Hobbit Ponies

The common pony is a small, stiff-maned horse, bred from wild animals by the Dwarves in the Elder Days. Harfoots of the gate-villages of Khazad-dûm are credited with breeding and training ponies for use by Hobbits, calming the beast's contrary disposition and skittishness. As might be expected, the Hollin-folk almost completely dominate the market for ponies at the time of the Shire settlement. Small pony herds travel the roads of Cardolan every spring, being herded to market in the more prosperous Shire villages. Draft ponies are now used by all but the poorest of Hobbits; riding ponies remain the privilege of the most prosperous.