A pony is a small horse measuring less than 4 feet tall.
There is a wide variety of pony breeds, just as there are many horse breeds.
I have picked 20 of my favourite pony breeds.
#1 American Walking Pony
The American Walking Pony was created by crossing Welsh ponies with Tennessee Walking Horses.
Joan Hudson Brown is credited as the founder of the breed.
It is known for its comfortable four-beat gait called the amble.
#2 Peneia Pony
It was created in the Peloponnesus region in Southern Greece, and is used as a mount for riding and jumping.
Their name loosely translates to‘Peninsula Pony. Peneias stand between 10.1 and 14 hands high.
#3 Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is named after the islands where it originated. The weight of a Shetland pony is around 400 to 450 pounds and stands on average at 9.3 hands. It is not unusual for a Shetland pony to live over three decades.
In 2022, a Shetland Pony named Alvin set the world record for the fastest 5 m on hind legs by a horse.
#4 Gotland Pony
It is an old Swedish breed of pony used for riding and harness racing. The breed originated from the Gotland island and is the only remaining native pony breed in Sweden.
Today, the breed is also present in the other Scandinavian countries. The Gotland Pony weighs approximately 250 kg.
#5 German Riding Pony
These ponies originated in Germany and constitute over 5 percent of the horse population of Deutschland. German Riding Ponies can be ridden by a child or small adult in the performance arena.
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#6 Connemara Pony
The Connemara Pony is Ireland’s sole native pony, and it has an abundant mane and tail.
The Connemara has a natural jumping ability and is best known today as a sports pony.
In the past, they were the means by which the land was tilled.
The 100th Connemara Pony Show was held in September 2025 and initially began in Roundstone in 1924
#7 Eriskay Pony
The Eriskay Pony is the last surviving native Hebridean pony breed andshares DNA with the Icelandic horse and the Faroe pony. Its population is considered to be at critical status; there are only about 400 purebred Eriskay Ponies left in existence.
The industrial revolution in the 19th century led to a decline in the number of Each Èirisgeach ponies.
#8 Dartmoor Pony
Dartmoors are one of five native, regionally-adapted English ponies with excellent stamina. They were used in medieval times for carrying heavy loads from the mines. Now, they are used for other purposes.
“They’re hardy, gentle grazers, ideal for this kind of habitat work [grazing on thistles and other vigorous plants],” explained Dave Hassall for the BBC.
#9 Chincoteague Pony
The Chincoteague Pony descends from the ‘wild’ horses on Assateague Island. The Chincoteague Pony became its own officially registered breed in 1994.
#10 Exmoor Pony
The Exmoor Pony is a British breed of pony that was used for herding and tending livestock on the moors.
The Exmoor is native to the hill country of Exmoor and came close to extinction during the WWII.
Exmoor ponies stand 11.1 to 12.3 hands at the withers and are suitable for conservation grazing.
#11 French Saddle Pony
The French Saddle Pony was developed as a sport horse for children, and it combines a mix of British and French pony breeds. They stand 125 to 148 cm high, and many riding schools use French Saddle Ponies for novice riders
#12 Fell Pony
The Fell Pony is noted for its hardiness and has a close similarity to the Friesian horse. The breed is utilized in driving competitions. I like them since they are suitable for both adults and children.
The breed has a steady temperament and an intelligence that enables it thrive in tough conditions.
#13 Highland Pony
It was originally bred to work on farms in Scotland, and alongside the Shetland and Eriskay pony, it is one of the three breeds from Scotland.
There are more than 5K Highland Ponies in the world today.
#14 American Shetland Pony
The American Shetland Pony was bred from the Shetland Pony, but it does not have the thick coat and is taller. It is used to pull carts or as a roadster to pull sulkies.
It is the most numerous pony breed in the US. The American Shetland Pony Club was formed in 1888, with Eli Elliot having an important initial role.
#15 Australian Pony
This small Australian breed stands between 11 and 14 hands high and was developed in Australia. They excel in competitions that combine multiple disciplines in one show.
#16 Manipuri Pony
It is a breed of pony from India reputed for its intelligence.
The Manipuri pony resembles the Burmese Pony and, in the past, was used as a warhorse.
#17 Hucul Pony
It is an indigenous breed of the Carpathians, with an innate ability to navigate rough terrain. You should know that the Hucul Pony Breeding Association was created in 1924.
The breed has a short head with a relatively short neck and a dorsal stripe.