Difference between horse and pony temperment?

Question

I am 166cm(5ft5) and weigh 47kg (106 pounds) so i might be slightly big for a 14.2hh pony as i am still growing! Is there much of a difference in the temperament, nature and character if i buy a horse as opposed to a pony???

Answer 1

to be honest ponies are little shites!! but they have such lovley personalities so they get away with it!! horses are gentler but maybe havent uiet the same charctors as a pony.. having said that though you will find either the perfect pony or horse for you like you cant generalise between them..go for a Cob!! i have one and he looks fab spot on in personality he is quiet and has a good charector..

Answer 2

There is such a huge difference between one pony breed to another, and also from one horse breed to another that it is very difficult to make generalizations comparing pony to horse.  And of course each is an individual.

If I was to make a rough stab at it - I'd say that in MANY cases ponies tend to be "colder blooded" than most horses.  Many ponies are somewhat less reactive, somewhat less spooky, somewhat less energetic than most horses.  Ponies big weaknesses can be their appetite, they tend to put on weight easily and are often dieted, and they live to try to snack whenever possible, which can be frustrating at times!  I think common pony problems are - pony too lazy,and pony too smart and does what he wants instead of the rider.  Believe me, this is a really poor generalization since there's lots of energetic and spooky ponies out there - the Welsh breed for example tends to be fairly "firey".  And there's lots of lazy horses out there, too.

I think the biggest problem with ponies isn't them, personally, but the fact that many ponies are trained in a much shorter time by an adult, if at all, and then ridden by children or beginner riders for most of their lives.  They quickly learn how to ignore cues, cheat and become brats.  Most horses would do exactly the same thing with the same training!

A 14.2 pony can easily carry a small adult and keep up with any horse.  You are fairly tall for a pony that sized, so I suppose the best thing to do would be to take some photos of yourself on specific ponies and see how you look.  A pony with a thick body will seem better porportioned than a smaller bodied pony.  And if you have long legs and a short body you will also seem more fitting.  I don't know how much more you'll grow, so its just a guess, but there will be pros and cons to either option.  I think I would keep an open mind when horse/pony shopping, take an experienced person with you, and buy the one that is best trained and has the personality that will work the best for you, whether its a pony or horse.

Good luck and happy shopping.

Answer 3

Ponies are just like horses in that each one is an individual with their own temperament.  Welshes should NOT be "fiery" in temperament.  The standard for a Welsh pony calls for "friendly personalities and even temperaments".  They should be "extremely intelligent and easily trained."  They are bred to be a child's pony!  They are inquisitive and athletic but should be a "pocket pony".  

A properly started pony was not given to just any child to school but was started by a knowledgeable trainer and ridden by experienced young riders.  We do not put rank beginners on our ponies just because they are small.  Raising and training quality ponies is an art...

I don't think you are currently too big for a large pony but you didn't mention your age...

Seriously... where did all of these people with negative pony experiences find these demon ponies?  Are these all cheap little abused school ponies that get teased and physically abused day after day?

Answer 4

I recommend you go for a cob then. something around the 15.2hh mark.

I personally find a lot of ponies can be quite cheeky and a funny whereas horses can be that bit more laid back and "mature" if you like! Of course personalities can be reversed between the two, but as a whole, thats what I find!

xx

Answer 5

Ponies can be a little more fiesty then horses

Answer 6

ponies are often quite cheeky and have well a pony brain hehehe at least thats how my intructor descripes it where basically they r a bit stubborn but not all are like that some are sweet. in my opinion ponies are just as good as horses and i am 5ft 6 and i ride ponies as little as 11hh which i look way to big for but if you arent to heavy for them you are fine to ride ponies if you want a 14.2 then buy a cobby breed because they have more bone and  you wont look so small on them but if your still growing i would reccomend getting a horse but estimate how tall your going to get and buy a horse that you can have for your whole life

Answer 7

To be honest... Your better off with a horse, 14.2Hh is a horse anyways, Mostly horses are safer as the pony's are so small when they nip people are like aw cheeky little pony. But if a big horse does it people seem to realise how dangerous it can be. But every horse is different. Dont buy it straight off, have it on trial, see what its like.

Answer 8

Most ponies have one h**l of a charecter but it doesn't really matter.

You will find that perfect horse or pony! When you see them u just know... =]

Answer 9

ive got one of each (horse and pony)

pony- newforest-13yrs owned him for 7yrs.

hes v funny little chap! in the mornings hes v grumpy and tends to bite and when he wears rugs in the winter and i have to put them over the door they stay there about 30secs max!! is funny to start off with then gets bloody irritating! doesnt spook

horse-11yrs-owned 2 yrs

lovely mare, head shy and is a ladys horse. likes to make sure your her friend as she was beeten. as a mare is grumpy but wnt do anything. she spooks alot more and is moer fired up and gets wound up v easily.

horse and pony characters are v different. horses exp mares want to please and are willing to work, where as ponies when they say no not to day thats it really! they can b stubbon!

however everthing depends on its bredding and how its been brought up.

Answer 10

Based on your height and weight, I would suggest you get a horse as you are also still growing. In my opinion, ponies tend to be bratty and have much more of an attitude than horses. It also depends on the certain horse or pony though.

Answer 11

it all depends on the particular horse/pony, the breed, age etc - all the usual things!!!  horses often are actually calmer than ponies - ponies often have cheeky chracters and can actually be more difficult to ride but as i said, it totally depends - every one is different.  right now you would fit beautifully on a 14.2 but if you're gonna carry on growing i would say, just from a size point of view, to go for something a bit bigger.  you dont want to get a fantastic pony, fall in love and outgrow it within a year or two.

Answer 12

Ponies tend to be more cranky and tempermental also they have more character IMO. Horses look more gentle, ponies look cute but can be a h**l of a nightmare.

Charlotte x

Answer 13

Ponies tend to be cheekier and also very quick striding so are able to get themselves out of trouble.  They are probably more tolerant to being mucked around with as children will play with them more, but there is no reason why a horse cannot be the same.  Just lots of TLC will give them pleasure once they get used to it.

Horses can be every bit as cheeky as a pony but I think the only real difference is that their strides are a lot longer - and are less likely to be able to get themselves out of a pickle, having said that they are  by no means stupid.  Some are better at shortening strides than others.  And of course with that longer stride they are a lot quicker over the ground.

No much difference really.  I would go for the horse as you are still growing.

Answer 14

well ponies can be sweet soemtimes but truth is most people say horses are better.

Ponies-----cna be nippy/stubborn/rather eat than work/can be ploody wehn want//cant be bothered pleasing.

Horses-like working sometimes//so like food too///Likes to please/Alot forward going//but can be a bit pushy for food.

I would say mybe a more better temperment is horses.

I have a pony but when i ride a horse-they coparate a bit more hahahha.