“MOMMY, I WANT A PONY!” - All About Our Ponies, Rides, Shows and Camps

How many kids do you know that have asked for a pet pony at one time in their life? While Ponies can be amazing companions they are also a lot of work.



A pony is a small horse (Equus ferus caballus) with a specific conformation and temperament. There are many different breeds of ponies. Compared to horses, ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat, as well as proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavier bone, thicker necks, and shorter heads with broader foreheads. On occasion, people who are unfamiliar with horses may confuse an adult pony with a foal, which is a young, immature horse.

Ponies are generally considered intelligent and friendly. The pony originated from original wild horse prototypes that developed small stature due to living on the margins of livable horse habitat. These smaller animals were domesticated and bred for various purposes all over the Northern hemisphere.

Ponies were historically used for driving and freight transport, as children's mounts, for recreational riding, and later as competitors and performers in their own right. During the Industrial Revolution, particularly in Great Britain, a significant number were used as "pit ponies", hauling loads of coal up from the mines.

Pony Rides
Children are invited to ride the ponies daily at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (see seasonal hours online). Each pony and rider is individually led by a wrangler around a circular trail, nestled in Rocky Mountain Wild, just south of The Lodge at Moose Lake. It's an old west adventure they'll never forget.

Rides are only $5 each
Buy a frequent rider card for $20—and get 5 rides instead of 4!



Note: Riders must be old enough to sit up in the saddle and hold the reins unassisted, although parents are permitted to walk along beside their cowpoke. And we'll ask that every rider wear a helmet, just for safety sake.

Pony Behavior Shows
Our Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Pony herd has joined together with our Animal Care Staff to remind us all what it takes to have a pony pal of your own. Everyday at 2:15 p.m. at the Pony Ride area, near the entrance to Rocky Mountain Wild, our keepers and ponies will perform in their natural behaviors show.



Pony Camps
Want your kids (Ages 5 to 130 pounds) to learn what it's like to take care of a pony? Have them join us for pony camp to find out. It's a great way for kids to get close to the Zoo's pony herd with a wrangler at their side. Kids will learn important equine skills and how to groom, feed and ride ponies during this fun two-hour long camp.

Dates and Times
Sundays through Wednesdays - rain or shine
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $25.25 - per day Members or non-members
$81.00 - 4-day weekly session Members or non-members

For questions or to register for Pony Camp by phone, call 719-633-9925, ext. 127, or e-mail edprograms@cmzoo.org.

Kid-safe Ponies Wanted! View details.