From a sporting perspective, a pony is considered by the FEI as “a small horse which, when measured on a level surface, does not exceed 148 cm in height without shoes or 149 cm when properly shod.” This sporting definition is broad, including small-statured horses as well as ponies of specific breeds (such as the Shetland).
Setting aside the phenotypical differences that characterize ponies, what distinguishes them from horses from a nutritional standpoint?
Although a pony’s digestive system is identical to that of any other equine, there are some specificities to consider. Over the course of evolution, ponies adapted to survive in harsh conditions, particularly with limited food resources and lower-quality forage. For this reason, ponies generally maintain a good body condition with minimal feed, and are commonly referred to as easy keepers. Therefore, one of the main challenges in managing a pony’s diet is providing the necessary nutrients without exceeding caloric requirements, which could lead to weight gain.
It’s also worth noting that ponies, when compared to other equines, have a higher risk of developing issues such as obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Laminitis. Obesity, in turn, contributes to joint overload and reduced performance. Thus, setting up an appropriate feeding strategy and monitoring it effectively through body condition scoring is of particular importance for ponies.
General Feeding Guidelines for Ponies
Like horses, ponies should consume 1 to 2% of their body weight in forage and/or feed per day. For example, a pony weighing about 200 kg should consume around 4 kg of dry matter in the form of hay and concentrate feed. Due to their pronounced appetite and the necessary calorie restriction to prevent obesity, weighing feed and controlling portion sizes is particularly important.
The forage consumed (hay/grass) may not be sufficient to meet mineral and vitamin requirements, especially in sport ponies, making it necessary to include a complementary compound feed ("ration") in the pony's feeding regime.
These feeds provide essential minerals and vitamins but also contribute calories. If the calorie intake is sustainable considering the pony’s physical activity, a standard concentrate feed in the right quantity can be used. For ponies prone to excessive weight gain, alternative complementary options are recommended.
Other Possible Options
A balancer feed can be used to meet lysine (a limiting essential amino acid), vitamin, and mineral requirements with a low caloric intake, reducing the risk of obesity. Generally, these feeds are highly concentrated, which is why only small portions are given. They have a low content of non-structural carbohydrates, making them safe even for ponies diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome or Laminitis.
BALANCE
Another option is to add a vitamin and mineral supplement to balance the forage-based diet.
MULTIVIT
A good suggestion is to use a fine-mesh hay net. This helps prolong the feeding and chewing time, allowing the pony to exhibit more natural feeding behavior, promoting a greater feeling of satiety and gastric well-being.
Key Takeaways:
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Ponies are prone to obesity, so portion and calorie control is especially important.
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For ponies prone to weight gain and undergoing intense physical activity, hay should be complemented with a balancer or a vitamin and mineral supplement.
