difference-between-ponies-and-horses-content

C O M P A R I N G P O N I E S T O H O R S E S

PONIES

14.2 hands tall or less. (One "hand" equals 4 inches, and they are measured at their withers, where their neck joins their back.)

However, there are ponies larger than 14.2 hands.

Ponies have a "pony" build, they are stockier and have heavy winter coats. Their bone structure and overall build is different than horses.
They tend to eat less than horses and live longer.
They can be easier, hardier and more affordable to care for. However, Ponies are not fed the same way horses are. In fact being overweight can cause serious health problems. Sugars and sweet feeds are to be avoided.
They are very intelligent. Some people believe ponies have "pony attitudes", being stubborn, mischievous and nippy.

HORSES

14.2 hands tall or more. (One "hand" equals 4 inches, and they are measured at their withers, where their neck joins their back.)
There are horses smaller than 14.2Hands. Caspian Horses, American Miniatures, and Icelandic horses, are quite different than ponies.
They come in a variety of breeds, sizes, shapes, colors, that were created to suit our needs.They can carry heavier and taller riders than most ponies.
They require more feed than ponies and can be more expensive to care for.
Most have lost their survival traits. Some have hair coats insufficient to endure winter well. Most have breed-specific genetic problems.