Pony

A pony is a certain kind of small horse, as determined by the animal's height in hands. Ponies are 14.2 hands (hh) (1.47 m) at the withers or smaller, while a horse is anything taller than 14.2 hh at the withers. The term "pony" can be used generally for any small horse, regardless of its actual measurements. It is interesting to note, however, that some equine breeds are not considered ponies, even if they are under 14.2 hh, because of their fiery temperament. One such breed is the Arab. Although they are generally taller than 14.2 hh, they can sometimes be shorter, but are not considered a true pony. The Icelandic Horse is also pony size, but considered a horse, and horses used for polo are called "polo ponies". When in doubt, simply refer to the "under 14.2 hh" rule.

Related Topics:
Horse - Hand - Withers - Icelandic Horse - Polo - Polo ponies

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For showing purposes, ponies are further grouped into small, medium, and large. Small ponies are 12.2 hh and under, medium ponies are over 12.2 but not to exceed 13.2 hh (1.27 to 1.37 m), and large ponies are over 13.2hh but not to exceed 14.2 hh (1.37 to 1.47 m). So, rounded to the nearest hand, large ponies are 14 hh, medium ponies are 13 hh, and small ponies 12hh or smaller. It is important to note, however, that miniature horses are not the same as ponies. A miniature horse is in fact much smaller, required to be no taller than 8.2 hh (86cm) at the withers. There are also miniature pony breeds.

Related Topics:
Miniature horse - Miniature pony

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There are several wild breeds of pony, and these have often been captured and bred for various purposes, especially in Britain and Ireland. These wild breeds along with domestic breeds were used as "pit ponies" hauling loads of coal up from the mines, for freight transport, as children's mounts and for entertainment, and later as competitors and performers in their own right. They were also ridden (and continue to be ridden) by adults, as ponies are usually very strong.

Related Topics:
Britain - Ireland

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Ponies are often said to be mean, untrustworthy or devious. The situation likely results from the individual pony's lack of proper training. Ponies trained by children, rather than by experienced horse trainers, turn out to be spoiled because children lack the skill to correct bad habits. The pony learns to kick or bite when his desires are not met. Properly trained ponies can be gentle, and are appropriate mounts for children who are learning to ride.

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