No, Pony Hair Shoes Are NOT Made Of Ponies. Here's The Lowdown.

Have you've ever caught yourself wondering: Are my pony hair shoes actually made from ponies? Well, you're not alone. 

We're here to let you know that there are NO ponies being used to create those shiny, textured accessories we love to rock. However, they are made of other animals. To get a definitive answer on the matter we reached out to shoe designer Stuart Weitzman , who often uses the material for his luxury footwear and handbag collections. 

"It is cow or goat hide, shaved to simulate the look of the hair on the hide of a horse," Weitzman told The Huffington Post. 

So the word "pony" is just used to describe the look of the pelt, which is also referred to as calf hair or haircalf. The hide is often bleached white and then dyed in eye-catching colors or patterns -- like leopard. It's turned into accessories and clothing that run the gamut in price, depending on how the hair has been treated and incorporated into the item. 

And pony hair is relatively easy to take care of, since it's water resistant -- this is thanks to the epidermal layer of the hide. "Think of it as your own hair -- but of course a shoe or boot cannot go into a shower," Weitzman explained. But that doesn't mean you should soak it with water when it's time to clean it up ...

With that said, there are definitely a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with cow hide. John Mahdessian , owner of the New York City high-end dry cleaning company Madame Paulette , sent us a short list of best practices if you aren't getting your items professionally cleaned. (If Mahdessian's name sounds familiar, it might be because he's romantically linked to "Real Housewives of New York" star Dorinda Medley .) 

Top row: Henri Bendel "Iconic" haircalf gloves , $158; Burberry London "Heronsby" calf hair pocket coat , $2,842; Botkier "Leroy" haircalf clutch , $298. 

Middle row: Banana Republic haircalf belt , $40; Stuart Weitzman "The Nuggets" haircalf sneakers , $455. 

Bottom row: L.K. Bennett "Fern" haircalf pump , $212; DKNY haircalf satchel , $448; Coach "Bonnie" calf hair bootie , $345. 

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