Last Updated on March 13, 2022
Horses come in all shapes and sizes, each with distinct characteristics, so let’s take a look at the difference between a pony and a mini horse. Even though both ponies and mini horses are both small and it is easy to think they are all ponies, they aren’t. Here we will introduce you to both and talk about how they are different.
What Is A Pony
The distinction between a pony and a horse is the size. All ponies stand no taller than 14.2 hands. Generally, all equines over 14.2 hands tall are horses. However, sometimes a pony can grow over height and is technically a pony due to its breed.
It is also possible for a horse breed to not grow above 14.2 hands. These horses will measure as a pony and can take part in some equestrian activities. For example, in Europe, it is popular to use a top-class horse stallion to breed with a pony.
Only certain stallions that produce smaller offspring will work with this method. The result of this cross is a horse that measures as a pony. The hope is to produce a pony that can compete at the top level of pony jumpers, which is jumping 1.30 meters for a 14.2.
This doesn’t always work, and you end up with a talented, but small horse. However, while this horse is in one way a pony, it is not a pony if you go by breed.
Pony Characteristics
Ponies differ from horses in several ways other than their specific breed. A pony has a different body shape to horses and mini horses. The body shape of a pony is stockier, with shorter legs.
Ponies tend to have a rounder shape body, shorter necks, and more bone in relation to their body size. A pony matures physically sooner than a horse. Most ponies stop growing by the ages of six, whereas horses can keep growing until age 7.
Most ponies have harder constitutions than horses or mini horses. In the winter, they grow thicker coats, and they usually have a wider forehead. A pony can also outlive a horse in many cases.
Another distinctive difference between ponies and other types of equines is temperament. Some feel that ponies are more intelligent than other horses. They are certainly more stubborn or opinionated at times.
Pony Breeds
The following are breeds of ponies.
- Connemara Pony
- Dales Pony
- Fell Pony
- Welsh Pony
- Exmoor Pony
- Highland Pony
- Shetland Pony
Mini Horses
So what is the difference between a pony and a mini horse? First, let’s understand what a mini horse is. A miniature horse is the smallest type of equine, even small than a pony. A mini horse is a very specific type of equine, developed to resemble a true horse in miniature.
A mini horse must not stand taller than 34 inches. The features of a mini horse are refined like a full-sized horse and not as stocky as a pony. It has a longer neck than a pony. A mini horse has less bone and is not as strong as a pony.
One pony breed, in particular, is often confused with a miniature horse. This is the Shetland pony. Shetland ponies are slightly taller than miniature horses, with an average height of 42 inches.
The Shetland also possesses pony characteristics that the mini horse does not. A Shetland has a round body, short legs with more bone than a mini horse, and a very hairy winter coat. Many people mistakenly call a Shetland Pony a mini horse. A Shetland pony weighs between 400 to 450 pounds. Whereas a mini horse weighs between 150 to 300 pounds.
Difference Between Miniature Horse And Pony
In addition to the difference we’ve already covered, weight is another major distinction between a mini horse and a pony. At birth, a mini horse weighs only 12 to 25 pounds. A pony foal will weigh between 30 and 45 pounds, depending on the weight of its mother. Generally, a foal will weigh 10 percent of its mother’s weight.
Miniature Horse Health Issues
A mini horse is more prone to health issues than a pony. Unfortunately, it is relatively common for a mini horse to have leg deformities at birth. This is anything from mildly to severely crocked legs.
To prevent long-term issues with walking these foals need special care to help their legs straighten as much as possible before it is too late, usually within the first six months of life. Another health issue affecting mini horses more than ponies is dwarfism. Dwarf mini horses have leg deformities, domed heads, and sometimes a roached back.
Conclusion
To an inexperienced eye, the difference between a pony and a mini horse is sometimes hard to spot. But once you have an understanding of each type of equine, you will soon spot this difference straight away.
If you have any questions about ponies or miniature horses, put them in the comments below.
Is a Falabella a horse or pony?
The Falabella is one of the smallest horse breeds from Argentina. Average Falabella heights today range from around 71 – 86 cm (28 – 34 in). Similar to Thoroughbreds and Arabs, they are built more like horses, but in a sleeker manner than most breeds. In terms of looks, they have a sleek coat and a slim build. The head is often slightly larger and the neck is often stouter than on a normal-sized horse. But overall, the animal is not unusually or abnormally proportioned. The Falabella is a short-legged horse breed that possesses a strong sense of balance and is hardy and courageous.
What is the smallest horse in the world?
Thumbelina was a dwarf miniature horse and the smallest horse on record. She measured just 17 in (43 cm) in height and weighed only 26 kg (57 pounds). She was born on May 1, 2001 and died 2018. She holds the Guinness World Records title for the world’s smallest horse. She was a chestnut mare and the offspring of a pair of miniature horses. However, the reason for her truly miniature size is dwarfism, a genetic disorder in which a person or an animal is born with an abnormally small body. The condition can cause the bones of the arms and legs to grow more quickly than other parts of the body.
Can a pony and a horse breed?
Yes, crossbreeding of ponies and horses is quite common. Their offspring is normally very hardy and they are known to have very good temperaments, which makes them suitable for many equine activities. One example is Haflinger breed of horse, a pony and horse hybrid bred in Austria, Germany and other parts of Europe. Haflingers are known for their calm temperament and ability to work on steep terrain. They are hardy, and can tolerate a range of weather conditions. They are considered docile, easy-going and tolerant of other animals.
How much do mini horses eat?
Horses, minis and ponies are herbivores who eat a balanced diet that includes grass, hay, grains and other nutrient-rich feed. The amount of food each animal eats depends on the size, age, and metabolism of the animal. Minis and ponies require a minimum amount of 1-1.5 pounds of high quality hay per 100 pounds of their body weight per day. If they are feed with fresh grass, they will require more food as fresh grass contains higher percentage of water. As an example, a miniature horse that weighs around 300 pounds requires at least 3-4.5 pounds of hay per day or 9-13.5 pounds of fresh pasture per day to satisfy his needs for nutrients.
Are miniature horses expensive?
Miniature horses can range in price anywhere from $800 to $5,000. However, show quality mini horses can cost up to $200,000 or even more! The price of a miniature horse depends on the size, age, and quality of the horse. One of the main reasons why a miniature horse owner spends a large amount of money on their horse is due to the breeding and showing aspects of the hobby.
There are many breeds of miniature horses and not all are the same. Each breed has its own set of characteristics that can affect how they look and perform. When buying a miniature horse, it is important to know the characteristics of each breed. Some breeds are very rare and can only be found in a few places.
Miniature horses are very small, and therefore can’t perform the same things that large horses can. They are also very cute, so they are more likely to be a part of a family.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.