Just my opinion but ponies takes in a wide bunch of types including shetlands, hacknies, and "undersized" quarterhorses. To say "miniature" is to differenciate what you're talking about. These are specifically under 38" and if they are the more modern bred, look very refined and nothing like shetlands. I own one of the older stocky type minis and while he's a good old man, he does not look nor act like my better bred, fine boned, sweet tempered show types. (ok here come the flames!)