The pony vs. horse debate is one that goes way back. In fact, we even wrote a post last year discussing some of the main differences between horses and ponies. But, we thought it was time to revisit the topic and take into consideration how you can visually tell the difference between these two animals.
While you may already know they have different diets, life spans, and breed types, you still might not know exactly how to distinguish one from the other. Even as a horse owner or enthusiast, it’s easy to get confused between the animals, especially if they are similar in size.
3 Ways to Tell the Difference Between a Pony and a Horse
As you know, horses and ponies are closely related animals, but they are definitely not the same. And no, a pony is not a young horse. So, how can you tell the difference? There are some key differentiating characteristics between the two animals that make them a little more simple to distinguish from one another.
1. Evaluating the Animal’s Size – This is the most obvious way to determine a horse from a pony. However, if a horse is young and small, it can easily still be mistaken for a pony. In general, a horse isn’t fully grown until it reaches anywhere between 5 and 7 years old. Because of this, you can’t strictly rely on size to distinguish between a pony vs. a horse.
2. Determine Temperament and Strengths – All animals have different temperaments. Ponies tend to be calmer than horses, hardier, and more intelligent. Because of these characteristics, ponies are typically better at manual labor on a farm than a horse. Horses have good stamina and can carry people.
3. Examine Body Proportions – Since ponies are typically stronger animals, you may notice that they are built stockier. Their legs tend to be shorter and their necks thicker than horses. You might also notice that they have thicker heads and broad foreheads.
By reading this blog post you may be fooled into thinking it is simple to identify a horse from a pony, but if a horse isn’t fully grown or it is a specific breed, like a quarter horse, it might be more difficult than you think. If you do have trouble identifying the type of animal you’re encountered with, the best thing you can do is consult a professional. A veterinarian can help you identify the specific type and breed of animal you are working with so you know how to properly care for and interact with them.
