Mary Allen
A pony is a small horse. More specifically, there are some horse breeds that are called pony breeds. Such horses do not grow taller than 148 centimeters, i.e. about one and a half meters. This height is measured at the shoulder, at the withers of the animal.
The word “pony” originally comes from Latin: A “pullus” is a small animal. In France, it became “poulenet” in the Middle Ages. Our current word “pony” finally comes from England.
Such horses are not only small. They are stockier than horses and have shorter legs. Their manes are thicker.
People bred ponies so they would have horses that could work hard. Ponies are strong and can pull a cart, even in inclement weather. This allowed peasants to move heavy things from one place to another.
Even today, ponies are often pulled in carts, but with people riding for fun. Because ponies are so strong, even adults can ride them. The animals are friendly and patient. That is why children and young people who start horseback riding often start out on ponies.