Small ponies are 12.2 hh and under. On the jumper show circuit they should be able to jump 2' 3" and are to be ridden by a child 12 or under. Properly trained ponies can be appropriate mounts for children who are learning to ride.

Compared to horses, ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat, as well as proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavy bone, thick necks, and short heads with broad foreheads.

The difference between a horse and pony is not simply a height difference, but also a difference in phenotype or appearance. There are noticeable differences in conformation and temperament. Ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat. They also have proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavy bone, thick necks, and short heads with broad foreheads.