Here we are, back at the Old Blog Corral. Just leaning on the fence, watching the ponies run around in circles.
You never know what “form” those ponies might take on any given day. The topics here range from gun ownership to the best tuna noodle casserole in Wisconsin.
But what if we looked at ponies?
I’ve met about three or four ponies in my life. Maybe. I think they had a couple at Marydale, a Catholic camp we visited when we were kids. I don’t remember those ponies so much.
But I do remember two others. My Aunt Janet had a pony on her farm. I was older then, probably in my teens. All of us cousins were out there, in the barn, with the horse and the pony. My Aunt told me to be careful because one of them might step on my feet. And I’ll be darned if that exact thing didn’t happen.
The other pony I remember came to town one day. This happened when we lived on East Bruce Avenue in Dayton. Some guy came around with a pony, asking if we wanted to get our pictures taken on that poor pony. Of course, my mom, the photo hound, bought into the deal. She must have made us go to our room and put on nicer outfits. We definitely weren’t in our play clothes for the picture. At any rate. Those are my two pony stories.
But I’ve heard that ponies are smart. And I’ve learned that ponies and horses are not the same.
Just for the record. There were no ponies on The Pony Express. Only horses. Big, full-sized horses.
So there we see the size difference in ponies is one distinguishing factor. They are generally considered to be 14.2 hands or under. A hand is four inches, by the way. I just learned this. And you are supposed to measure ponies at their “withers.” That is where their neck and back meet. But size isn’t the only telltale sign. Because there are small horses out there too. The smallest horse, a Falabella is considered to be a horse rather than a pony despite only reaching eight hands, or 32 inches.
Anyway, the structure of a pony is different from a horse. Ponies are stockier than horses, with shorter legs, wider bodies, shorter, thicker necks, and shorter heads. They have broad foreheads too. Ponies’ bones are also heavier than horses. And, you wouldn’t guess by looking at them, but they say ponies are stronger, pound for pound. I’ve read that they are very sure-footed, too, because of their “genetic upbringing.” They evolved in harsh environments with rough terrain.
I’m learning that they do not have “short-man syndrome.” You know. The Napoleon Complex. (Am I allowed to say that here?) Anyways, ponies are said to have gentle dispositions. Their temperaments are steady and easy. But, as with anyone, anywhere, I’m sure there are exceptions. I’ve met mean dogs, for example. When in general, dogs are loving, good souls. So I’m guessing there are some grumpy old ponies hanging out at the stalls.
Not only that, but ponies and horses have fantastic memories. It’s said to be even better than elephants. I want data on this.
So, whether they are kind, grumpy, strong, or long on memory, there are plenty to choose from. Over 200 breeds of ponies.
And that my friends would be just about enough about ponies from me. I’d love to know about any of you and your pony experiences. I doubt I’ll ever have a pony, but one never knows.
The closest I came was my albums by the Stone Poneys. Back when Linda Rondstadt was just a child. Different Drum. And all that.
Finally, I am still trying to understand why I wrote about ponies.
I guess you never know what you will find at this dog and pony show.
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“I’d rather be a little weird than all boring.”
― Rebecca McKinsey
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“The way you do small things is the way you do all things”
― Jens Wolff
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“Thus do the gods speak with tiny causes.”
― John Steinbeck, Tortilla Flat
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Pony up. Or is it pony down?
