cow pony

American  

noun

1. a small, fast, agile horse trained for use by cowhands in herding cattle.

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cow pony British  

noun

1. a horse used by cowboys when herding

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Etymology

Origin of cow pony

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

First, she was a cow pony at Connie Wilbur’s ranch east of Laramie, where she was born.

From Washington Times • May 24, 2017

Tala was a cow pony, mentor mare and endurance racer, but Swiatek said she will always remember Tala as her best friend.

From Washington Times • May 24, 2017

Tough as a cow pony and possessed of a champion's heart, Stymie started 131 times, won 35 races, took $918,485 to make him racing's top moneywinner up to that time.

From Time Magazine Archive

Said one fervent rancher: "A cow pony with a master's degree."

From Time Magazine Archive

As broad as a Sherman tank and yellow as a daisy, Pumpkin—or “Punkins,” as the hands called him—had once been a Montana cow pony.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand