A pony is a certain kind of small horse. Ponies are 14.2 hands (abbreviated hh) (1.47 m) at the withers or smaller, while a horse is anything taller than 14.2 hh at the withers. The term "pony" can be used generally for any small horse, regardless of its actual measurements. It is interesting to note, however, that some equine breeds are not considered ponies, even if they are under 14.2 hh, because of their fiery temperament. One such breed is the Arab. Although they are generally taller than 14.2 hh, they can sometimes be shorter, but are not considered a true pony. The Icelandic Horse and Fjord Horse are also pony size, but are considered horses, and horses used for polo are called "polo ponies". When in doubt, simply refer to the "under 14.2 hh" rule.

For showing purposes, ponies are further grouped into small, medium, and large sizes. Small ponies are 12.2 hh and under, medium ponies are over 12.2 but no taller than 13.2 hh (1.27 to 1.37 m), and large ponies are over 13.2 hh but no taller than 14.2 hh (1.37 to 1.47 m). Note, however, that miniature horses are not the same as ponies. A miniature horse is in fact much smaller, required to be no taller than 8.2 hh (86cm) at the withers. There are also miniature pony breeds.

There are several wild breeds of pony, and these have often been captured and bred for various purposes, especially in Britain and Ireland. These wild breeds along with domestic breeds were used as "pit ponies" hauling loads of coal up from the mines, for freight transport, as children's mounts and for entertainment, and later as competitors and performers in their own right. They were also ridden (and continue to be ridden) by adults, as ponies are usually very strong.

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Happy Thanksgiving from all the horses, ponies, pigs, and goats from Mane Top Stables!
ManeTop (Mane Top Stables) Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:22:12 -0000
Happy Thanksgiving from all the horses, ponies, pigs, and goats from Mane Top Stables!
@gordonbonnar Ponies combine the best attributes of horses and a puppies. Nothing beats a pony, except, maybe, a unicorn pony.
all_caps (David Hicks) Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:03:41 -0000
@gordonbonnar Ponies combine the best attributes of horses and a puppies. Nothing beats a pony, except, maybe, a unicorn pony.
Art before the horse: Some of his sculptures use horseshoes made for ponies, which are smaller, and draft horses.. http://bit.ly/4RvoM :-)
meggie78bimbo (Meggie Y. Bimbo) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:57:33 -0000
Art before the horse: Some of his sculptures use horseshoes made for ponies, which are smaller, and draft horses.. http://bit.ly/4RvoM :-)
I am - they're getting their Tetanus shots:) And carrots! RT @michael_sargent: Treat you horses & ponies to a Thanksgiving treat.
lovemyponies (Melissa) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:40:53 -0000
I am - they're getting their Tetanus shots:) And carrots! RT @michael_sargent: Treat you horses & ponies to a Thanksgiving treat.
@EMWSanctuaries hoping for a warm christmas for our resident horses and ponies. Please donate http://www.justgiving.com/sanctuariesuk/Donate
EMWelainetasker (Elaine Tasker) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:45:47 -0000
@EMWSanctuaries hoping for a warm christmas for our resident horses and ponies. Please donate http://www.justgiving.com/sanctuariesuk/Donate
Checkout this great kids book "50 Horses and Ponies to Spot - IR" @ http://www.usbornekidsbooksandmore.com/tw/?318
usbornekidbooks (usbornekidsbooks) Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:15:30 -0000
Checkout this great kids book "50 Horses and Ponies to Spot - IR" @ http://www.usbornekidsbooksandmore.com/tw/?318

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Scottsdale AOTH friday 16th 2007 Arabian Horse show