Pony

Breeds from particularly poor environments, where there is a harsh climate and low-grade fodder, can exhibit stunted growth and there are some which although very small in height, would grow considerably under more favorable conditions.

Some breeds feature in this section on account of their height only. The Caspian, for example, which does not exceed 12 hh, but is in fact a miniature horse.

Ponies have distinctive conformation and are generally deeper through the body in relation to their height and of a more stocky build. They often have rounded withers and a short, strong back.

They are mostly short in the leg, with the cannon bone, in particular, being short and dense, and this, combined with the sturdiness of their build, makes them able to carry considerable weight compared to their size.

Most ponies have distinctive heads, being usually wide through the forehead with a tapering muzzle and small, alert ears. In winter a pony grows an exceptionally thick coat and most have a thick protective mane and tail.

Ponies are singularly surefooted with a highly developed sense of self-preservation and often appear to have more personality than many horses. They tend to have a higher knee action than a horse and generally have a placid temperament, which makes them very suitable for children.

Over the centuries, ponies have been used for a huge variety of jobs from pulling Roman chariots, to working in the mines, going to war, joining the circus, driving and driving competitions, and, of course, for riding. The pony is highly adaptable and throughout history has done it all.

Ponies are defined in two ways
Ponies are defined in two ways -either by height alone, or by height, conformation, and characteristics typical of a pony. Horses and ponies are measured in hands, each hand being equivalent to 4 in (10 cm).

A pony can be classified as any equine that stands under 14.2 hh (hands high). A height of 14.2 hh  of over indicates a horse. Iit is advisable to take into account  conformation and characteristics when looking at horses and ponies.

In some cases a small horse that measures under 14.2 hh is still very much a horse, and not a pony. Regardless of their size, for example, the Arabian is nearly always considered to be a horse, partly due to their fiery temperament and horselike conformation.

FACT
Ponies can be defined by their height and their characteristics.

Top
The growth of the Shetland pony is stunted because it originally came from a very harsh environment.

Above and Right
Ponies still roam wild in herds in Australia and on the island of Chincoteague, off the coast of Virginia, U.S.A.