The pony is a variety of domestic horse characterized by its smaller height (≤ 1,48 m at the withers without shoes), the result of natural adaptations and artificial selection. Although it retains all the anatomical characteristics of horses, it has more compact body proportions: a robust body, short legs, a strong neck, and a thick mane. Its digestive system is designed to take advantage of low-quality pastures during long hours of grazing. Ponies have evolved in cold, mountainous regions such as the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Central Asia, which explains their dense coat and ability to store energy. On a sensory level, they have acute hearing and smell, and excellent lateral vision. Their teeth are adapted to cutting and grinding plant fibers. There are multiple breeds of ponies, from the Shetland pony, less than one meter long, to the Connemara or Haflinger, with characteristics more similar to those of horses. Their longevity, hardiness, and versatility have made them ideal for companion, draft, and therapy animals.

The pony's behavior is similar to that of a horse, although with nuances linked to its intelligence and hardiness. They are gregarious and sociable animals that establish clear hierarchies within the group. In herds, they tend to form lasting bonds, especially between mothers and foals. Ponies are curious, attentive, and have a great memory, which makes them easy to train with positive reinforcement. However, they can be stubborn if they lack trust in their caregiver or if they sense insecurity. They are diurnal animals, active from dawn to dusk, spending much of the day grazing and resting in a standing position. They are adept at escaping from poorly enclosed enclosures and can develop repetitive behaviors (stereotypies) if confined without stimulation. Smaller breeds are frequently used in equestrian activities for children and in assisted therapy, thanks to their docile and predictable nature. Some feral ponies display behaviors similar to those of wild horses.

As a domestic subspecies, the pony is not under global threat, but many of its traditional breeds are in decline due to the mechanization of the countryside and the loss of rural uses. Breeds such as the Exmoor, Dartmoor, Asturcón, and Garrano have been included in genetic conservation programs by national and international organizations. Although the Equus ferus caballus is not evaluated by the IUCN Red List, its direct wild ancestor (Equus ferus) is listed as "Endangered" due to habitat loss and hybridization. Some ponies live semi-wild in nature reserves such as the New Forest (United Kingdom), where they perform important ecological functions, such as scrub control and maintaining open pastures. In these cases, their management includes veterinary monitoring, birth control, and protection from road traffic. Purebred organizations promote genealogical registration, ethical breeding, and the recovery of traditional lineages.