These cold-loving ponies are hardy and diverse in personality.
“Here on the islands off Alaska you can find a breed of hardy pony that can’t be found anywhere else. Please keep in mind that these ponies cannot be stalled and need a roaming herd environment to thrive. After WWII, these ponies were diminished in number due to destruction and use as pack animals during the skirmishes. After the war, residents of the islands and Alaska helped bring the breed back, thus founding the AISP Association to keep these uncommon ponies safe from future harm. Since 1943, the population has recovered and the many semi-feral ponies roam free on the islands and in areas of northern Canada and Alaska. These ponies have a slick, seal-like coat that repels water and consists of two layers. The outer layer repels water and the dense inner layer keeps the pony warm.This coat becomes extremely thick and fluffy in the winters. While the breed may have started out on one of the larger islands, they have spread to populate others by swimming across. These ponies have slightly better swimming skills that the average equine and can go for quite a while in the frigid ocean. Due to the fact that Seal Ponies do not fare well in warm climates, it’s not advised that they be exported from the islands. Seal ponies that are exported must go through rigorous blood and DNA testing before they leave and return for the safety of the breed. The sturdy equines range from 13-15hh and are mainly used as pack or sled horses. AISPs can be used as riding ponies, though due to their stubborn, hard-to-train demeanor it’s not very common. They tend to have one foal at a time, though twins are slightly less rare than in other breeds. Foals are often born a different color than their adult form, but that only applies to certain coats unique to the breed.”
Credits
Line Artist: EmberWolf
Owner of Breed: D.J.D VoS
Quote Writer: D.J.D VoS
Aleutian Island Seal Ponies Adoption Page
Winter Falls Stables 