Are you familiar with ponies, small and charming horses? While large, proud Thoroughbreds are impressive and stylish, some people might find them too big or intimidating to approach and touch. In contrast, ponies are accessible and can be gently touched by many.
Did you know that many native Japanese horses, like Dosanko, Yonaguni, and Tosa, are classified as ponies? But what exactly defines a pony? Here, we’ll explore ponies in detail.
Are Ponies Just Horse Kids?
At farms or zoos, you often see ponies, small-sized horses that are popular for children’s riding experiences. Many people have encountered these charming animals.
Because of their small size, ponies are friendly and adorable, and some might mistake them for horse babies. However, ponies are not juvenile horses.
A pony refers to a horse with a height of 147 cm or less. It’s categorized by size rather than breed or origin. Even when fully grown, ponies are under 147 cm, which makes them much smaller than the thoroughbreds in riding clubs.
Although they look gentle and cute, ponies are highly capable athletes. They can run at speeds up to 40 km/h, showing their impressive athleticism.
Types of Ponies
Various breeds are classified as ponies. Here are some of the most representative types:
Shetland Pony
Originating from the Shetland Islands in the UK, with a height of about 90-110cm. They come in coat colors like gray, brown, black, and white, often with patchwork patterns. Adapted to cold climates, their mane and tail are long, covered with thick winter coat.
Sturdy and strong, historically used for coal mining and agriculture. Today, they’re popular for children’s riding and shows. Known for their gentle temperament, they are sometimes trained as guide animals similar to guide dogs. Their adorable appearance makes them very popular.
Haflinger
Originating from Italy, Austria, and Germany, with a height of around 130cm. Named after the village of Hafling in Italy.
The Haflinger’s coat color is chestnut, with light-colored mane and tail, making for a striking appearance. They are robust and powerful, often used as workhorses in agriculture, and are resistant to illnesses. With muscular bodies and strong legs, even adults can ride them comfortably.
Fell Pony
Native to the UK, with a height of about 130-140cm. Adapted to mountainous environments, they are highly resilient in harsh conditions. They have the stamina to continue walking through mountain terrains, making them useful for transporting ore and farm produce.
The coat colors include dappled bay, blue dun, and roan. Known for their calm personality, they are now used in trekking and carriage driving.
Hackney Pony
Originating in the UK, with a height of about 140cm. Their sturdy build and energetic gait, called the ‘Hackney walk,’ make them elegant carriage pullers. Their appearance is both powerful and graceful, and they are popular for driving competitions. They are unique to the UK and are not found in Japan.
Mongolian Pony
Native to Mongolia, with a height range of 120-140cm. Coat colors include blue dun, bay, and fawn. Historically, they were used by nomads for transportation and communication, but the wild populations have reportedly become extinct.
Lifespan and Personality of Ponies
Like all animals, ponies have a lifespan. When considering owning or interacting with a pony, it’s important to understand its lifespan, as animals age differently from humans. Knowing this helps to estimate how much the pony’s health might decline over time and to plan responsible care.
Understanding a pony’s personality is also key to good relationships. Here, we introduce the lifespan and typical personality traits of ponies.
Pony Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a pony is around 25-40 years. This range varies due to individual differences and breed characteristics. Some ponies have lived up to 41 years.
Pony Personalities
Ponies are easygoing and friendly. Like all horses, they are intelligent and can learn their names through repeated calls. They tend not to be aggressive, making them suitable as pets.
Can You Keep a Pony as a Pet?
It is possible to keep a pony as a pet. They are usually sold for approximately 300,000 to 500,000 yen.
While their personality and small size make them manageable, proper care and environment are essential. The necessary conditions for pony care include a suitably sized space, exercise area, bedding such as shavings, and forage like hay.
Compared to dogs or cats, ponies are more difficult and costly to care for. Since they have a longer lifespan, owning a pony requires responsible management, considering their health risks and needing proper diet, environment, and exercise.
Summary
As you can see, ponies possess a different kind of adorableness from riding club horses, with a surprisingly diverse range of breeds included under the pony classification.
While their friendly nature and small size might attract people who want to keep them as pets, understanding the necessary knowledge, costs, and suitable environment is crucial. Unlike dogs and cats, ponies require careful consideration before ownership.
For those wanting children to interact safely and comfortably with horses, visiting farms or zoos to touch ponies might be a good idea to enjoy the experience without fear.