To understand the key difference between ponies and horses, you first need to understand how horses are measured. The traditional method for measuring a horse or pony is by hand. One arm is equal to 4 inches. The tradition arose because the average width of a person’s hand is 4 inches.
Horses and ponies are measured from the ground to the highest point of their withers, the rounded area at the base of the neck that connects to the back. The pony is 14.2 hh (in the palm) or less and the horse is over 14.2 hh. So, a pony is any horse that is 58 inches at the withers or shorter, and a horse is anything taller than that.
While size is the main difference between horses and ponies, there are other differences you can expect. Ponies usually have a thicker mane and tail. They also have a heavy, long winter coat. While horses do grow winter coats, they are usually not as long as ponies.
Comparison of ponies and horses
| Pony | Horses | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14.2hh or shorter | 14.3hh or higher |
| Conformation | Rude | Exquisite |
| Temperament | Overall calm | Varies |
| Dietary needs | Easy to gain weight | Varies |
| Coat | Rough mane and tail, long winter coat | Slim and sleek |
Four key differences between ponies and horses
Ponies vs horses: size
The most obvious difference between a pony and a horse is size. Many people believe that anything larger than a Shetland pony or other small breed is a horse, but a pony’s back can be over 4 1/2 feet in height. Large ponies can easily reach the chest of an average adult.
Ponies vs. Horses: Temperament
Ponies are generally more obedient than horses, but this is not always the case. One problem with ponies is that, due to their smaller size, it can be difficult to find an adult small enough to train them. They are mainly driven by children, and they may develop bad habits.
Horses also have different temperaments. Many horses bred from generation to generation for work, such as the quarter horse, have a very stable temperament and are an excellent choice for beginners. Horses that are known for their sensitivity and energy, such as the Arabian, are often referred to as hot.
Ponies vs. horses: metabolism
Ponies have a slower metabolism than horses. This means that many ponies can easily maintain their weight with a small amount of food, and food such as succulent spring grass or grains can cause weight gain. It can also lead to health problems such as laminitis, a serious metabolic disorder that affects a pony’s feet.
Some horses have a slower metabolism, but most require more feed than ponies. A horse that gains weight easily and does not need a lot of grain to maintain its weight is known as a light keeper. A horse that requires more quality food to maintain its weight is called tough.
Ponies Vs Horses: Build
Horses are generally more refined than ponies, with longer legs and necks and thinner bones. There are a number of constitutions among the different horse breeds, but even stockier riding breeds, such as the four-legged horse, are usually more refined than ponies.
Ponies are generally stocky, with strong bones and hooves, a shorter neck and a less refined head. Many ponies have a conformation that looks more like horse breeds such as the Clydesdales than riding horses, although they are much smaller.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is a pony a different species than a horse?
Both ponies and horses have similar origins and belong to the same species, Equus caballus…
Is a pony becoming a horse?
No, ponies and horses are very similar, but have a few key differences. The main difference between horses and ponies is their height.
Can a horse give birth to a pony?
Size is a determining factor in whether a horse is considered a horse or a pony. If a smaller horse is crossed with a pony, the offspring can also develop into a pony.
Is a miniature horse a pony?
Miniature horses and ponies may seem similar, but they are different. Although the physique of a pony is uniquely different from a horse, a miniature horse is built like a horse, only smaller in size.
While the pony has a wide trunk, stocky legs, strong hooves and a sturdy build, the mini horse has a more refined build. Also, while ponies can be up to 58 inches, a mini horse is always 34 inches or less.
How are ponies and horses different?
The most significant difference between a pony and a horse is size. Both can be great mounts and companions. Ponies are not just limited to children, many small adults feel more comfortable riding a big pony than riding a horse.
Ponies can also be more accessible as they generally require less feed and their strong hooves allow many to walk barefoot. Both horses and ponies have been bred for generations to work with humans, and both are excellent companion animals.