A Pony vs. Mini Horse - What Are The Differences?

At first glance, a pony and a mini horse are essentially the same thing - a small horse. But that’s where the similarities end! 

Anything between 14.2 hands or 57 inches (145cm) in height can be called a pony, while a mini horse is never taller than 34 inches at the withers. However, don’t let their diminutive size fool you into thinking these miniature horses are basically fluffy balls of neighs and whinnies. In fact, mini horses and even dwarf mini horses were bred to resemble large horses, just on a much smaller scale. Meaning, while a pony might be a rotund creature with luscious locks and quite short legs, a miniature horse will always keep the proportions of a large horse - longer legs and leaner stature. 

So, if this were a Beginner’s Guide to pony vs. mini horse, this is how it would go: 

• If the horse you’re looking at is small, with short legs, is rotund in form, and has a short, stocky neck, then it’s a pony;
• If the horse you’re looking at is no higher than 34 inches at the withers but has quite long legs, an elegant physique, does not look like a round ball of fluff, and has an expressive neck - it’s a miniature horse!

What Care Does A Miniature Horse Need? 

To answer this question, you have to look at this animal’s name, where all the things you need to know about it are coded in one single word - horse. So, don’t let these tiny horses fool you with their adorable looks, for they are still the very same fierce mustangs, just in smaller packages!

How Long Do Mini Horses Live? 

Before we go to actual care, you first need to know the lifespan of these mini beasts. And this might surprise you, but they can live up to 30 years, just the same as their larger counterparts! In fact, these little horses usually live well over their thirties, so if you do decide to get one of your own, know that they’ll be together with you for the better part of your own life. Which is always a good thing in our book!

What Do Mini Horses Eat?

All the same things their bigger brother does! The main component of any horse’s diet is good quality grass and hay, supplemented with oats and various grain mixtures if needed. They also enjoy an occasional treat of carrots, apples, and other horse-safe vegetables and fruits. 

However, as with any horse, the diet has to be monitored closely to fulfill each individual animal’s needs and health condition. 

Where Do You Keep Miniature Horses?

These cute miniature horses might fool you into thinking they’re similar to lapdogs, but that’s just not the truth - mini horses need to be kept together with companions of the same species, preferably with large spaces to graze and be as close to their natural environment as possible. However, if you can provide all that in your own backyard, then you can absolutely keep a pair of these tiny horses at home!

Curiously enough, although we’ve domesticated horses thousands of years ago, they’re still pretty wild with their herd-bound qualities and love for large spaces to move around! 

Do Miniature Horses Have A Purpose?

Of course they do! First and foremost, to look unbearably cute, break your heart into a thousand pieces with their adorable whinnies and snorts, and be your four-legged therapist whenever you need it. 

On a more serious note, though, miniature horses were bred to be kept as pets, so that’s their main purpose. Being too small to be ridden, they nevertheless excel in driving and agility shows!

Are Miniature Horses Good Pets? 

Absolutely! That is if you have sufficient experience in owning and taking care of horses. As we’ve mentioned before, these tiny horses are the same in their behavior and needs as large breed horses. Meaning, that they still have their fight or flight instinct; they need herd companions, constant visits from the farrier and the vet, and sometimes even a horse chiropractor! 

That said, if you can provide all the essential care and you know your way around horses, the bond you can form with these tiny beasts is something incredible, and once they get to trust you, you two will become inseparable for plenty of years to come.