Roughly, horses can be categorized into heavy horses (draft horses), light horses, and ponies. Each of these can then be further divided into categories based on breed and height (these groupings can vary slightly between different countries). So, what is a pony, if not a horse? Generally speaking, ponies are small horses. Horses and ponies are measured by the height of their withers. The height of a pony is especially important in relation to shows and is not to be confused with its breed. It’s a lot, we know.

A pony is a horse that is no taller than 14.2 hands (58 inches or 148 cm). In many English-speaking countries, horses are usually measured in hands (h or hh for hands high), while others use the imperial or metric system to measure horses (in this guide, we use all three units for the sake of clarity). One hand is equivalent to four inches, or 10.2 centimeters. Keep reading to find out which different types of horses and ponies there are, and the height requirements typically seen for each classification. Keep in mind that these are all general examples, and that height may vary for breeds.

Ponies

Small Ponies

Small ponies are under 12.2 hands (50 inches or 127 cm). Breeds such as Shetland and Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A) can be considered small ponies.

Medium Ponies

Medium ponies are between 12.2 and 13.2 hands (50–54 inches or 127–137 cm). Breeds such as Welsh Pony (Section B) and Connemara can be considered medium ponies, although they can also be categorized as large ponies since their heights vary.

Large Ponies

Large ponies are between 13.2 and 14.2 hands (54–58 inches or 137–148 cm). Breeds can include the New Forest Pony and Fell Pony.

Horses

Small Horses

Small horses are between 14.2 and 15.2 hands (58–62 inches or 148–157 cm). Among the breeds of small horses, we may find the Arabian and the Morgan horse.

Medium Horses

Medium horses measure between 15.2 and 16.2 hands (62–66 inches or 157–168 cm). Breeds may include Thoroughbred and Hanoverian.

Large Horses

Large horses are between 16.2 and 17.2 hands (66–70 inches or 168–178 cm). Breeds such as Dutch Warmblood and Holsteiner can be considered large horses.

Heavy Horses (Draft Horses)

Heavy horses are the largest type of horses, and they typically measure over 17.2 hands (70 inches or 178 cm). They have traditionally been used for agricultural work such as pulling or plowing. Among the heavy horses, we may find breeds such as the Shire, Clydesdale, Ardennes, and the Belgian Draft.

Other Terms

Some additional terms can be used to describe the type of a horse. You find them listed below.

Miniature Horses

Miniature horses are small horses (yes, they are called horses, not ponies) that stand no taller than 9.5 hands (38 inches or 97 cm).

Cob

A cob is a robust type of medium or large pony that measures around 14 to 15.1 hands (56–61 inches or 142–155 cm).

Galloway

In Australia, the term Galloway can be used for a horse between 14 and 15 hands (56–60 inches or 142–152 cm).

💡 Note

The heights of different breeds can vary. The breeds used above are general examples to illustrate different heights and types of horses. The groupings of horse types and their heights may vary in different parts of the world.