Ponies and horses may look similar, but they are two different animals. For example, ponies often have thicker manes, tails, and costs. They have shorter legs, thicker necks, and shorter heads. Ponies are often more tolerant of cold weather and have good endurance, making them great work horses. Ponies are also highly intelligent, which means they can also be stubborn.

The word pony is actually derived from the French one “poulenet” which means “foal” – a young, immature horse. However, the modern meaning is different. Unlike a horse foal, ponies remain small even they are fully grown.

Some pony breeds used for sport include the Chincoteague, Connemara, Fell, German Riding, Hackney, and Welsh.

If you are looking to keep ponies on your farm for show, some breeds to consider are the Chincoteague, Fell, German Riding, Miniature, and Shetland.

If you’re simply keeping a pony for a pet, consider the Fell, German Riding, Miniature, Shetland, and Welsh.

Ponies can be used for a variety of tasks on a small hobby farm. They can be used for riding or sport or just as awesome pets!

Picture:	Breed:
	Chincoteague: Origin: U.S. Coloring: Multiple Production: Exhibition, pets Breed Note: Generally weigh around 850 pounds
	Connemara: Origin: Ireland Coloring: Multiple Production: Sport Breed Note: Legs relatively short compared to their body
	Fell: Origin: Cumbria Coloring: Multiple Production: Sport, pets Breed Note: Very agile, used for cross country riding
	German Riding: Origin: Germany Coloring: Multiple Production: pet, sport Breed Note: Great with children and adolescents
	Hackney: Origin: England Coloring: Black, bay, chestnut Production: Sport, Exhibition Breed Note: Exaggerate trot by raising knees high
	Hunter: Origin: Various Coloring: Multiple Production: Exhibition Breed Note: A type of jumping horse, not a specific breed
	Icelandic: Origin: iceland Coloring: Multiple Production: work Breed Note: Has a double coat for extra insulation in the winter
	Miniature: Origin: Europe Coloring: Multiple Production: Pets, exhibition Breed Note: life span ranges from 25 to 35 years
	Polo: Origin: Various Coloring: Multiple Production: Polo Games Breed Note: Horses used and trained specifically for Polo
	Shetland: Origin: Shetland Coloring: Multiple Production: Pets, exhibition Breed Note: Can live past 30 years old
	Welsh: Origin: Wales Coloring: Multiple Production: Sport, pets Breed Note: Known for their stamina and high level of intelligence