Pony or Horse?

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Qru

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Never having lived in the UK, so never having showed in the UK, I was wondering what classifies as a pony or horse?
I heard it was 14.2 and under (with shoes) for a pony and anything above was a horse.
Is this correct? I feel like such a numpty!
 
Yes that is broad classification, but there are breeds of horses which are under 14.2 and are classed as horses. I think the Mongolian horses are pretty small. The Icelandic Horse, the Fjord Horse, and the American Quarter horse are usually under 14.2
In Australia horses that measure from 14 hands to 15 hands are known as a "galloway", and ponies in Australia measure under 14 hands.
The Internation Federation also have measurements, which are complex, but basically they need to be officially measured at 148cm unshod, by an official measurer at an official measuring site, then a certificate of measurement will be issued.
My own trotter cross [148-152cm] is not a "British Native Pony" and rides more like a horse than a pony.
Some British Native Ponies are often bigger than 14.2 eg many Welsh Cob Section D
With better nutrition most BNP are getting bigger, thirty years ago a Fell Pony would be up to 13.3hh and a Dales 14.2hh, now Fells are often 14.2
Breed Societies set the standards for type and this usually includes height.
Showing: Mountain and Moorland covers most BNP's [not sure about the British Spotted]
So it is quite difficult to show a smaller horse in this country, they often have to fit in to Pony club or Riding Club type or some such.
 
Last edited:
An interesting question and a really informative answer - thank you Mis L Toe. I'm not involved in showing but I really enjoyed reading your reply and I've learnt something new.
 
153 and under is a SHP, I think it's 150 and under is an FEI pony (1cm for excitement when done at show plus 1 for shoes) and the standard cut off for everything else is 148cm. Thats not taking count all the polo ponies who are mainly small horses and the 16hh welshes...British spotted dont count as a native for affiliated showing, along with eriskays etc.
 
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