Rustic pony or sport pony: what are the differences?
Rustic pony or sport pony Discover the differences in conformation temperament use and care to better understand each type
Read article
Pony breeds of the world
Ponies are small equines, often hardy, intelligent and versatile. This page brings together pony breeds listed on Chevaux du Monde, with their origins, characteristics, uses and detailed breed profiles.
Ponies at a glance
Definition
A pony is generally an equine measuring 14.2 hands, or 148 cm, or less at the withers.
Uses
Children’s riding, leisure riding, sport, driving, trekking and conservation of old breeds.
Temperament
Often hardy, intelligent, resilient and sometimes very strong-willed.
Understanding ponies
The word “pony” does not mean a baby horse. A pony is an adult equine belonging to a small-sized breed or type. The most common height limit is 148 cm at the withers, but that rule does not explain everything.
Some small breeds are officially considered horses because of their history, morphology or breed standard. Conversely, many ponies have remarkable strength, endurance and versatility.
All pony breeds
36 results
Albanian Pony
View breed
Dülmener
View breed
Fjord
View breed
Karakatchan
View breed
Faroe Islands Pony
View breed
Gallega – Cabalo de pura raza Galega
View breed
Galician Pony
View breed
Gotland (Pony)
View breed
Landais pony
View breed
Pottok
View breed
Welsh Cob
View breed
Dales Pony
View breed
Dartmoor pony
View breed
Australian Riding Pony
View breed
Eriskay
View breed
Exmoor Pony
View breed
New Forest
View breed
Shetland Pony
View breed
Welsh Pony Section B
View breed
Kerry Bog
View breed
Connemara Pony
View breed
Bardigiano
View breed
Giara horse
View breed
Monterufolino Pony
View breed
Hucul (Pony)
View breed
Konik
View breed
Peneia Pony
View breed
Czech Sport Pony – Český sportovní pony
View breed
Canadian Rustic Pony
View breed
Debao Pony
View breed
Hokkaido Washu
View breed
Lijiang
View breed
Yunnan
View breed
Guizhou
View breed
Ningqiang
View breed
Highland
View breedWhat is the difference between a horse and a pony?
The best-known difference is height: a pony is generally 148 cm, or 14.2 hands, or less at the withers. But this limit is not always enough. Morphology, breed history, official standards, temperament and use also matter.
Ponies often have compact bodies, strong hardiness, good resistance and sometimes a very assertive character. Some are suitable for children, while others are true sport, driving or trekking ponies.
Articles about ponies
Explore more with a handpicked selection from the Pony category.
FAQ — Ponies
Is a pony a baby horse?
No. A pony is an adult small equine. The baby of a horse or pony is called a foal.
At what height is an equine considered a pony?
An equine is generally considered a pony when it measures 148 cm, or 14.2 hands, or less at the withers.
What are the best-known pony breeds?
Well-known pony breeds include
the Shetland,
the Connemara,
the Welsh,
the New Forest,
the Dartmoor
and
the Exmoor.
Which pony should you choose for a child?
The choice depends on the child’s age, level, size, the pony’s temperament and, above all, its education.
Can ponies be used for sport?
Yes. Some ponies compete in show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving or endurance.
Is every small horse a pony?
No. Some small breeds are officially considered horses because of their history or breed standard.