Opinion and/or ideas Needed

I need help choosing a new haircut. I want the length to be shoulder length or shorter, but it needs to be long enough so that I can put it in a pony tail. I don't care if I have to pin back shorter layers, but the majority of the hair needs to be long enough for a pony tail. My hair is super thick so layers or razor cutting is nice. I want so spend as little time as possible styling my hair in the morning. My hair is super straight, but it curls a little at the bottom. I also have a cowlick to the right (your left) of the center of my hairline.

I found these haircuts that I like but I am open to other styles:

http://www.thehairstyler.com/hairstyles/casual/medium/straight/brown-bob-with-highlights?ref=salon_hairstyles

http://www.thehairstyler.com/hairstyles/formal/medium/straight/medium-the-Oak-Street-Hair-Group-Mountain-Brook-AL-USA?ref=easy_hairstyles

http://www.thehairstyler.com/hairstyles/casual/medium/straight/the-brown-aveda-institute-mentor-rocky-river-oh-usa?ref=hair_consultations

Another thing is that I show horses and at the horse shows I have to put my hair in a very low bun below my helmet.

Here is two pictures of my current hair:



And here is a picture of a year or two ago when my hair was shorter:

Go for it

I'd go for the first photo. Have you ever consider to put bangs? You know just to add some style on your hair. :)