There may be times when knowing the general size of a pony is useful. And, depending on what the pony is used for, or what breed it is, the size or specification of a pony can be important but confusing. Generally, a pony is any equine, excluding horse relatives such as donkeys and mules, that is under 14.2 hands high. In the western show ring, horses under 14HH are regarded as ponies.

When you are looking for a pony, perhaps for your child or yourself, you might be asked whether you want a large, medium or small.

Many competitive disciplines have height standards so that ponies of various sizes can be compared more fairly and jumped over heights that are suitable to them. And, children riding the ponies will be of a similar size and age as well.

It's helpful to have an idea of the size of your pony when you buy tack or blankets. Some tack like bridles and halters come in average small, medium and large pony sizes. The size of your pony will also matter when buying a cart or other vehicle. A cart for a Shetland pony won't be suitable for a Section C Welsh Pony. So, as a general guideline, it's helpful to know what size gear your pony will need.

Some breeds that are pony sized are not regarded as ponies by their breed registries. Arabian, American Quarter Horses, Morgans, Icelandic Horses and Miniature Horses are regarded by their breed registries as horses despite their size often being less than 14.2HH. Prezwalski's Horses and many other feral horse types are pony-sized, but they are still regarded as horses.

And when showing in some disciplines, these horses may be ruled as large ponies, regardless of their breed.

Hunter shows are an example of where size standards are very important and the method of measuring ponies has strict rules. Driving ponies are also divided into different sizes for showing. If you are buying a pony specifically for showing, you will need to check the discipline's rules and regulations for the exact standards.

Generally, ponies are grouped into small, medium, and large sizes.

Smalls

Small ponies are 12.2 HH and under. These ponies are likely to be Shetland, or Shetland crosses, Welsh Mountain Ponies or Section A or B Welsh Ponies. Ponies of this size can be driven either singly or in a team by adults or ridden by small children. Ponies of this size may be also used in lead-line classes for very young children. So if you are looking for a pony for your young child, you can tell people you are looking for a 'small' to specify the size range.

Mediums

Medium ponies are over 12.2HH but less than 13.2 HH (127 to 137 cm). Some Section B Welsh Ponies will be mediums and many Quarter Horses, Arabian and other horse breeds crossed with ponies will be mediums. There are several pony breeds that are mediums too. Again, ponies of this size may be driven by an adult, or ridden by slightly older, larger children than seen in the small division.

Larges

Large ponies are over 13.2 HH but no taller than 14.2 HH (137 to 147 cm). Ponies that are classified as large may be a horse breed, like those mentioned above. In hunter shows, this size of pony will be ridden by youth or child riders, but in open shows, this size of pony may be ridden by a small adult. In western shows, a 14HH pony is regarded as a horse.

Polo Ponies

Polo ponies are called ponies, but they are most often average riding horse size. They are called ponies traditionally, and it's likely because of their quick reflexes and assertive manner. Large ponies can of course be used, but polo ponies can be much taller. There is no maximum height for polo ponies.