| p>A horse is a horse, of course, but understanding | | | | are also considered to be smarter and gentler in |
| the difference between the types and variations of | | | | temperament than their larger counterparts. |
| horses can get a bit confusing. Here's a quick rundown | | | | - Miniature Horses - size is of course not the be all and |
| on some horse basics: | | | | end all of the horse/pony distinction. You will find plenty |
| Horse - a horse is a hooved animal from the Equidae | | | | of miniature horses for sale that measure no more 86 |
| family. They have evolved for millions of years and | | | | cm tall but are classified as miniature horses and not |
| were first domesticated around 4000 BC and today, | | | | miniature ponies. These miniatures have been |
| can be found all over the world. | | | | specifically bred and registered for show purposes - |
| In addition to a number of variations on breeds: | | | | although some miniatures have been put to work as |
| Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa - | | | | service animals for the blind. |
| there is plenty of terminology that's associated with | | | | Buying a horse or pony |
| horse and all things equine. A female horse is called a | | | | Along with drawing the line between pink and blue, dolls |
| mare while a male one is referred to as a stallion. | | | | and action figures, when it comes to children it's an |
| Meanwhile, newborn horses are called foals, young | | | | accepted "fact" that little girls love ponies. |
| males are colts, young females are fillies - and a | | | | If you're considering getting your princess a pony - |
| neutered male is called a gelding. | | | | stop and think! Owning either one is a great |
| (Whew!) | | | | responsibility and is generally quite a costly endeavor. |
| - Pony - the distinction between a horse and a pony is | | | | Don't just buy a horse at auction or call up an owner |
| the animal's size at full maturity. Species of ponies | | | | with a horse for sale in the Trading Post - learn the |
| measure less than 14.2 hands (approximately 127 cm) | | | | facts about horses and proper horse care before you |
| as adults. Size is not their only classification, as ponies | | | | commit to owning an animal. |
| generally have stockier legs and heavier bones - they | | | | |