WELCOME TO THE MINNESOTA PONY OF THE AMERICAS CLUB
Family. Friendship. Competition. The Equine for Everyone.
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The Minnesota Pony of the Americas (POA) Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the versatile, family-friendly POA breed. Our club provides a welcoming environment where youth riders and families can learn, compete, and create lifelong friendships.
We host shows and events throughout the year, offering a variety of classes for all ages and experience levels. From leadline for young riders to advanced performance events, there’s something for everyone! Our shows include halter, showmanship, western pleasure, horsemanship, ranch riding, trail, hunter under saddle, jumping, reining, barrel racing, and more. POAs are the ideal family mount, known for their gentle temperament, intelligence, and willingness to please. Whether you’re interested in competition, trail riding, or simply enjoying time with your pony, the MN POA Club has a place for you! |
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AboutPOAs are known for their Appaloosa-inspired coat patterns, mottled skin, white sclera, and striped hooves. Standing 46” to 56” tall, they have a refined head, sloping shoulders, strong hindquarters, and well-proportioned legs, perfect for athletic movement. Bred for youth riders and families, POAs are gentle, intelligent, and versatile, excelling in classes from Western pleasure to jumping. Discover what makes POAs special!
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MembershipMN POA offers a place for riders of all ages and experience levels to build lasting connections with these versatile and colorful ponies. Join a passionate community dedicated to promoting, preserving, and enjoying the Pony of the Americas through shows, clinics, and family-friendly events. Come be part of the excitement—there’s a place for you in the MN POA family!
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EventsExciting things are happening at the Minnesota Pony of the Americas Club! Our first show of the season is June 21-22, 2025, at the Simon Arena in Cannon Falls, MN. It’s going to be an action-packed weekend filled with lively competition and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a competitor aiming for the top or a spectator enjoying the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Don't miss out—check our event page for more summer activities!
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Stay Connected with the MN POAC NewsletterDon’t miss out on the latest news, events, and updates from the Minnesota POA Club!
Our newsletter keeps members informed about upcoming shows, rule changes, special announcements, and member highlights. Whether you’re a longtime POA enthusiast or new to the breed, our newsletter is a great way to stay engaged with the Minnesota POAC community. Be the first to hear about year-end awards, exciting club happenings, and ways to get involved! |
Why Choose a POA?
At the Minnesota POA Club, we’re all about making memories with POA ponies – the perfect companion for riders of every age! Whether you're hitting the trail, competing in the show ring, or just having fun with friends, our versatile POAs are here to make every ride exciting.
A Pony That Grows With You
POAs are ideal for young riders and families, with the perfect blend of size, temperament, and athleticism.
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Overall Versatility
From halter and performance classes to trail riding and gaming events, POAs excel in every discipline.
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Building Confidence
Our club fosters leadership, responsibility, horsemanship, and lifelong friendships.
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POAs are for Everyone!
POAs are small horses that are bred for their color, disposition, size, and versatility. They are small enough to not scare away children but most of them are hardy enough to carry around adults as well. These gentle equines can give a boy or girl confidence and responsibility which will serve in later life. The POA motto is “Try hard, win humbly, lose gracefully and, if you must … protest with dignity.” This perhaps more than anything else, sets POA exhibitors apart from others in the world of horse show competition.
Boys and girls cheer for each other even though they are competing against each other. Deep friendships are made that last entire lifetimes for both parents and children from coast to coast. POAs are perfect for trail and endurance riding, ranch work and hunting. The gentle disposition, durability and intelligence of the breed serves it well.
Boys and girls cheer for each other even though they are competing against each other. Deep friendships are made that last entire lifetimes for both parents and children from coast to coast. POAs are perfect for trail and endurance riding, ranch work and hunting. The gentle disposition, durability and intelligence of the breed serves it well.
Signifying Characteristics of POAs
Coat PatternPOAs are known for their distinct Appaloosa markings, which can include various coat patterns such as the blanket pattern (a solid-colored body with a white "blanket" and spots), the leopard pattern (a white coat with dark spots), or snowflake, roan, or mottled patterns. They often feature mottled skin around the eyes, muzzle, and genital area, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance.
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SizeThe height of a Pony of the Americas breed ranges from 46 to 56 inches (11.2 to 14 hands), placing them between the size of most ponies and full-sized horses. This makes them a perfect choice for riders looking for a versatile, medium-sized mount.
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ConformationThe conformation of a POA resembles a smaller version of a Quarter Horse or Appaloosa, with a refined head, sloping shoulders, and strong hindquarters. Their well-proportioned legs support athletic movement, making them agile and versatile in various disciplines.
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Temperament |
Eyes |
Hooves |
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POAs are known for their gentle, intelligent and eager-to-please temperament, making them an ideal choice for youth riders and families. Their versatile nature allows them to excel in a variety
of disciplines, including western, English, jumping, driving, and trail riding, offering something for every rider. |
POAs are distinctive for their white sclera around the eyes, similar to humans, which sets them apart from most other horse breeds. This unique feature gives them an expressive, striking appearance.
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Many POAs have bold and clearly defined vertical light and dark stripes on their hooves, a characteristic commonly seen in Appaloosas. These distinctive hooves add to their unique and eye-catching appearance.
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