ponied

The term "ponied" is an equestrian term used to describe the act of raising, specifically in breed registries, the height of a horse based on the length of its legs, rather than its overall height. This method is sometimes used to determine the height of a pony, a small horse breed characterized by its short stature and compact body.

In the context of horse registries, such as the American Pony Society (APS) and the RoyalITES Pony Association (RU), a pony may be "ponied" to compensate for its actual stature, resulting in a registered pony being documented at a height different from its measured actual height. This practice has been both utilized and criticized by breeders, owners, and enthusiasts.

Ponied height is typically measured in a manner similar to that of an adult horse, where the height is recorded from the ground to the withers (the point at the highest rise of the horse's shoulder). In the case of ponies, the mare (female) and foals (young ponies) are measured this way, while some registries measure the height of stallions (male) at 8 to 15 hands, and colts (male) are measured at 72 to 84 inches.

Some breed associations use the pony to young mare exception, where mares 24 months of age and under are considered to be ponies based solely upon their actual total or measured height. It's worth noting that not all registries permit the ponied height in registration of horses owned under them. Because of this, the criteria for what constitutes a horse or pony can be basis to difference in kind.