Mini Ponies
Height and Weight
There are two types of miniature ponies; to be considered a Class A pony, it has to be 34 inches tall or less, and to be classified as a Class B pony, it has to be between 34 and 38 inches tall. To be in a show as a miniature, the pony has to be a Class A and has to be no greater than eight and a half hands. Depending on their size, mini ponies can weight anywhere from 150 pounds to 350 pounds.
Coloration
Mini ponies can be found in a variety of colors. These include, bay, black, buckskin, chestnut, palomino, pinto, and white.
Purpose
They can be put in competitions and shows, can be kept as pets, and they can even be used as guide horses.
Additional Physical Characteristics
Their average lifespan is about 30 years, and they don't need near as much land as a full size horse. Their skin is also like a natural flea repellent, so owners don't have to worry about fleas. They are proportional to their larger cousin, the horse. They are prone to over eating and dental issues, which, the two combined can cause colic, and they are also prone to hyperlipemia. Birth is also more difficult. The majority of these problems can be fixed with proper feeding and maintenance.
Origin
Mini ponies originally came from Europe in the 1600's, but by 1765, they were frequently seen as pets for royalty. Those that weren't living the high life, instead, were working in the mines, since England passed a law prohibiting the use of young children as mine workers. The first small horses in the U.S. were introduced in 1861.
Important Information
There is an ongoing controversy over whether or not a mini should be considered a mini horse or a mini pony.