It's important to note that there's no official, universally accepted "pony" breed. There are many breeds classified as ponies, and their height can vary. Some breeds, like the Shetland pony, tend to be much smaller than others, like the Welsh pony.
Here's a breakdown:
* Under 14.2 hands (58 inches): Typically considered a pony.
* 14.2 hands (58 inches) to 15 hands (60 inches): Can be considered a pony or a small horse, depending on the breed and individual animal.
* Over 15 hands (60 inches): Generally considered a horse.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a horse is a pony or a horse is to look at the breed standards and the individual animal's height.