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What’s the difference between a horse and a pony? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Get out your rulers! – The difference between a horse and a pony is really just the size of the animal!
Horses and ponies are measured using a dimension called a “hand,” which is the equivalent of four inches. While there are a few exceptions for certain breeds, the general rule is that if the adult animal is more than 14.2 hands tall, it’s a horse! If it’s less, it’s a pony!
Even though we distinguish between horses and ponies according to their size, the two animals are otherwise pretty similar! In fact, scientists group them into the same species. Have you ever learned about what that is? The term species refers to animals that are classified together by scientists because they share certain characteristics in common. Horses and ponies are both part of the species Equus caballus. – Neat!
Here are some neat facts about horses and ponies!
- A newly born horse is able to get up and walk around after only about 20 minutes!
- Have you ever seen a mule? These animals are a cross between a donkey and a horse!
- Horses swish their tails back and forth to swat bugs! What a great use for a pony tail!
- Weiss, Emily Ph.D. “All About Horses Chat Transcript.” 07 Nov. 2008. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 16 May 2010
- “What is the Difference Between a Horse and a Pony.” Rara Equus. 16 May 2010
- "pony." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 16 May. 2010
- Sorin, Anna Bess. “Equus caballus.” Animal Diversity Web. 2001. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. 16 May 2010