Please say Hello

[Fraggle]

Well.....

I asked for this new forum and persuaded the New Rider people that we really wanted this so I'll start the ball rolling by introducing myself.

My name is Caroline (alias Fraggle), I'm 36 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and live with my partner Rick in Leeds. I recently got my first pony Sam (Ridglane Sam) who is a 5 year old section A Dales pony.

I went out to buy a schoolmaster who would teach me everything and came back with a very green pony who has done absolutely nothing and hadn't been on a road. 4 months later we're out on the roads and hacking out in the countryside and we're doing ok.
We've even managed to get over our first small jumps so I'm really proud of us.

Anyway, I'm always on this site asking for advice as I'm a novice rider with her first pony.

I'm just hoping that some other adult pony riders will be joining me on this forum to talk to me!
:D

[lisae]

I'm a 46 year old pony owner, being 5'0" with a 24" inseam I was having trouble with full-size horses since I couldn't get much leg on, especially since my last horse was fat, too. I now have three Haflingers, a fully trained 5-yr. old mare who although young is very calm; her filly born May 2002; and a two-year old gelding who is currently in driving training and coming along nicely with the help of a competent trainer. The mare rides and drives but I sold the saddle and bought the cart instead and she hasn't been out much this year since I haven't had the heart to wean her foal yet. Anyways, I enjoy the ponies and watching them interact is as much fun as riding or going out on the road. Good for you, bringing a young pony along. The young ones do seem to require more focus and direction on the rider's part, but I've decided even with an older horse you can never totally forget about what you're doing or they will pull a surprise!

[Tumbleweed]

Hi, My name is Margaret and I live between Wakefield and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. I am 60 years young and owned by 3 rescue dogs and a skewbald pony who is 29 years young. My pony Tumbleweed, is now working for his keep in a riding school and is thriving on it. This came about because my husband had a stoke and I couldn't look after Tumbleweed any more.

He has taught my 3 sons to ride, done all the usual pony club stuff and even took me to the supermarket for my shopping.

Maybe one day I will get another but at the moment I don't have the time, but Tumbleweed is so happy where he is that I couldn't take him away. If I do get another it will be another pony, I much prefer their mentality, full of mischief and no boring hacking.

When I was 46 years old I went to collage to become a riding instructor, I passed everything except the Stage III flatwork, but that was because I was once dragged by a horse which damaged my hip, It has since been replaced and I am back riding, and my poor doctor is pulling his hair out. You just can't stop us crincklies.:D

[floppy]

my name is flossie, im nearing 22.
I bought my first personal equine in march.She is a lovely 139cm 8yr old Icelandic called Elja. Bit nappy but we are working through that and its going very successfully! even though i have to walk away leading her from the yard for the first 10mins :rolleyes: but I couldnt be happier :D

I was actually looking for a BIG BIG HORSE for showjumping and dressage but then started riding icelandics and got addicted to the little horses...also have truly decided they are more practical and i dont feel overwhelmed beign left alone to do my own thing with my little pony as i woudl with a big horse.

[LesleyR]

Good idea for a forum!

I have share a 12 year old New Forest gelding on permanent loan from my aunt. We've had him 18 months or so now and I just love him to bits. He's quite the most handsome equine on the yard (I may be a bit biased here), got masses of character, wonderful paces, huge jump etc etc. I could go on and on.

I get a lot of comment that I'm underhorsed which I probably am as I'm 5'6ish and he's 14.2 but you try getting on him when his back is up and tell me you don't feel like you're on a 17 hander!

And the beauty of ponies is that when you're getting a bit unsupple like me you can still get on from the ground without having to put your foot somewhere round your ears in order to get it into the stirrup!

[floppy]

oh i forgot to mention im an adult that rides a 139cm pony and im 5'7:D

[chapsi]

Hi. My name is Maria Manuel, I am 41 years old and I live in Mafra (a west coast region not too far from Lisbon). I live with my german hubby (he has loads of patience), 4 rescued cats, a crazy dog and I work at a local museum.
I bought the horse of my dreams 3 months ago. His name is Pégaso, he is a strong gorgeous Lusitano horse, dapple grey with a long thick black mane, 6 years old, 16 hh. of shear beauty and power. Unfortunately things are working hard, but step by step we'll get there.

[chapsi]

I forgot to mention, I am under 5'2". My shortness matches my lack of confidence...

[Aly]

Hi I am Aly, 30+ but not yet happy about it...Im living in Singapore, but am about to move onto more unusual places.

I don't have ponies at the moment, my boy is 15.1h, but I have had ponies for about 10 years, up until I began living overseas.

My first pony was a Riding Pony called "Pete". I did pony club, dressage and hack shows with him, as well as some jumping.

I purchased a green broke Australian Riding Pony a couple of years after I first got Pete, and for a few years I trained her to be an overall ponyclub mount. I did showing, showjumping, eventing, novelties, picnic racing and endurance with her, and then lent her to a friend still living in Oz who used her as one of her foundation mares for her stud. Sunny eventually got sold on to a family of kids who still do pony club and stuff on her today.

I plan to buy a couple of nice foundation stock once I am back in Oz permanently and breed nice show quality ponies, that are quiet, and then break and educate them for children.

Never know, maybe my friend and I might go into it together.

[Gemma R]

wow this is like pony riders annoymous ;) Although not so annpoymous ;) we'll have to have regular met ups and discuss our fixation ;) hehe

Well I am 24 and have a GORGEOUS NF mare called Libby who is 14hh. wouldn't change her for anything a millimeter bigger :) If she was not quite sure I would have as much control as I do at the moment :D being only 5'3" anything bigger would be unpractical for me (in my opinion :) )

She is the first equine I have ever owned and I bought her last year :)

[Hail]

Hello

My name is Hayley (Hail) 28 years old 5' 6" tall. I own a 14.1hh Welsh Cob called Lucky who I share with my 5'9" tall Sister.

Lucky is now 18 years old and showing no signs of slowing down.
We're still competing in showing, jumping, and cross country rides, happily ignoring the comments of 'when are you going to get a proper horse'.

Glad to see there are plenty of pony loving adults

Hail
:D

[Wally]

Whato!

Frances and I are in the 5 feet 8+ region and none of our horses is bigger than about 14.1hh now we have a Welsh Cob, 14hh was our upper limit!

My own horse is about 13hh ish.

We have Icelandics, Shetlands, Fjords a fat old Cob and a Haflinger. All small horses. We also run a reasonably successful riding/ treking business using these horses they carry adults or small kids no problem.

www.thordale.co.uk
www.geocities.com/tonkii2000/horses

[Mehitabel]

i'm Es, i'm 24 (25 next month!) and i have a 19 year old nf cross welsh gelding called copper/chop/the old git and a 9 year old nf mare called petal. i briefly had a hanoverian, but while i loved him to bits, i wouldn't have another big one again. too far to fall, to high to get on again! i've had chop for 14 years, and adopted petal when she was a foal.

[SJ]

Hi I'm Sara Jane, 41, live in Sussex and mother of 2 children and proud owner of three little ponies. Bet you all I have some of the longest legs and ride the smallest ponies. I'm 5' 8" and regularly exercise our 12.2hh ExmoorX and a 13.2hh Irish pony. I love riding them both. We get some very funny looks hacking out especially when my daughters on the big pony. The ExmoorX carries me much better than the 13.2hh. Sadly our 12.2hh little SHP is just too finely built for my weight - she would just sag, else I'd be riding her too.

The ponies really make me laugh they are just as naughty as the children, they lull you into a false sense of good behaviour and then throw in a trick when you're not expecting it.

I'm so used to riding the ponies that it seems mighty high up when I get the odd ride on a horse!

[ponynut]

I am Aimee and I love ponies!
I have a 14'1 NF/arab. and am buying a 14'2 arab (please say she counts!!!!!!)
I am from Wakefield and 32 years and 5'3.

[Fraggle]

Where are you in Wakefield - it's a blooming small world isn't it?

I tried sending you an email to the PM you sent me but it says your mail box is full and won't send it! (Time for a clear out!)

PS. of course your arab counts! I also think Icelandic "horses" should count too because they're only tiny aren't they?

It's nice to see other tall people on ponies, I'm sick of people using the excuse "I'm too tall to ride a pony" - it all depends on the pony! (I know I'd look stupid on a shetland but Dales ponies are very big animals and my Sammy is built like a tank.)

Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of me on board yet as I keep forgetting to take the camera down to the yard but I promise I'll take one soon.

I'll start a thread for everyone to put their photos on.
:D

[ponynut]

My email is empty but is being awkward- my email is pizza_pup@hotmail.com

[Tumbleweed]

Fraggle and Ponynut, I am from Wakefield as well. Small world:D

[Wally]

I have a small confession to make:o :D

I was mucking about with Ljóssie in the school today and Frances came in, up to some little job. With a silly grin she said "you're far too big for your pony" and pottered off to do her thing.

A little later on we had "the Pants" (Andy) in the school waiting to take a lesson. He's a VERY robust big Shetland gelding with a leg at each corner. Remembering what Peter-John had said about a good Shetland carrying you to Eið in the afternoon after a morning ploughing I though I'd have a quick shot to see how he reacted.

Well this time I really was under horsed.....he wasnt struggling though quite happy to trot round the school with me on his back. Now I'm not going to make a habit of this, but folk really do underestimate the pure power in these small, short wheel based guys.

I have just ordered him a new cart. When it comes I'll try and get some pics up.

[chapsi]

Sorry to barge like this into your forum. I didn't realise it was for "adults who ride ponies".

[floppy]

when i was 15 i use to ride one of the shetlands at my riding school for fun as noone really rode them..ok so my feet we almost ground level and when i did little jumps i had to tuck my legs up..... I have pictures to prove it but i have to dig them out when i fidn them i will post it.

I think icelandics count dont you?;)
they are consider a horse but they are pony size

[Wally]

My definition of a pony is an equine which is bred for children to ride and physically couldn't carry the average adult!

[Gemma R]

Oops posted on wrong thread - doh!!! :rolleyes:

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Chapsi,

If nobody objects, you can have a honoury pony:D, they are just as good.

[Fraggle]

Does that mean that you don't consider my Dales pony a pony?

He's 14.2hh and built like a tank. They were bred to carry the lead from the mines and carried about 18 stone each for 200 miles. (I would like to point out that I don't weigh any where near that much though!) He can easily carry most adults.



:)

[Tumbleweed]

Wally,

I can't gree with your definition, many adults, especially women, are smaller and lighter than some children. My 3 sons were all in adult shoes at 8/9 years old.

My definition of a pony is not only size, but mentality, my friend has a 15.2 cob who is definately pony brained.:D

[Pepsi coke]

hmmm not too sure if i count! I'm only 16 but i do have a 14.2hh chestnut pony whom i adore! He is 22yrs old but seems to have forgotten and labelled himeself as a 7yr old! :D
I think ponies have so much character and charm (along with a sense of humour!) I know that my boy has mastered the art of making me feel sorry for him when he does something naughty - crafty lil tyke!!!

Pepsi x

[chev]

I'm Siobhan, I'm 30, married to Nigel and we have three children aged between 1 and 5. Used to breed coloureds (my stallion was a hairy 14.1hh piebald cob) but had to give them up. Now have May, an 11hh Welsh Mountain pony curently with a stallion, Gelfy, a 12.1hh one-eyed rescue pony that I ride and my kids do lead-rein in the fields on, and Lili, who's about 13.1hh and just starting her training.

I'd call all of mine ponies. May in particular has what most people class as "pony characteristics" - definite conformation types that could never be called "horse"! She also has the strength, stamina and character to carry an adult without a second thought. Gelfy is a stronger ride than most horses I've ridden. Lili, in spite of her relatively light build (she's a section B) is proving to have plenty of substance and could carry an adult with no problem. They are true ponies!

[Fraggle]

Where abouts in North Wales are you?

My boyfriend and I own a house in Llithfaen near Pwlhelli and we're hoping to move there before Christmas.

:D

[Showjumper]

Hi all, I'm Chloe, 17, from Bristol, 5'5", and pony-hunting!!! :D I've been mad about New Forests for a while and am now getting my own - I have 4 to look at in Hampshire next Saturday (updates to follow).

I'd always been plonked on 15/16hh-ers and never had a problem, but started riding "lil ones" (12hh-14hh) when I changed riding schools (about 3 years ago) and found a new lease of life! :D

[Kathy C]

Hi Margaret, fancy meeting you here! I've been coming here on and off for a few years now, it's a nice place. My name is Kathy and I have 3 rescue dogs, but sadly no pony (or horse). I've never actually ridden a pony although I would very much like to. I don't think I would be too large at 5ft 3 and around 8.5 stone. All the riding schools I've been to seem to put me on very large mounts. At the moment I am riding a 16.1hh tank! At one school I was even put on a gigantic 18hh horse - I must have looked like a pea on a drum. I would very much like to ride a pony, but I suppose the riding schools reserve them for kiddies. The smallest I have ridden has been an Icelandic horse. She was lovely and so much fun. If in the future I do have my own horse (a long held ambition of mine), I would like an Icelandic.

Kathy C

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Kathy,

Now that I am getting over the shock, how is Sprocket?

Move north, we have some excellent riding schools and you will not be overhorsed, most are 15.2 hh and under. In fact Tumbleweed, my pony, is in full work at a riding school and loves it. It is also much cheaper to live for houses, food and clothes.

My 3 rescue dogs are all tucking into the top of a cow's femor bone, one each and it is soooooooooo peaceful.:D

[Hels]

I am 30, 5'4 and have a 14.2 (just about) roan cob on loan called Carrie. She is definitely pony-natured. I think this is a great forum - especially since I don't know many adults with ponies - it's so reassuring to find there are plenty more!

[JenJane]

HI
i'm jenny and i've got a 13.2hh New Forest pony called Jane on loan. I am about 5' 6 and have also had the 'you look really big on her' comments, but i dont care cos me and Jane have loads of fun and i know she'd tell me if she didnt want me riding her.
I think ponies have so much charecter and I especially love New Forests - luckily i can be surrounded by them all weekend at the yard!!! :)

[chev]

Hi Fraggle,

I'm in Anglesey, staying with my mother (all five of us!) till we find somewhere of our own. I grew up here, then my husband got work in South Wales about a year and a half ago so we went down there to live. Things changed, so back we came.

Llithfaen's about 40 miles from here; an hour's drive or thereabouts.

[Shady_Indigo]

Hi :) I'm Kirby from Tasmania in Australia. I'm 19, 5 foot 1 inch and weigh 36kg. (5.6 stone or 79 pounds)
Till i was 17 i had a welsh mountain pony who was 11.3hh i now have a Palomino Arab X Q Horse who is 14.2 1/2hh She is between 12 and 14 but acts like she's a freshly broken three year old! She's such a cutie and just loves people admiring her lol she is such a show off!

[Emma_G_NZ]

I'm 14, 5ft1, 47kgs, and have a 14.1hh pony called Lenny, who is pretty solid, and I have to say that he is my perfect size, and I sometimes look like a peanut on him :p

[Uthyr Pendragon]

Well Hello all

I'd thought I'd give you an introduction about me and my new pony. I have written a few emails on another thread and found it to be most helpful .

I am Debbie and I am 46 and I just purchased Uthyr Pendragon an 18y.o 12.1 hh welsh gelding.

I owned a 13.2hh welsh/arab mare for 6months. I was not enough of a confident new rider for her and am much happier with Uthyr.

I have had him now since Thanksgiving. Many pony owners on this message board were very supportive in me purchasing him. Now I feel much more relaxed with a pony that has a wonderful temperment and not spooky. I sometimes ride at 4am and he is always willing.

We enjoy trail riding in our low hills and take western riding classes. Soon I will look into enlish riding lessons and then work into dressage. I first have to find a trailer.

The one thing I have found that people who see me (4ft 11 3/4) on Uthyr is nothing but smiles and support.

He was the leader of the pack when we trail and he loves attention so people come right up to him and just fall in love with him. It is cooler now and he is all hairy which makes him look even more adorable.

I think I get more looks of envy from from other riders who have horses who are just harder to handle when they see his gentle and willing disposition

Uthyr has been pure joy. I have trully found my dream pony. I feel as though I am the lucky one.

[vixen]

Hello, I'm 5'2" and have had the pleasure of riding many a small horse and pony.... being a small adult, I am sometimes asked to freshen up a naughty pony who's getting away murder on some of the novice children riders.

I love how hardy and smart the ponies are.... the best one was a little anglo-arab-welsh cross who was absolutely ALPHA horse... it always, always made me grin when he would trot masterfully down the length of the arena, causing bigger horses to move out of his path, ha ha ha.... quite a little emperor, that guy!

Right now, I'm riding a lovely 15.2 HH thoroughbred, but that's about as big as I like.... anything over about 15.3 almost makes me queasy.

Anyways, I'd love to find a nice pony, sturdy and tough, about 14.3 or 15.0 hh at most, but there isn't any money for it at the moment... must wait. In the meantime, I can ghost this thread and fill up on pony stories!

[vyvyen]

Hi everyone,

I'm 44 yo 5'2" and have 2 ponies, one fantastic 12.2hh welsh x arab gelding 6yo - bombproof, the other a 15yo Riding pony palomino mare - mad as a cut snake out of her comfort zone hence that is why I'm getting another little welsh x arab gelding tomorrow!!! YEAH!!!!! his name is Clyde but my husband has renamed him Arnie (Arnold Schwartzenegger) because he is such a tiny little weed, he's only 2 1/2 yo. I'm very nervous but also looking forward to having fun with him, I'll let him be a horse for the next year and only do some ground work and have fun with him, hopefully everything will go OK and I'll get my confidence back not having to deal with above mentioned mad mare anymore! (still love her though).

Vyvyen

[Yvonne M]

I am 42, married for 24 years & have 3 grown up children (none interested in horses) & have a 21 year old 13.2hh Arab X who has gradually given me my confidence back. He is such a sweet pony. He used to be a holy terror in his younger days, so I am told!! You wouldn't think it now tho.

:D :D