Height:
* Pony: Under 14.2 hands (58 inches) high
* Horse: 14.2 hands (58 inches) or taller
* Miniature horse: Under 34 inches tall
Weight:
* Pony: 400-900 lbs
* Horse: 900-1500 lbs
Note: A "hand" is a unit of measurement for horse height, equal to 4 inches.
Factors affecting size:
* Breed: Some breeds are naturally larger than others (e.g., Clydesdales vs. Shetland Ponies).
* Gender: Males (stallions and geldings) are generally larger than females (mares).
* Individual variation: Even within the same breed, there is significant variation in size from horse to horse.
* Nutrition and environment: Proper nutrition and environment play a crucial role in a horse's growth and development.
So, when you see a horse, it's helpful to know that it's just one point on a spectrum of sizes!