To sign 'pony', you will fingerspell the word P-O-N-Y using your dominant hand. Start by forming the letter 'P', then smoothly transition your handshape into an 'O', followed by an 'N', and finish with a 'Y'. Keep your hand steady at about shoulder height and avoid bouncing it as you spell the letters.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'WANT' by pulling both open hands toward you, sign 'RIDE' by hooking your dominant index and middle fingers over your non-dominant hand, and finally fingerspell P-O-N-Y clearly.
Start by fingerspelling P-O-N-Y to establish the subject. Then, sign 'EAT' by tapping a squished 'O' handshape against your mouth, and sign 'GRASS' by brushing the heel of your open hand up against your chin.
Point to the person for 'SHE', sign 'LOVE' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'SMALL' by holding your flat hands close together to indicate size, and then fingerspell P-O-N-Y.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'WANT' by pulling both open hands toward you, sign 'RIDE' by hooking your dominant index and middle fingers over your non-dominant hand, and finally fingerspell P-O-N-Y clearly.
Start by fingerspelling P-O-N-Y to establish the subject. Then, sign 'EAT' by tapping a squished 'O' handshape against your mouth, and sign 'GRASS' by brushing the heel of your open hand up against your chin.
Point to the person for 'SHE', sign 'LOVE' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'SMALL' by holding your flat hands close together to indicate size, and then fingerspell P-O-N-Y.
While some signers might describe a pony by signing 'HORSE' followed by 'SMALL' to emphasize its size, fingerspelling P-O-N-Y is the most standard, widely accepted, and efficient way to express the word in everyday ASL conversations.
As a beginner, you should always prioritize clarity and smoothness over speed. Make sure each letter—P, O, N, and Y—is clearly formed. Your spelling speed will naturally increase as your muscle memory develops over time.
No, you should avoid mouthing the individual letters (P-O-N-Y). Instead, if you choose to use your mouth, you should gently mouth the full English word 'pony' as you fingerspell it, which provides helpful context to the person watching.
