What is the Difference Between a Horse and a Pony?
Many people assume that a pony is simply a baby horse, or even a little horse. This is absolutely not true. Ponies and horses, though related, are not exactly the same creatures. Certainly, both ponies and horses are considered equines. How can you tell a pony from a horse? The main difference is this: a pony stands 14.2 hands high (58 in. or 147 cm.) or less at the withers, and a horse is 14.2 hands or taller. Actually, there is more to it than that. Exceptions to the rule include larger ponies, such as the Pony of the America or the high-stepping Welsh Cob, who can exceed 14.2 hands in stature at maturity. In addition, certain horses may mature to shorter heights than their breed standards – but that does not make them ponies. In fact, Falabellas, Caspians, and other miniature equine breeds are actually classified as horses, although they may be considerably smaller than most ponies. And Arabian horses may occasionally be shorter than 14.2 hands, but they are still horses. Do ponies
The generally agreed upon distinction between a horse and a pony is one of height: a horse is an equine at least 14.2 hands (4ft. 10 inches, or 147cm), and a pony is an equine under that height. This distinction is not entirely accurate, however, as there are exceptions where an animal under 14.2h would still be considered a horse, and conversely, where an animal over 14.2h would still be considered a pony. Ponies also usually share a number of characteristics aside from their smaller stature which identify them as ponies. Their frame is generally quite a bit stockier than that or a horse, with a specific conformation type. They generally are much stronger, pound for pound, than horses. They tend to be hardier and more resistant to cold weather than horses. They also tend to be quite intelligent, and as a result can often be very stubborn.
