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Horses for a beginner / Interesting fun-helpful facts about horses

4-7 Basic Horse Facts-Is a pony really a baby horse?

- WILENE

Check out 1-3 Fun Facts here https://newtohorses.com/3-fun-facts-about-horses/

4. Horses are measured by hands.

14 hand horse

We refer to the measurement of a horse by hands. Each hand equals 4″ in height. Horses hooves and legs must be square to the ground and distributing weight evenly on all four legs. Then the measurement from the ground to the top of their withers is measured.

That’s simple enough, but what about horses that measure in numbers not as easily divisible by four? That’s where the decimal point comes in, but not in the way we’d think. A horse that is 58 inches high would be 14½ hands — but because two is half of four, it would be written as 14.2 hh. By the same extension, 57 inches is 14.1 hh, and 59 inches is 14.3 hh.

https://www.horse.com/

5. A pony is not a baby horse

  • Baby Horse and Momma
    Baby Horse
  • Pony Horse
    Small Pony Next to Horse
  • Pony next to horse
  • Horse, Pony, Pony, Horse
Pony vs Horse

Is a pony a baby horse? No. We call the baby of a horse or pony a foal. Our ponies and horses different species? No. They are from the same species. But, ponies are smaller than horses. Ponies don’t grow taller than 58″ or 14.2 hands tall and no shorter than 38″ or 9.2 hands at the withers. The right size rider can ride a pony. As compared to other horses, ponies usually have thick manes and tails. They have shorter legs, wider barrels, thicker necks, and shorter heads.  There are some breeds of ponies that can be confused for a small horse, but a pony is never more than 58″ no matter what they look like.

A horse baby looks like a baby in its face, and has very long legs. They romp around like a giraffe. If a horse grows larger then 58″ or 14.2 hands tall, they are a horse.

Unlike some species of animals that all look alike, many horses and ponies look different with different personalities, colors, shapes, and sizes. Horses and ponies come from the genus name Equus ferus caballus.

7. Horses have barrels.

Barrel of horse
Barrel of horse

Horses could carry a wagon of barrels by pulling it. But, this barrel is the largest part of horse anatomy. It is the middle part of the horse where the ribcage is. It can be compared to the shape of a metal or plastic barrel.

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New to Horses

This is a blog for anyone new to horses, whether you are a young horse enthusiast parent or anyone with a passion for learning about horses. If you are new to horses in any way…..this is the blog for you!!!

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New to Horses always recommends reaching out to your veterinarian, farrier, or equine professional.  New to Horses blog is purely informational, instructional, and entertaining.

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Retired Riding Instructor

wileneandmadison

I am a retired ARIA Certified Horseback Riding Instructor.  I was the founder and director of a Non Profit called Ponies and Kids.  I coached our Interscholastic Equestrian Team and up to 17 riders during local shows. We also sponsored multiple 4H Horse and Pony members. With years of lesson experience I want to share easy to understand and basic knowledge about horseback riding and care.  Although, most of this blog is about English Riding, those in other disciplines can glean information too. Please ask questions I would love to help with anything you need that has to do with horses. Enjoy!

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Recent Posts

  • Avoidable Situations and What Beginner Riders Need To Know
  • Part 3: Balance is an essential skill for any horse rider
  • Part 2of3: A beginner rider needs to learn how to be balanced on their horse
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  • Help me help you, learn more about horses!!

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