Horse searches for a rider

Features and character of the pony

The world’s tiniest ponies can be as small as 32 inches in height at the withers (8 hands/81 cm). The maximum height for any pony is 14.2 hands high (58 inches/147 cm). Over this height, they are a horse. Many people believe that ponies are not only smaller but also have different characters to horses. This may in part be due to the way they are bred, as many of them still live in their traditional environments which are often challenging. This means that ponies need to adapt and use their wits to survive and thrive. Horses, on the other hand, are the outcome of selective breeding over centuries and have been intensively kept and stabled, rather than living naturally. People talk about horse sense, but there’s an even better case to be made for pony sense!

There are literally hundreds of pony breeds across the globe, and so ponies can be all shapes and sizes. The ponies of the Shetland Islands are small, sturdy and very appealing, with masses of flowing mane and tail. They are size-for-size some of the strongest ponies too. At the taller end of the scale, Highland Ponies, Dales and Welsh Section C Ponies are strong and versatile, much used for pony trekking and also in harness. Some ponies, especially those that are bred for showing, are slender and fine. They can look almost like little thoroughbreds. Others are sturdy and broad. Speed and jumping skills are not confined to any one type or breed. A robust cob-type pony can often perform just as well as a lighter more horse-like pony in the jumping arena or across country. Ponies are individuals, even when they are members of a breed, and they each have their own unique temperament and abilities.

For showing, ponies will be expected to have a certain look and also good conformation for riding. This is usually a small, neat head on a well-shaped and well-set neck, a good length of shoulder, and fine legs that nonetheless have strong bone. The shoulders should be lengthy and not too upright, and the pasterns should have a good slope but not be over-long. For driving ponies, the shoulders and pasterns can be more upright. Whatever the intended use of the pony, conformation faults such as sickle or bent hocks should be avoided.

Good jumping ponies, whether for show jumping, cross country or eventing, come in many shapes and sizes. Their ability is not necessarily reflected in their looks! However, good jumpers will certainly have acquired a reputation and gained plenty of rosettes and cups. This will be reflected in their advertisements when they are for sale.

When buying a first pony for a young rider, temperament is undoubtedly the most important consideration. Many modern pony breeds have been selectively bred for good temperament for this reason. Today there are many more options for ponies to take part in competitive and non-competitive activities. Ponies participate in everything from horse agility to visiting care homes, taking part in heritage events, and enjoying themselves at pony parties.