What is the difference between Pony and Horse?
Ponies and horses are members of the same species. They have much in common hence it becomes difficult for people to differentiate the two.
You can ride on either pony or horse. Both can be kept as pets. They have similar features with the horse just growing to a substantially larger size than a pony.
The main difference between pony and horse is the height. The horse is an equine member that is considered to be at least 14.2 hands tall while the pony is less than 14.2 hands.
Comparison Table (Pony vs Horse)
| Characteristics | Pony | Horse |
| Size | They are comparatively shorter. | They are comparatively taller. |
| Coat and hair | Their hair is coarse, thick mane and tail. | Their hair is fine. |
| Appearance | Short head and neck with large eyes and tiny ears. | Long head and neck with large ears and eyes. |
| Body | Stocky, broad, and round chest. | Proportionate. |
| Legs | Short legs with hardy hooves. | Long legs. |
| Origin | It originated in cold European climates. | It varies with the breed. |
| Temperament | They are intelligent, friendly but can be cunning. | It depends on the breed. |
| Bones | The thick, dense bones. | It depends on the breed. |
| Lifespan | They can live up to 30 years. | They can live between 25 to 30 years. |
What is Pony?
Pony is a member of the Equine family. It is a mature but small horse. Its height is below 14.2 hands. All its features are grown to maturity.
There are many breeds of ponies as compare to other horses. The animals were domesticated and bred for various purposes in Northern Hemisphere.
They were historically used for driving and freight transport, as children’s mounts, for recreational riding, and as competitors and performers in their own right.
They have thick manes, tails, and overall coats, proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavier bones, thicker necks, shorter heads, and broader foreheads.
They feed on grass, hay, and grain. They only need small amounts of proteins and minerals as compared to horses. As they evolved in environments with low forage, this made them have the ability to survive on low-quality forage.
The pony is not built to give birth to a full-size horse foal. Although they can crossbreed with horse breeds and give birth to viable foals as they contain the same genes.
What is Horse?
The horse is an animal in the family Equidae. It comprises of single species whose numerous varieties are called breeds.
Before the introduction of vehicles, horses were used as draft animals, and riding on horseback was one of the main means of transport.
A horse is tall as compared to a pony. They stand at a height of 14.2 hands and above. Their color ranges from brownish to gray. They move in herds led by stallions.
They have long legs that enable them to move fast. Their compact bodies are supported by the tips of the toes allowing full extension of the limbs for running.
They are herbivores. They entirely depend on plant matter for survival. They feed on grass and other vegetation. Their teeth are adapted to grinding grass and vegetation.
They have large eyes and ears for defense. Their gestation period is 11 months. The females produce one foal at a time. Occasionally it produces twins.
Main Differences between Pony and Horse
- Ponies are comparatively shorter while horses are taller.
- Ponies have coarse and thick mane while horses have a fine mane.
- Ponies have short legs and hardy hooves while horses have long legs.
- Ponies have stocky, broad, and round chests while horses are proportionate.
- Ponies have thick, dense bones while horses depend on the breed.
- Ponies have short heads and necks with large eyes and tiny ears while horses have long heads and necks with large eyes and ears.
Similarities between Pony and Horse
- They both belong to the same family.
- They both have admirable strength.
- They are both used for work.
- Both are beautiful animals.
- Both digest food in a similar way.
In Conclusion
Ponies and horses belong to the same family. They both feed on plant matter and digest the food in a similar way. Ponies need a low number of proteins and minerals while horses need a high number of proteins and minerals.
The two animals are slightly different from each other. Ponies have coarse and thick hair and mane while horses have fine hair and mane.
The main feature that makes the pony be different from the horse is the height of their bodies.
Sources and References: