceptable. Duns are rare and not encouraged, however is not a cause for disqualification.
Discipline: Pleasure Riding, Trekking, Gaited Horse Competition
The Fàlaire is a new developed horse breed from Ireland. It is a small horse of stout build, which prefers tölt, rather than trot. The Fálaire is a hardy horse that is adaptable to its surroundings and can live outside all year round. The long, dense winter coat protects it from wind and rain. It can sustain itself with low nutrient food, meaning it does not need rich grass or high in protein grains.
It is strong and sure footed, capable of carrying both kids and adults safely over uneven terrain.
In addition to the common gaits walk, trot and canter it possesses a smooth 4-beat ambling gait, similar to the tölt of the Icelandic horse. This gait is comfortable for the rider and energy efficient for the horse to cover long distances.
The stud book is currently open, meaning any crosses of these breeds (Icelandic, Fell Pony, Highland Pony, Kerry Bog Pony) fitting the breed standard can be registered as a Fàlaire.
History:
The founder Cameron Bailie and his family worked on a special breeding program attempting to breed back the Galloway Pony. They used Highland-, Fell- and Kerry Bog Ponies. But after they had introduced Icelandics into the program their special ponies started to tölt. These hardy, intelligent horses became popular among the locals and even caught the interest of Stormhaven overseas. The Galloway program was replaced by this new breed they named Fàlaire. The name Fàlaire is gaelic; in reference to a pacing or ambling horse.
Conformation:
Well balanced, compact body free from exaggeration, especially ones limiting it's mobility or health. Deep chest, sturdy back, muscular legs. It should have a broad forehead and large nostrils enabling it to breath freely with a convex profile ending in a slight roman nose (again no exaggeration). Hooves should not be too long or heavy. Long, thick mane and tail. Feathering (hair around hocks) should not be too grand or impractical.
Temperament:
A good, clear head is preferred, meaning it should be intelligent and have self-preservation skills. It should be lively and alert, but never a hot head. A steady temperament free from extreme anxiety, orneriness or fearfulness.
It is strong and sure footed, capable of carrying both kids and adults safely over uneven terrain.
In addition to the common gaits walk, trot and canter it possesses a smooth 4-beat ambling gait, similar to the tölt of the Icelandic horse. This gait is comfortable for the rider and energy efficient for the horse to cover long distances.
The stud book is currently open, meaning any crosses of these breeds (Icelandic, Fell Pony, Highland Pony, Kerry Bog Pony) fitting the breed standard can be registered as a Fàlaire.
History:
The founder Cameron Bailie and his family worked on a special breeding program attempting to breed back the Galloway Pony. They used Highland-, Fell- and Kerry Bog Ponies. But after they had introduced Icelandics into the program their special ponies started to tölt. These hardy, intelligent horses became popular among the locals and even caught the interest of Stormhaven overseas. The Galloway program was replaced by this new breed they named Fàlaire. The name Fàlaire is gaelic; in reference to a pacing or ambling horse.
Conformation:
Well balanced, compact body free from exaggeration, especially ones limiting it's mobility or health. Deep chest, sturdy back, muscular legs. It should have a broad forehead and large nostrils enabling it to breath freely with a convex profile ending in a slight roman nose (again no exaggeration). Hooves should not be too long or heavy. Long, thick mane and tail. Feathering (hair around hocks) should not be too grand or impractical.
Temperament:
A good, clear head is preferred, meaning it should be intelligent and have self-preservation skills. It should be lively and alert, but never a hot head. A steady temperament free from extreme anxiety, orneriness or fearfulness.