Ponies

Ponies are often distinguished by their phenotype: a stocky build, dense bone, round shape and well-sprung ribs. In addition to being smaller than a horse, their legs are proportionately shorter. They have strong hooves and grow a heavier hair coat, seen in a thicker mane and tail, as well as a particularly heavy winter coat.

Ponies are generally considered intelligent and friendly, though sometimes they also are described as stubborn or cunning. Properly trained ponies are appropriate mounts for children who are learning to ride. Larger ponies can be ridden by adults, as ponies are usually strong for their size.

Nearly all pony breeds are very hardy, easy-keepers that share the ability to thrive on a more limited diet than that of a regular-sized horse and often not needing grain at all. They are more vulnerable to laminitis and Equine Cushing's disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, PPID). They may also have issues with hyperlipemia, obesity and insulin resistance.

Miniature Horses

While miniature horses are the size of a very small pony, many retain horse characteristics and are considered "horses" by their respective registries. The American Miniature Horse Association's standard suggests that if a person were to see a photograph of a miniature horse, without any size reference, it would be identical in characteristics, conformation and proportion to a full-sized horse. According the American Miniature Horse Registry, a miniature horse should be a small, sound, well-balanced horse and should give the impression of strength, agility and alertness.

Miniature horses are generally very hardy and often live longer on average than some full-sized horse breeds. The average life span of miniature horses is from 25 to 35 years.

Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people. Due to this fact, many are often kept as family pets even though they still retain natural horse behavior, including the fight or flight instinct, and must be treated like any other horse, even if they primarily serve as a companion animal. Since they are very hardy animals, they tend to be easy-keepers and are more susceptible to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance, laminitis and obesity.

Gro 'n Win® for Ponies and Miniature Horses

Gro 'n Win® is an excellent choice for your pony or miniature horse. Gro 'n Win® is a safe, low starch and sugar, low glycemic formula that will provide the essential nutrients not adequately supplied in forage-based diets. The high antioxidant content is proven to support your horse's immune system while the high quality amino acids provide the essential building blocks necessary to support muscle tone and condition. Gro 'n Win® is also fortified with increased levels of biotin to support your pony or miniature horse's hoof health and integrity.