What Is a Hony and Why You Need One

A "hony" is an endearing term used to describe a small-to-medium-sized horse that offers all the benefits of a full-sized riding horse in a more compact and manageable package. If you're an equestrian looking for a mount that is athletic yet unintimidating, cute but capable, or an all-around versatile partner, then a hony might be the perfect match for you.

Defining the Hony

A hony is often defined as a horse that stands between 14.3 and 16 hands high. This places them above the maximum height cutoff for a traditional pony at 14.2 hands, but still smaller than the average full-sized riding horse.

While "hony" started as a made-up word, it has caught on because it captures exactly what these petite yet powerful equines represent - the best traits of both a horse and a pony combined.

Many different horse breeds can produce individuals that fall into the hony height range. Some breeds that commonly throw small-but-mighty honies include:

Connemaras
German Riding Ponies
Morgans
Arabians
Thoroughbreds
Warmbloods
Welsh Pony/Thoroughbred crosses

Regardless of breed or pedigree, an ideal hony suited for English riding disciplines should possess the balanced conformation, movement, and athletic prowess of a classic hunter or jumper.

Why Choose a Hony?

Choosing a hony over a full-sized horse or a traditional pony offers numerous advantages:

Less Intimidating

Thanks to their smaller stature and lower center of gravity, honies are often easier for beginning or smaller riders to handle, stop, and turn. Their size makes them less physically intimidating as well. Riders gain confidence more quickly on a hony since falls aren't as far to the ground.

Increased Affordability

It costs less to feed and care for a hony compared to a bigger horse. Their smaller hooves mean replacing horseshoes isn't as frequent or expensive either. Boarding, transporting, and housing a hony is cheaper too since they take up less space in trailers, stalls, and pastures. Their lower price tags also make purchase or lease costs more affordable upfront.

Ideal for Youth Riders

Young riders who have outgrown ponies but require more confidence before moving up to a full-sized horse find honies to be a perfect fit. Honies help build skills as youth riders learn to canter, gallop, jump courses, or compete at horse shows while still feeling secure in the saddle.

Cuteness Overload

Let's face it, ponies are adorable. So too are petite yet powerful honies that possess all the beauty and personality of a horse, just in a pint-sized package. For riders who appreciate both performance AND cuteness, a hony is a winning combination.

Increased Versatility

While some believe small horses can't compete with big horses, honies prove that drive and heart matter more than sheer size. Well-trained honies can do anything a full-sized horse can, just with shorter legs! Whatever the equestrian sport or discipline, don't underestimate a hony's capabilities.

Famous Competition Honies

If you still doubt whether a hony has what it takes to succeed at high levels, these famous honies with shining competition records will make you reconsider:

Glengarrick

Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 15.2 hands
Best Known For: Representing New Zealand in Olympic Three-Day Eventing; competing at age 20 in 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games

Charisma

Breed: Thoroughbred/Draft Horse Cross
Height: 15.3 hands
Best Known For: Winning two Olympic Gold Medals in Three-Day Eventing with rider Mark Todd

Ohlala

Breed: Warmblood
Height: 15.2 hands
Best Known For: Winning a $1 million Grand Prix Show Jumping class with rider Lauren Hough

Creedance

Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Height: 15.1 hands
Best Known For: Becoming a top international show jumper under rider Kent Farrington

While a hony's stride length and jumping scope may be naturally less than taller horses bred for elite jumping and eventing, they have proven time and again that heart and ability outshine sheer size. Honies suit all levels of riders and are wonderful mounts for amateur competitors focused more on fun than world rankings.

Potential Drawbacks of Honies

Of course, there can occasionally be disadvantages associated with a hony's smaller stature, depending on your performance goals:

Shorter Stride: During fast work like galloping and jumping courses, a hony's stride length is often naturally shorter than a taller Thoroughbred's or Warmblood's stride. This could require an additional stride in an in-and-out line.
Reduced Jump Scope: Some honies lack the raw scope to easily clear very wide oxers. However, you shouldn't generalize a hony's jumping ability based on their size alone. Many possess tremendous scope despite their shorter legs!

For most amateur riders who prioritize confidence-building and enjoying time with their equine partner over winning blue ribbons, these small drawbacks won't outweigh everything a hony brings to the table.

Acquiring Your Own Hony

If you've decided a hony is the right mount for you, here is what you need to know about finding one:

Where to Look

Check with hony breeders that specialize in Connemaras, German Riding Ponies, small Morgans, Arabians etc.
Search horse sales ads and online boards for terms like "hony" or specify a height range between 14.3 - 16 hands.
Connect with hony owners through social media groups and forums. Ask for referrals from their trusted trainers or breeders.
Work with an equine agent or buyer's agent who can help you locate ideal hony prospects based on your preferences, budget, and intended use.

What to Look For

Balance and conformation: Ensure the hony is not extremely downhill or butt high, as this makes athletic pursuits like jumping more challenging.
Movement and temperament: Look for a trainable, sensible disposition and movement quality suited for your riding discipline.
Soundness: Thorough veterinary examinations help uncover issues like hoof imbalance, bone chips, ringbone, and other lamenesses.
Training and manners: Green or untrained honies do exist, but it's less risky to acquire one with an established foundation under saddle.

Purchase Considerations

Prepared to invest $5,000-$15,000+ for a trained hony ready to compete, depending on age, breed, training level, competition experience etc. Rare or highly trained individuals could cost more.
Be wary of cheap prospects that may have hidden physical or training problems.
Factor in transportation costs if locating horse out of state.

If possible, try the hony for at least a week or pay for a prepurchase evaluation ride with your trainer before committing. This allows you to assess the horse's abilities and suitability for your needs.

Caring for Your Hony

Caring for a hony is relatively similar to horse ownership. Adjust some elements to suit the needs of a smaller equine. Key aspects include:

Housing: Safe fencing and shelter options tailored to miniature horse size. Provide an adequately spacious stall and turnout.

Feeding: Feed hony-specific feeds or reduced portions of adult horse feed. Offer forage and access to salt/minerals. Avoid overfeeding treats.

Dental and Hoof Care: Address any issues immediately since small problems can become magnified. Strive for angles matching domestic horse hooves.

Health Management: Establish wellness baselines. Update Coggins tests and vaccinations. Address illness and injuries promptly. Consider hony-sized wraps, blankets etc.

Exercise: Ensure the hony receives sufficient training and turnout time. Make fitness and conditioning a priority before competition. Account for shorter stride when planning workouts.

Adjusting some elements of horse ownership to suit a hony may take finessing. Connect with current hony owners through social media groups to learn what tweaks work best for their honies’ needs.

Final Takeaways

For equestrians seeking confidence-boosting mounts suited for amateur competition and pleasure riding goals, a hony's smaller size and increased affordability checks all the boxes. Well-bred, athletic honies exist in many disciplines, from hunters and equitation to eventing and dressage.

While a few limitations exist due to their shorter strides and reduced scope, heart and try make up for what honies lack in height. Overall, their companionship and capabilities outweigh any minor drawbacks.

If you prioritize horse ownership enjoyment over mastering advanced techniques or earning world rankings, a seasoned hony promises to be a perfect pint-sized partner. Let go of preconceived size requirements, and instead focus on finding a horse you connect with mentally and physically. You may discover your dream horse stands under 16 hands tall.

What Is a Hony?

A “hony” refers to a small-to-medium-sized horse that offers the benefits of a full-sized riding horse in a more compact and manageable package. If you’re considering a hony, you likely have some questions. Here we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about honies.

What Exactly Is the Definition of a Hony?

A hony is informally defined as a horse standing between 14.3 and 16 hands high. This places them above the maximum height for a pony (14.2 hands) but smaller than the average full-sized riding horse. While not an officially recognized term, “hony” combines “horse” and “pony” to describe petite yet powerful equines.

What Horse Breeds Can Be Honies?

Many breeds and crosses can produce hony-sized individuals. Common hony breeds include Connemaras, German Riding Ponies, Morgans, Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods. Crossing a Welsh Pony with a Thoroughbred often results in an athletic hony. Regardless of genetics, the ideal hony has balanced conformation resembling a classic hunter or jumper.

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Hony?

Compared to a full-sized horse, honies offer several advantages. Their small size makes them less intimidating and easier to control. Youth riders gain confidence quicker on honies. They’re more affordable to feed, house, transport and care for. Many find honies absolutely adorable. Most importantly, honies can be talented athletes – don’t underestimate their versatility and competitive abilities!

What Are Some Famous Competition Honies?

Glengarrick – A 15.2 hand Thoroughbred who represented New Zealand in Three-Day Eventing at the Olympics and World Equestrian Games into his 20s.

Charisma – 15.3 hands, a Thoroughbred/Draft cross who won two Olympic Gold Medals in Three-Day Eventing.

Ohlala – A 15.2 hand Warmblood mare who won a $1 million Grand Prix with rider Lauren Hough.

Creedance – Just 15.1 hands yet became a top international show jumper under rider Kent Farrington.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Hony?

For some riders focused strictly on competition rankings, a hony’s slightly shorter stride length and reduced jumping scope are disadvantages. However, most amateur riders find honies’ confidence-building traits outweigh minor performance limitations. Adjust your expectations based on the hony’s intended use.

Where Can I Find a Hony for Sale?

Quality hony prospects can be located through breeders specializing in pony-sized horses like Connemaras and German Riding Ponies. Also search online horse ads using terms like “14.3 hands” and “hony.” Work with an equestrian agent to find honies suiting your budget and needs.

What Should I Look for When Evaluating a Hony?

Seek a hony with good balance, straight movement, sound conformation, and a trainable disposition suited for your riding discipline. Green and untrained honies do exist but considering a horse with established under saddle experience reduces risk.

How Much Does a Hony Cost?

Expect to invest $5,000 to $15,000+ for a competition-ready hony depending on age, breed, training level and show miles. Rare bloodlines or Grand Prix training could increase cost. Consider prepurchase vet exams, transportation fees, and ongoing care costs too.

How Do I Care for and Manage a Hony?

Caring for a hony resembles caring for a full-sized horse but some elements need slight adjustments. Offer a hony-appropriate amount of treats, feeds and forage. Ensure housing, fencing, tack and blankets suit their smaller stature. Prioritize regular farrier and dental care. Increase fitness slowly when conditioning for competition.

Can a Hony Really Compete Against Big Horses?

Absolutely! While elite-level jumping and eventing requires raw scope and stride length even talented honies may lack, driving heart and ability matter more than sheer size. Honies handle introductory levels readily, boost amateur rider confidence and rankings, and earn countless blue ribbons at all levels of competition. Their athletic talents should never be underestimated.

Want to learn more about these mighty miniature horses? Read other hony articles on our site or connect with hony owners through online forums. Considering adding one of these spunky pint-sized partners to your barn? Let us help you locate the ideal hony to match your goals and budget.