is a pony the same thing as a horse?

Answer 1

The difference between a horse and pony is not just a height difference. There are noticable differences in conformation and temperament. Ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat. They also have proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavy bone, thick necks, and short heads with broad foreheads.

However, there are exceptions to the general rule. Some smaller horse breeds who typically produce individual horses both under and over 14.2h are considered "horses" regardless of height. Likewise, some pony breeds, such as the Pony of the Americas or the Welsh cob, share some features of horses and individual animals may occasionally mature at over 14.2h, but are still considered ponies. Another example of an exception to the height rule is the Caspian horse which often stands only eleven or twelve hands high, but is still considered a horse due to its horselike conformation.

Answer 2

The primary difference between a horse and a pony is size. Horses are measured in what are called hands (4 inches) to the top of their whithers (highest point of the shoulder). Horses are 14 hands and taller, while ponies are under 14 hands.

But that isn't exact because there are many tall pony breeds that reach around 14 hands and several horse breeds that might be a bit under the 14 hand mark (Arabs and Mustangs are sometimes a bit smaller). Build also goes into determining a horse from a pony. The length of the neck (ponies tend to have slightly shorter, thicker necks) and general build of the body all are factors. Again, this is not exact for all breeds. Some pony breeds are very short and stocky in build, while others are taller and lighter.

But when you come right down to it, horses and ponies are all horses.

Answer 3

A pony is 14.2 hh and smaller. They come in many different breeds and sizes. They can be as big as a horse or as little as a miniature horse. They range in color just like a horse does. They can't carry as much weight as a horse can, but they are good for kids or as cart horses. Most ponies also founder very easy. Some foods are to rich for them and a lot of people feed them as they would a horse. There are a lot of difference between horses and ponies.

Answer 4

I dunno the exactness of the difference, but I can tell you that age has nothing to do with the fact that they are different. A young horse is a foal. Dunno what a young pony is. But a pony is smaller and I think proportioned differently than most horses *every pony i've seen has been thickboned and very chunky vs. horses which are longer of limb and more slender built*
Can't get over the answer that said that yes a pony is different than a horse it is younger and smaller. Dude... there's no justifying sying that. Smaller, yes, but I knew a 90yr old that was smaller than me at 14, so there was no reasoning in that statement.

Answer 5

Horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, they are all in the same family. The difference between horses and ponies is size. Obviously there are build variations and such but that's the basic difference.

Answer 6

Horses and ponies only have one real difference-their height. Ponies are up until 14.2hh and horses are over 14.2hh in height.

Answer 7

ponies are smaller then horses

Answer 8

no a pony is smaller.

Answer 9

no, ponyies arre smaller, and usually much more fluffy and cute! you wouldn't catch a pony doing the olimpic showjumping!

Answer 10

no pony's are based on heighth under 14'2 hands and also by breed. horses are based on breed and being over 14'2 hands