I like both of them.
Very nice. Pity the link for the hat didn't work and you didn't get that incorporated.
Also, it might be that it's just the size of the avatar, but I don't get the grin-feeling from that avatar.
Irbis, if you could make the strips on the body a bit longer, so they cover the body a bit more, like in akrim's version, that would be great. Also, the zebra tail is usually the type as in akrim's version, with only a tuft at the end instead of the regular flowing tail of a regular horse, although I kind of like the idea of the flowing tail that you've done as well.
I very much like the smirk on your ponytar, though, and the whistle is a good twist as well. And of course, you did get the hat right.