Pony

A pony is a type of small horse, usually measuring up to 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) at the withers when fully grown. For many competitions that is the official cut-off, and standard horses are taller.

Ponies tend to have a stocky body, dense bone, a round shape and well-sprung ribs. They have a short head, large eyes, small ears, strong hooves and proportionally shorter legs than a horse. Their manes and tails are thick, and they grow a particularly heavy winter coat.

For showing, ponies are often grouped as small (12.2 hands and under), medium (over 12.2 up to 13.2 hands) and large (over 13.2 up to 14.2 hands). They are used for riding, driving and as working animals, and properly trained ponies suit children learning to ride, while larger ponies can carry adults.

Ponies originally developed as a landrace adapted to a harsh natural environment, and were considered part of the draft type typical of Northern Europe. Pony breeds grew up all over the world, especially in cold, harsh climates where hardy, sturdy working animals were needed.

Domestication of the horse probably first happened on the Eurasian steppes. Studies of DNA suggest many wild mares contributed to modern domestic breeds, while possibly just one male ancestor sired all domesticated breeds.

Domesticated ponies mainly developed to meet local needs for draft work and transport. Farmers noticed that a pony could outperform a draft horse on small farms. By the 20th century, many pony breeds had Arabian and other blood added to make a more refined pony suitable for riding.

Ponies are generally considered intelligent and friendly, though they are sometimes described as stubborn or cunning. These differences of opinion often come down to how well an individual pony has been trained.

Ponies trained by inexperienced people, or ridden only by beginners, can turn out spoiled, because riders may lack the experience to correct bad habits.

They are remarkably strong for their size. Pound for pound, ponies can pull and carry more than a horse, and even very small ponies can pull as much as 450 percent of their own weight.

Nearly all pony breeds are very hardy, easy keepers that thrive on a more limited diet than a regular-sized horse. They need about half the hay for their weight that a horse does, and often no grain at all.

For the same reason, ponies are more vulnerable to laminitis and Cushing's syndrome. They may also have problems with hyperlipidaemia.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a pony?

A pony is a small type of horse, usually up to 14.2 hands at full maturity. Ponies also tend to have thicker coats, manes and tails, shorter legs, heavier bone and shorter heads.

Is a pony just a baby horse?

No. The word comes from an old French word for a foal, but a pony is a fully grown small horse. Foals of any horse type are young animals.

Are ponies good for children?

Properly trained ponies are appropriate mounts for children who are learning to ride. Ponies trained by inexperienced people, or ridden only by beginners, can turn out spoiled, and differences of opinion about ponies' temperament often come down to training.

Can adults ride ponies?

Larger ponies can be ridden by adults, as ponies are usually strong for their size. Breeds such as the Connemara are recognised for carrying a full-sized adult rider.

Why are ponies prone to laminitis?

Ponies thrive on a more limited diet than horses, and for that same reason they are more vulnerable to laminitis and Cushing's syndrome.

The word pony comes from the old French poulenet, a diminutive of poulain, meaning foal.

A full-sized horse is sometimes called a pony as a term of endearment. The Pony Club uses the word for any mount ridden by a member, whatever its size.

Some breeds, such as the Arabian and Icelandic horse, are counted as horses even when individuals stand under 14.2 hands.

In the Welsh breed, taller, horse-sized animals are placed in a separate division, the Section D Welsh Cob.

The British artist Norman Thelwell was famous for his cartoons of ponies and their riders.