Pony

From ArticleWorld

A pony is the word used to indicate the size of a horse, not its age or breed. A pony is any equine that measures less than 14.2 hands tall (a hand equals 4 inches).

Some breeds, however, are still defined as horses (even though they are technically pony height) no matter how tall they are. This often has to do with an animal’s temperament, since ponies are generally thought an acceptable mount for young children.

A miniature horse, although small, is not a pony.

Ponies and horse shows

In pony hunter divisions at horse shows (popular in the United States and Canada), ponies are classified as small, medium and large. Small ponies are 12.2 and smaller (and jump 2 feet 3 inches in competition), mediums are 12.3-13.2 (and jump 2 feet 6 inches in competition) and larges are 13.3-14.2 (and jump 3 feet at competition).

Wild ponies

There are several wild breeds of ponies, which have been captured and bred, especially in Ireland and Britain. In the United States, the Chincoteague Pony was popularized my Marguerite Henry’s book, “Misty of Chincoteague,” as well as follow-up books. They are captured (to control the population) every summer in a well-attended pony penning.

Temperament

Some people believe ponies to be mean or poor tempered. Others may describe them as ornery. In truth, this may stem from poor training, since adults are often too large to regularly ride or train them. If children allow them to learn bad habits, the habits will continue until they are re-trained by a horse trainer.