Why Ponies Are Not Just for Kids

When people learn that I have ponies, their reactions are predictable. First, they gush, “Oh, ponies! They’re adorable!” Then they add, “But aren’t they kind of mean and stubborn?”

I readily agree that ponies are beautiful, but I have to challenge the notion that they have bad attitudes. After 25 years of working with ponies of all shapes and sizes, I can confidently say the stereotype that ponies are mean is unfair.

In reality, ponies aren’t any more stubborn than any other horse that wants its own way, and most are kind, sensible and intelligent creatures.

But there’s another common misconception: that ponies are just for kids.

Let’s debunk that myth, too.

Ponies and Adults: The Perfect Match

There’s no question that kids and ponies make a great combination, with ponies under 14.2 hands being the perfect size for children to handle and ride. However, their smaller size also appeals to many adults. As a result, a growing number of adults are choosing ponies as their equine of choice. To meet this demand, breeders in the U.S. are increasingly producing top-quality ponies known for their athleticism and talent, offering excellent options for adult equestrians who want to be competitive in the show ring.

In fact, adults and ponies are competing (and winning) at the highest levels of all types of equestrian disciplines from dressage to driving, giving credence to the old saying that good things come in small packages.

Part of the appeal? Ponies can seem more approachable than full-size horses.

Consider an adult who didn’t grow up around horses and is just now starting to ride. A large horse can feel intimidating, especially for older adults who may be more cautious about handling or riding a bigger animal. Ponies are ideal in these situations because they help beginner riders build confidence in tasks like haltering, leading, grooming and tacking up while working with a smaller, more approachable equine.

Many wonder if adults can safely ride ponies. While it does depend on the height and weight of the adult as well as the size of the pony, the answer is often yes.

Small ponies under 12.2 hands can be ridden by petite adults, while medium and large ponies can easily carry average-sized adults.

Large ponies that are big-bodied like the versatile Welsh Cob are well-suited to adult riders and have the charisma and style to be eye-catching in the show ring.

And as popular as it is for adults to ride ponies, it’s even more popular for adults to compete with their ponies in driving. Ponies in harness can be a wonderful way for adults to have fun in a competitive horse show setting even when their ponies are too small for them to ride.

A Pony for Everyone

The wide variety of pony breeds is another draw for adults.

The beloved British Native Pony breeds — Welsh, Connemara, Shetland, Fell and others — have a devoted following in the U.S., as do breeds like the German Riding Pony, the Pony of the Americas, the Chincoteague and smaller Icelandic horses, among others.

And we can’t forget crossbred and sport ponies that are also brimming with talent and athleticism as well.

All together, these ponies cover a range of sizes (from a diminutive 11 hands all the way up to 14.2 hands), proving there’s a pony for everyone.

Practically speaking, ponies just make sense.

They are less expensive to feed than full-sized horses, not only because they are smaller, but also because many breeds are naturally “easy keepers.” This means that their bodies efficiently convert calories, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, many pony breeds are known for being hardy and healthy, too.

Then there’s the simple joy of companionship. These small equines don’t need to have a specific job — they can make wonderful pets, greeting you in the pasture, enjoying the hay you bring them and delighting in the attention during grooming.