What’s the difference between a pony and a horse?

There are many differences between horses and ponies, but some cannot tell them apart. Ponies and horses do have some subtle differences in more than one way – it’s not just about their size. The potential owner of a horse or pony should be aware of these, and should make their decision carefully. Your relationship with your new equine friend can be transformed!

Let’s start with understanding the terminology. Ponies are most commonly associated with tiny horses. This isn’t always the case, as “toy” horses and ponies can be specifically bred for this purpose. Professionals usually define a horse as an equine that is at least 4′ 10″ tall, or around 150 centimeters. Ponies, on the other hand, are any breed of horse that stands less than this height. While height is often the basis for separating the two, there can also be subtle differences that separate them.

In terms of growth, the biggest difference is obvious. Horses will remain the same size throughout their lives, while ponies won’t. Make sure you don’t mistake a foal (a young horse) for a pony. There is a noticeable difference in the length of the legs of horses – they usually maintain the same length throughout their lives. A pony, on the other hand, has a shorter body and proportionately shorter legs, making it more stocky and stout. Look out for the fact that their foreheads are also wider. All these traits allow ponies to be stronger and hardier than mature horses. Additionally, they can work longer and are more resistant to cold. Therefore, ponies were regarded as good and hardy working animals throughout history.

There is another key difference between the two when it comes to manes and coats. A pony’s mane and coat are visibly thicker (if not shaggy). A horse’s coat, however, is often smooth and shiny, especially if it has been groomed.

Horses mature much slower than ponies. Ponies tend to grow up much more quickly than horses, reaching maturity and their full size by six or seven years old. When making your choice, you need to understand this difference. Although this can affect a number of aspects of care, it still doesn’t make raising and caring for ponies any easier.

Many future owners will have to train and bond their ponies, and ponies tend to be quite stubborn. There is a great deal more stubbornness in them compared to horses. The stubborn nature of ponies makes them closer to mules than the docile and stoic characteristics they are often described as. This can make training more difficult in the long run. In contrast, if you are able to establish a friendly relationship with your pony, and find a common ground, you will quickly be able to establish a unique and lasting relationship. As part of the deal, you must accept some of the pony’s stubbornness! A pony can be better at avoiding work and having their own way than a horse, who can be more obedient and eager to work.

You should take both breeds’ feeding needs into consideration when making your choice. Ponies require less feed than full-grown horses because of their size. In this way, they are somewhat cheaper to maintain. However, don’t overfeed them: stubborn ponies like to pretend they’re hungry in order to get more food. Don’t overfeed your pony – this can cause serious health problems. However, pasture-fed ponies can be easier to feed than regular horses if they are pasture-fed. In a pasture that is too thin and poor for a horse, a pony can easily sustain itself.

A final consideration is longevity. It is the right choice to get yourself a pony if you wish to have an equine companion for the rest of your life. Compared to horses, they usually live a decade longer than their horse counterparts, who live to their mid-30s.