Exmoors? Really?

[JOJOBA]

Would I really be comfortably carried by an exmoor? Regularly?

Im going exmoor pony trekking next weekend and it's been preying on my mind!
They have also said my boyfriend would be fine to come along, he's about 6ft and weighs just under 12stone. (though there is no height limit)

The ponies range between 12 and 13hh and the treks last about 3hrs. That doesnt bother me so much as Ive ridden a really stocky 13hh recently (and felt huge ;))... it's more the regular riding thing.

Im sure they know what theyre doing and it's made me more interested in exmoors as a potential cheapish, low maintenance pony to buy - but Im 5'9" and 9.5stone. Could I really buy one and expect years and years of riding, showing, hacking etc from it...? Without detriment to it's back (I would have a perfectly fitted saddle, trust me) and getting peak performance from it? And could I sit my novice OH on it without it snapping in half and the RSPCA being called in??

?


xxx

[domane]

I am pretty sure that weight-wise you would be fine. As you say, they are stocky little beasts and I reckon they could carry a heavier weight than yourself ... it's just your centre of gravity that would need to adjust - but you would soon get used to that. I think it's a fabby idea. Exmoors are so pretty (but I'm led to believe they also have attitude :rolleyes: ) Promise to get loads of piccies when you go trekking?

(and have a great time btw! :) )

[~Perdita.M~]

The exmoor pony forum is a wealth of information:)

[lor]

I think you will decide after spending time with them and riding them.
As already said, have a look at
http://www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk/home.php

I own an exmoor 13.1 and i'm 5'5" 9.5 stone. We are travelling up to Derbyshire today to do a several day ride along the Pennine Way along with other adults on exmoors. (how lucky am i)
I also do endurance rides and trec as well as trail hunting.

Re their temperement. Its a bit like border collies, they are slightly different perhaps from other breeds but they have qualities that you will love :D and of course they are all different. I'm sure all breeds have their quirks, my mare is extreemly well mannered and sweet. I'm sure people would say things about every breed:) I do think they make better adult mounts because they are exceptionally strong. There is also a brill new dvd from the society called 'Discovering exmoor ponies'

There are quite a few big exys about so you would be fine on one, they can big round bodies so will take up your legs.

[Mehitabel]

you'll look daft, but they'd carry you with plenty to spare. you might find your feet knocked down any jumps though!

[lor]

It depends on your idea of what looks daft. Some people think that the Icelandic folk look daft on their horses. (Bet they wouldnt dare say it to a 6'2" Icelandic guy tho:D)

It is relevent to consider that you will get comments from some people who do not like the look of a taller person on a pony.

I havnt had any probs jumping but i'm not quite as tall as you, you may have to put your stirrups up a couple of holes!!

[LokiSofi]

my new ponyBubbles is a 12.2hh exmoor mare. I am 5'3" and weigh between 8 and 8.5 stone (it varies) she carries me easily. my YO also rides her and is about 6ft and probably weighs in the region of 9 stone.

[EnduranceAli]

Have a great time on the trek :)

I have a 12.2hh Exxie mare - and Frayne would easily take any weight and a lot more height than other ponies of a similar size (politely - I would call her a lady of larger size :D). You can also get larger Exmoors - Frayne's half sister is 13.2hh.

Character - they are all different, but you will certainly never be bored :D

Ali xx

[JOJOBA]

ALL TREKS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO STUPID FOOT AND MOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


ARGH.


Someone doesnt want me riding horses, Im going to go insane. Ive had one lesson in 5 months!!!!!


Im going to end up buying / stealing one at this rate!



xxx

[Wally]

We had a little 12.2hh Exmoor, she' could carry a tank on her back and not blink, nothing stocky just tough as old boots.

[JOJOBA]

Me on a pony!!!

Had a nice ride, my pony was 12.3hh.

xxx

[Afellpony]

I've had 4 Exmoors in my life and, yes, they are very very strong. Very intelligent, quick to learn, have their likes and dislikes - but I think they're charming little characters.

[notpoodle]

oooh i envy you :) going exmoortrekking is high on my list of things to do!!! hope you had a LOVELY time :D

and yes, of course they can carry you :D they're stocky, strong little critters (as you probably found out!) and not really designed to be kids' ponies, as they can be rather errr uhm ... strong and opinionated! but! once you get one on your side, you'll have a friend for life :D

Julia
x

[Mehitabel]

you don't even look that daft!

[notpoodle]

just looked at the first picture again ... how the hell did angel get to scotland and back so quickly?! :D

Julia
x

[JOJOBA]

:p He was much paler than Angel I think. Sort of mushroomy coloured.

xxx

[notpoodle]

oh and as a pony for everyday use, i can highly recommend :) try to get one without sweet itch if you can help it though, as that tends to hike up the maintenance cocts enormously :o

Julia
x

[Est]

I must say, I'm surprised at just how well it takes up your leg in those photos - you look really quite well proportioned together!
I totally know where you were coming from though - I'm about 5'8" and I remember before buying Ria (15.1hh Welsh D) saying to all my friends, "But she's only 15.1hh, will I look silly on her? I feel too tall!"
It's easy for taller people to assume we're automatically "measured out" of the pony market. I know I believed I wouldn't be able to go for anything under 15hh. So it's good to see a reminder that actually we can go a LOT smaller and still look/feel fine! :)
PS Great scenery too :D

[martini55]

I have to say I was expecting your legs to be touching the floor :D That's fab! I'm actually the same height as you and have always wanted a ponio, so who knows maybe I won't look as silly as I think I would. Glad you had a fab time.

[lor]

Three adult rider/owners of exmoor ponies have just returned from riding the Mary Towneley loop, which is a bridleway around part of the Pennine Way. The route is 47 mountainous miles, we actually did just under 60 miles, as had to ride off the route for accomodation. The terrain was challenging and our ponies were sure footed and strong. It took us four days.
Just to give you an idea of the terrain, one particular hill is called 'Heartbreak Hill'

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/willhoon/DSCF4042.jpg

[Roxy Sew]

You know you don't actually look that big on it, and it was only 12.3hh!! Cute little pony though! Was it a bit strange going from riding a 17hh to a 12.3hh??

[JOJOBA]

Well I havent ridden my 17hh since before christmas!

This year I have ridden my 15.3hh tb, a 13hh NF pony, a 15.3hh andalusian x hanoverian, and a 14.2hh connemara.

So he wins smallest but was broader than the tb and didnt actually feel small. Except in trot and canter where his little legs became a blur :p.


xxx

[Pink's lady]

Hey, what about Pink?:eek::p

[JOJOBA]

I apologise profusely.

And a 15.2hh Irish cobby type lady.


xxx

[chickflick1066]

I've got a real soft spot for exmoors, and i'm currently a bit too heavy, but wouldn't say no to one if one came my way :D I think you look fab Jo :D

[Brandy Snap]

I'd love an exmoor!

Think thats what my next pony will be, presuming I'm still the size I am now in 2000 years when b is no longer on this plane of exhistance (cant see myself ever being able to afford two, and B would get jelous!)

[Kittycat]

Now I've fallen in love with Exmoors too! So pretty...:)