Pony

Ponies are little horses. A pony can be a little horse with a particular conformation and temperament, or it might be a horse that is under an approximate or exact height at the withers. A pony may have a thicker coat, mane, and tail as compared to a larger horse, as well as proportionally shorter legs, a wider barrel, heavier bone, a thicker neck, and a shorter, broader head. Pony is a shortened version of the old French term planet, which means a foal, or young, immature horse.

Historically, little horses and ponies were employed for riding, driving, and as pack animals. Many were used as pit ponies during the Industrial Revolution, especially in Great Britain, to pull coal cargoes out of the mines. They may be retained as child mounts today, for competitive or leisure riding or driving, or for cultural or conservation purposes.

Ponies are typically thought to be friendly and intelligent. They can also be regarded as obstinate or crafty. Children learning to ride should use ponies that have been properly trained. Adults can ride larger ponies because they are often powerful for their size. Many organizations today define a pony as a mature horse that is under a specific wither height, which can range from roughly 142 cm to almost 150 cm. No matter the animal's height, certain breeds identify it as either a horse or a pony based on its lineage and phenotype. Pony is a term of endearment often used to refer to a full-sized horse.