Concept:
A synchronous motor is not self-starting, so it needs an external method to bring it near synchronous speed.
Step 1: A synchronous motor cannot start by itself because its average starting torque is zero.
Step 2: One method of starting is to use a small auxiliary motor.
Step 3: This auxiliary motor rotates the synchronous motor near synchronous speed.
Step 4: After reaching near synchronous speed, DC excitation is applied and the motor pulls into synchronism.
This small auxiliary motor is called:
\[
\boxed{\text{Pony motor}}
\]