Pony walls differ from knee walls, which are generally intended to support something such as a countertop, handrail, or rafter. The supposed origins of pony walls confirms the name: It's said ...

Architecturally speaking, the pony wall is the workhorse of room dividers. The short wall — usually 3 feet to 3.5 feet high — maintains an open-air feel in a room while separating it for ...