PONY

ORDER

Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates)

FAMILY

Equidae (Horses, donkeys and zebras)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Ponies generally originated in northern climates such as the British Isles and were gradually introduced all over the world. They are grazers, opting for grassy, well-vegetated meadows and fields.

IDENTIFICATION

A pony is a small horse, standing less than 14.2 hands (58 inches) and averaging 500-900 pounds in weight. The British Isles have more varieties of ponies than anywhere else in the world. The smallest of all pony breeds is the Shetland, standing approximately 37 inches tall.

DIET

At the zoo the ponies are fed grain and hay.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Gestation is 11 months. Mating occurs in late spring, with foals born early the next spring to insure food supply. Lifespan is 20 years +

NOTES

Ponies are used for both riding and drafting purposes. In the US the best-known native pony is the Chincoteague, which developed on the Chincoteague and Assateague islands off of Maryland and Virginia. Legend has it that it is a descendant of ponies that swam ashore from a wrecked Spanish ship in the 16th century.