Equus ferus caballus
From WikiPets
This is a specific care sheet for Ponys (Equus ferus caballus), for more in this genus see Category:Equus.
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[edit] Introduction
A Pony can be defined as any horse that is 14.2 hands (58 in) or less in height. There are many breeds of ponies. Occasionally a pony can grow taller than 14.2 hands but it does not make it a horse - it is still a pony. However, ponies that are taller than the maximum height have lesser commercial value and are not allowed to compete in ponies' events. Typical characteristics of ponies: deep, compact bodies; great strength in relation to their height; stockier build; shorter legs; cannon bone, in particular, short and dense; wide through forehead with a tapering muzzle; small alert ears; longer coat; highly adaptable - driving, riding, pulling. Some examples of common pony breeds are: Highland pony (Scotland), Bardigiano (Italy), Bashkir (Russia), Dales pony (England), Shetland pony (Scotland), Norwegian Fjord (Norway), Dartmoor pony (England) and the Landais pony (France). Some breeds of ponies such as the Fallabella, American Shetland pony, and Australian pony, have more horse-like characteristics.
Horses and ponies are popular companion animals; there are estimated to be between 600,000 and just under a million in the UK. There are many different breeds of horses and ponies, varying in size, body shape and temperament. Although their working lives, the period when they can be ridden or driven, may be much shorter, they can live well into their thirties and many can live for much longer.
If you are looking to buy or have bought a pony then you will need to know the best ways of caring for your pony and be prepared for a long-term commitment. Owning a pony is not like owning a small pet - it will need a lot of work, commitment care and attention and this isnβt something that you should take on lightly.
Many factors need to be taken into account if you are thinking of buying or loaning a pony.
Caring for a pony is much like caring for a full-sized horse, but there are important differences. Caring for a pony should be closer to the care you give a horse, not the care you give a pet such as a dog.
Below is a summary of the basic minimal requirements of a pony in order for it to be happy and healthy:
- Pasture free from hazards such as holes, rusty farm machinery and loose wire fences.
- Safe fencing such as wooden, plastic, or vinyl rails, or mesh wire fencing.
- Grass for grazing or equivalent amount of good quality hay.
- Unlimited supply of fresh clean water, heated if necessary in sub-freezing temperatures.
- Unlimited access to minerals and salt.
- Shelter from wet or wintry weather and shade in summer.
- A dry clean area to lie down.
- Daily monitoring for injury or illness.
- Companionship, either with another horse, donkey, mule or pony or another animal such as a sheep or goat.
[edit] Housing
Most ponies can live outside all year round depending on their age, health and breed. A pony will need to be kept in a safe pasture with good grazing, the RSPCA recommends at least one hectare. Ponies will also require a companion, ponies are happier if kept with others of a similar size and age, care should be taken when introducing them to make sure they get on.
Ponies need fencing similar to horses, but without large gaps under and between rails. A pony can roll under a fence more easily than a horse. Make sure the fence is low to the ground and has rails close together so the pony is not able to stick his head and legs through.
Keep predators away from your pony. Dogs and ponies do not mix well. Ponies are too small to defend themselves from dogs. Many ponies have suffered extreme wounds and even death because of a dog attack. Make sure stray dogs can't get inside the fence with your pony by putting up a wire fence with small sized squares.
Build a shelter for your pony. If you don't have a barn and stall for your pony, build a run-in shed. If the pony shares a pasture with other large horses, build the shed tall enough for the pony but low enough so large horses can't get into the shed. This may be the only place the pony can get away from the horse.
[edit] Grooming
Clean your pony's hooves daily. Ponies have very delicate feet that are more fragile than most horse's hooves. The pony should be trimmed on a strict schedule of every six to eight weeks. Have a professional farrier trim your pony's hooves.
[edit] Feeding
Feed your pony an adequate amount of feed and hay according to their body weight and health. If the pony is on pasture grass, it won't need as much hay. If the pony is not ridden or exercised much, they do not need feed. Ponies don't require as much food as ponies to stay healthy.
Two main types of feed make up the bulk of a ponies diet:
Forage/roughage e.g. hay and grass
Concentrates e.g. oats and barley that can come in a compound feed form such as pony nuts which are prepared from a number of ingredients to provide a balanced diet
The amount of forage to concentrate feeds depends on the type and quantity of work your horse is expected to do. Horses doing little or light work won't require much energy giving concentrates whereas an eventer will need more energy giving feed and less hay. It is important to discuss your ponies diet with an expert such as the yard manager or your vet as it is vital to get the correct balance.
For an average pony, 30% concentrates should be fed to 70% roughage.
The amount of feed depends on a ponies size, age and type - some rough figures are given below but again, it is important to discuss this with an expert.
| Height of the pony (hands) | Daily feed requirement (Kg) |
| Under 12 | 6.3-7.2 |
| 12-13 | 7.2-8 |
| 13-14 | 9-10 |
| 14-15 | 10-11 |
| 15-16 | 11-12 |
| Over 16 | 12-12.5 |
[edit] Water
You need to ensure that your pony has access to fresh and clean water at all times.
[edit] Exercise
Exercise your pony daily. If the pony is not ridden much, allow time in an open pasture to run around each day. Lunging is a great way to exercise a pony without riding them.
[edit] Health
You must make sure that your pony gets regular health care such as inoculations and general treatments such as worming. You will also need access to a vet in case they fall ill. Ponies will also need regular access to a farrier. You also need to groom your pony regularly.
[edit] Equipment
There will be certain equipment you need to be able to look after a pony properly, below is a brief list of such equipment required for different aspects of pony care.
Feeding and water:
- Feed tub
- Water trough or large buckets
- Water heater if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures.
Barn and Pasture Maintenance:
- Pitch fork
- Stable broom
- Wheelbarrow
- Manure Fork
- Premise spray if insects are a problem
- Handling and Grooming
- Halter
- Lead ropes
- Hoof Pick
- Curry Comb
- Body Brush
- Mane Comb
- Cloth (an old washcloth)
Riding:
- Saddle with girth or cinch
- Saddlepad or Blanket
- Bridle
- Helmet
- Safety Stirrups or boots with a one inch heel
Driving:
- Harness with bridle
- Safe strudy vehicle
- Driving whip
- Helmet
