Is It a Pony or a Horse?

Equus ferus caballus - a large odd-toed herbivore. Is it a pony or a horse? Well both, actually! The word 'horse' denotes the species, and a 'pony' is simply a type of horse!

First it must be made clear that ponies are not baby horses! They all full-grown breeds that will only grow as big as their genetics determine. As with horses, a baby pony is a foal. If it is male we call it a colt; if female, a filly.

It is generally accepted that a horse that is at or below 14.2 hands high is called a pony. But what is a 'hand'? A hand is a unit of measurement that equals 4 inches. The horse is stood on an even surface and measured from the ground to the highest point of its withers. The withers are simply the shoulders of the horse, and is the hump between the bottom of the neck and the beginning of the back.

However it is not that simple to find the ponies among the horses! One must also consider the conformation of the animal. All domesticated animals are selectively bred for a particular use, and the shape of their bodies will often reflect their purpose. Take for instance, the large hips of the Quarter Horse, which provide propulsion for quick speed and turns, useful in working cattle. Or consider the large broad body of the Clydesdale which makes it suitable for pulling heavy loads.

Environment can also play a part in the ultimate size or shape of an animal. Many ponies can trace their origins to harsh environments, where food was not plentiful or particularly rich. The smaller horses survived in these areas and eventually produced races of smaller animals. Likewise, many of these habitats experience cold harsh winters, which explains the heavy winter coats and thicker manes of many pony breeds.

So environment often plays a role in an animal's appearance, but people ultimately determine what they wish a particular breed to look like. Shetlands and other small ponies were often used in the mines, so their natural small size was considered a positive attribute and was maintained through selective breeding. If people had determined a need for a taller, lighter animal, breeding to produce those characteristics would have been encouraged. Finally a group or groups decides what characteristics they desire in a particular breed of animal, and that becomes the standard by which the breed is judged. In an established breed, all members look alike in body type, or conformation.

So what characteristics do ponies possess? Short stature is the most obvious characteristic, as is the longer thicker manes and tails, and a thick winter coat. They often also have shorter broader necks, and a head that is rather large in relation to their body size. Their legs are thick, so much so that their hooves are often bigger than a horse's hooves!

But all this is circumstantial, and there are always exceptions! Welsh are naturally more refined and horse-like, but are considered to be ponies, while Icelandic horses are small and stocky but are called 'horses'! Miniature horses are very small indeed, but by conformation and breed designation, are still 'horses'. Then there are polo ponies which are actually horses; and everyone likes to watch the 'ponies' run, even though most people realize that a thoroughbred is absolutely a 'horse'! In these instances, 'pony' is used as a term of endearment, rather than a designation of breed.

So while size and shape will help you pick the ponies from the horses, it is no guarantee every time! Just remember that there are many breeds called ponies, and many developed in different environments and with a different purpose in mind. But don't be overly concerned with size alone. After all, there are some rather large ponies and some rather small horses. Just remember that no matter what you call it, it is Equus ferus caballus--an animal whose history is intertwined with our own and whose service has brought us where we are today. Without the horse, everything would be very different!