Too big to ride a pony????

[Fraggle]

Here's one for all those people who say they are too tall or their legs are too long for them to ride a pony.

I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall and have very long legs!

This is a photo of me on my Dales pony Sam who is 14.2hh.

Personally, I think we look sensational together. (although admittedly, I'm biased!)

We also do jumping together and have no problems at all.


:D

[Fraggle]

Isn't he gorgeous! He's only 5 and a bit green but we're doing ok together.

[Showjumper]

You look great together!!! :D

Green means inexperienced

[ponynut]

I agree Fraggle- yu do look terrific together!
Wish I could post a pic of me on Peps! Wer looked terriofic together too!

[Wally]

19 stone of lead he's designed to carry, you are but a feather for him, I say he's got some bone and backside hasn't he?

You both look fine.

[Gemma R]

yeah Fraggle and Sam photos at last - he is a stunner Fraggle :) and you both look great :)

[Jay.o]

He's lovely and you two look great together !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mehitabel]

he's a lovely chap!

[H & Bailey]

He is gorgeous!You look spot on on him.Glad we can see piccis of him after reading your little storys about him.
Ive always been paranoid that I look too big on Bailey but now Ive seen you on sam Im sure I dont look too big as Im only 5ft3.I'll have to get a picci of me when I can ride again!!!

[chev]

He's lovely, and you do look good together. He reminds me of my old cob Shadow, although Shad was only about 14hh.

Good to see pics at last!!

[Peace]

And Sam is gorgeous! He is a sturdy looking fellow, isn't he?Thanks for posting pictures!

I hope to have some of Quanah soon.:)

[JoyF]

Hi fraggle

I recognise you from the dalesfan forum ( I am Highlandlass). Sam looks an absolute sweetie and you look so relaxed on him. It's great to see pics and hear your news about how it's going. I must try to post some pics of Millie. Keep us up to date with your progress
luv
JoyF

[irokez]

Hello!

I'm from Hungary,I'm a new visitor in this forum.

One of my friends have a pony too,which is only 135 cm high!The girl is 14 years old,and 165 cm tall.They like each other,and there is no problem with them!
The pony is very strong,and he has never had any problems with his rider!

Have a lot of hapiness with your pony!

[nat17]

if i didnt know my horse was at home i would of thought you have stolen her!
My dales pony looks the spit double of him even down to the small ring of white.

Wally 19 stone of lead ! And i was worried about minnie being to small for me as well god! i can have some more of that chocolate orange now.

[Fraggle]

Nat17

I'd love to hear more about your Dales pony.

Wally is correct about the 19 stones of lead though, they were bred to carry lead from the mines on 200 mile round trips.

People just seem to assume that all ponies are delicate little creatures.

Sam is built like a tank! (and when he stands on your foot, he feels like a tank too!)



:D

[nat17]

Tell sam i am very sorry. If i told Minnie i thought a boy was her she would also be heatbroken!

Shes 11 and 14.2 and just looks the same as your sam. She is as you have read is called minnie. I have had her 3 weeks now and you may have read whats been happening with her with the river incident.

She is the best thing since sliced bread (and she loves that too!)

I will post piccies as soon as i can.

Cant get over 19 stones its real horse power

[AmandaW]

There was a good article in H&H today, supporting adults riding ponies!

Amanda

[Wally]

YES!

What does it say?

For years I used to ride the Hunt horses, big flash ID X TB and the like, big nags with a big fat wife on board!!:D :D

When I finished my job I used to still take my 13.2hh Haflinger stallion hunting. By Heck did they take the mickey out of me when they saw me riding my real horse. Comments like "You've gone down in the world" were common....until they saw me up at the front, over just as big fences and through rougher country than they could master. I was often left to gather up stray hounds because I could get where the big horses couldn't. They soon shut up! They would often make me do the gates and "you're on the smallest" HA! my horse was better mannered so I didn't HAVE to get off to do the gates, and I could manage the catches 'cos I could reach!


For our trans Atlantic cousins, 19 stones of lead is 266bls!

[AmandaW]

Hi Wally,

The article is by Carolyn Henderson, To quote the sub title
'In competition and the hunting field, adults often find that a pony serves their needs better than a horse. They are tough, versatile and well up to weight - so why are adult and pony combinations still barred from some events?'

There are some lovely pictures of some ladies out hunting on their 12.2hh Dartmoor ponies. They certainly don't look under-horsed to me! The article goes on to site examples of successful partnerships in endurance, dressage, showing and hunting. It also questions some of the rules that don't allow adults to ride ponies in certain competitions. All the photos are great and not a single one of the ponies looks over-personed!

Amanda

[Wally]

Yup, that's the problem I have, "ponies under 14hh, riders under 16 years old!"

My horse is 13.2hh ish. I'm well over 16 years old.....don't look it though!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p

So, why are we still calling them ponies? Small horses is a far more apt description. Ponies were bred for children, small horses were meant to carry MEN and huge agricultural and industrial loads!

[Mehitabel]

ooh, i shall have to nip out and get h&h at lunchtime.

in my mind, the pony/horse divide is more about size and toughness than being bred for children - to me, the riding pony types that look like mini tbs are more horsey, as they're delicate flowers, would cope less well with mud, weather, etc, and the native types who are hairy and hardy are what i think of as ponies. i'd call a cob a pony rather than a horse - it's tough and sensible and has an independent mind. might start another thread on this, it would be interesting to find out what everyone else thinks...

[Arabmare]

My Arab is only 14hh the most!!! I'm forever asking people if i look silly but they say i look ok on her! She is very strong and likes to gallop all the time she can get away with it so she can't be that bothered!!!
Me and Jasmine

[chev]

Finally scanned in a picture of me and Shadow. I'm 5' 4 ish and he's 14hh (on tiptoe!). He's in his 30s in this pic. In spite of his age and short legs he was still galloping on the beach with me more or less until he died. My one big problem was his short neck which made it rather easy for him to tip me off when the fancy took him!

[chev]

Hmm found a better pic. Forgive his pokey out nose - he did have problems flexing given his thick throat and age-related stiffness!

[chev]

I never felt underhorsed on him - in fact a fair bit of the time he was a bit strong for me. He also carried my husband (around 11 stone and 5' 6 ish) with no problem at all although in the end we took a 15.1hh cob on loan for him - he found he couldn't balance well enough to ride Shadow, being partly paralysed. (And Shadow being at times less than co-operative!) A fair number of people told me he was too small for me, including one bloke of about 5" 5 who rode a 17.2hh WBx!! The words pea and mountain sprang to mind!!

[Mossy]

One of our local shows has two"combination "classes. The split is 14.2 Over 16s are to ride 14.3 and above! i have boycotted the shgow on principle. Moss as I are just as pig headed as each other and, dare I say it , make a very good combination but he is 14.2 with his shoes on! Any child riding him would have their legs stick out horizontally and the way he is acting at the moment they would probably have no brakes! Pony yes undoubtedly, Child's I think not!!

[AmandaW]

Chev, what a lovely chap, with plenty of character by the sounds of it. I have to say you looked to fit each other perfectly! I really do think that there are more over horsed folks out there than under horsed.

Mossy, children's ponies! I hope to be looking for a 'first pony' for my children sometime next year. I need to wait now until we have got over fixing Leah's feet and sorting her saddle out and other tack, but I can see it will not be an easy task. Plenty of ponies out there, very few 'first children's types'. If only I could turn back the clock for Dobbin, the sec B my sister was taught to ride by. He was 28 at the time and she was his last 'pupil', he has always had the same home. Infact still does at 40+, he is wandering happily around his orchard, a complete gold standard pony!

I think sometimes when it's said that a pony has been grown out of it may be more of a grown out of what the pony is capable of? In this case I can see nothing wrong with finding a new home where that pony's special talents will be appreciated.

[chev]

Mossy, that's just what Shadow was like! He did have novices on sometimes when he behaved but generally he was not a novice ride; he was just too opinionated! I remember him refusing to go forward on a hack because he didn't like going past the cattle in the field down the road. I tried getting off to lead him - he whipped round and legged it back home with me just trying to keep up. I tried being patient and understanding of his fear and we sat there for an hour without moving. Then someone said just back him up and he'll get fed up and go forwards very quickly - I'm not kidding, we covered over three quarters of a mile backwards before he got fed up!! :rolleyes: I have to say the image of Moss careering through a show with a child whose legs stick out like plane wings made me laugh though! :D

Amanda, we had a terrible time trying to find our children a pony. We found May, a section A lead-rein in the end, who was perfect, till her nearside eye ulcerated and now because of her dodgy eyesight has become somewhat untrustworthy as far as riding is concerned. Good luck!

I'd agree that some kids do outgrow their ponies capability but I do think the type of situation Mossy describes has a lot to do with it too. Someone who's competed up to the age of 16 is not always prepared to give that up once they're "out of ponies" and the number of competitions open to adults on ponies are few and far between. I think the rules really could do with looking at again. They take nothing of rider and pony build into consideration when it's an age/height thing.

[AmandaW]

Chev, regarding competition rules, I couldn't agree more. As we know there are far too many very talented, definitely not first or even second pony types out there with no one to ride them, because of these daft rules. At least TREC seems to have cottoned on.

[Mossy]

Hi AmandaW
Maybe I should have explained that Moss is 14.2 of pedigree Highland! As broad as a brick outhouse and as strong as an ox. He is just not a standard child's ride and never would be. There is also not much he is not capable of, conformation permitting. He can jump like a stag, keep going all day, and do a respectable dressage test! He is also a sweet heart with novices on board, but a fun fast ride with a rider on top. Oh I forgot, when in the mood this angel can also buck, nap, etc!!
We also go backwards to go forward Chev. Know the feeling well!!

[chev]

Yep, that's pretty much what Shadow was - too much pony for a child. I haven't seen Moss but I'm guessing he's bigger built than Shad was and children just didn't have the physical size or strength (or in most cases the dogged determination) required to ride even him - so how anyone can say that ponies like that should be ridden by under 16s is beyond me.

Nor do I understand the i'm too big for ponies lark (to return to the original post!) when you look at cultures where working ponies are the norm. "Primitive" ponies abound in cultures where horses are required for transport, herding, ploughing and so on - generally under 14.2hh and ridden by adults. The "big horses for adults" thing seems to exist mainly in cultures where horses are a leisure or pleasure animal - and carry status for their owners.

There used to be a big copper mine on Anglesey (recently re-opened) and in a description by a visitor to the mines 100 or so years ago the writer comments on the strength and stamina of the "small ponies" who carried him and his companions, with little food or care and in sometimes poor condition. While most people think of the bigger trotters and hunters as being the mounts of most men in the 1800s certainly in rural Wales the smaller ponies were very well thought of for most jobs - including, it seems, carrying adult men on a tour of the mines at Parys Mountain. My bet is today they'd be seen on nothing less than a Warmblood!!

[AmandaW]

Hi Mossy,
I think we are agreeing with each other. What I meant was out of all the equine's that are ponies, very few are actually children's rides at all, and that finding a pony for a novice child was going to be a tough task indeed.

Chev, as far as status and horses I don't think things are helped along when dressage judges seems to be biased towards the 17hh warmblood types. To me the paces of the natives can be amazing! I just don't understand the prejudice.

By the way, Moss sounds fab! Any photo's?
Amanda

[chev]

I totally agree Amanda. I know I'm biased toward the Welsh breeds ;) (although I don't think anyone could argue that they don't have the most incredible elevated paces - not just the cobs either, you should see my A and B!) but I do feel generally natives have a natural balance and flair that makes their movement hard to match.

There's a big market at the moment for large Welsh part-breds, that is usually Welsh cobs crossed with TBs, IDs, even Shire derived hunters. This because (I'm told) people are realising that the Welsh pass on a natural agility, athleticism and elevation that makes the crosses excellent sport horses.

So why not use that natural ability in its purest form - and ride a native?!! Cheap to keep too - more cash available for huge entry fees! :D

[Mossy]

As I said in the original post on this forum I have a foot in both camps as Conn is all horse! 15.2 welshxTb. She had a HUGE Welsh trot, a shoulder and width that makes saddle fitting a nightmare and a jump to die for. I love Welshies as well as Highlands . They are both natives but totally different in character and riding required. As regards a child's pony you would have to a long way to beat a Dartmoor pony. The registered ones cost a small fortune and are lovely. The moorland ponies are very cheap off the moor, very good doers but when sympathetically educated make lovely childs' ponies.

[Uthyr Pendragon]

Greetings all

I am so very glad I found this wonderful message board. I live in California and I am up way to late this evening. I was kept awake trying to decide on whether or not to buy this pony I am trying out.

The pony is an 18y.o welsh gelding. He is use to having adults on him as well as children. He stands 12.1. The vet examined him today and found him to be in great shape and did not see any reason for me not to have a wonderful time with him.

Well, he has been with us for 2 days. He has been great. Nice as could be and very easy to ride. Not at all spooky and responded to all the leg aids I have been taught so far without any problems. My cantering needs improvement.

My trainer and vet both bigger men both got on him and found him to be very sound.

So when I got on him, I was a much better portioned fit (I am just under 5ft tall). But in my group class tonight he was so much shorter than the rest that I was wondering to myself if I looked weird. Everyone else thought he was adorable.

So your comments have made me feel so much better. I had a 13.2 arabian/welsh that needed a much more confident rider but she was my first horse ever and I learned a lot with her under saddle. But becasue she was so spooky when I was on the ground with her that my confidence was lagging. With Uthyr (that is my new name for him, becasue he is a Welsh Section A pony and Uthyr Pendragon just kinda fit him) and his gentle non spooky nature made me feel relaxed again.

I have made up my mine and will keep him.

Thank you all

[Peace]

And congratulations! Sounds like you've made the right decision!

My pony's former owner told me lots of people dismissed him because of his size. He's 14.2, but I'm 5'9", so relative to each other I reckon we've the same height difference as you and Uthyr.:)

I love being closer to the ground, after years of being stuck with the tallest giraffe in the barn!:D

And a brave, gentle pony can do wonders for your confidence.

Wow, you were up late - what was it, four in the morning your time? I hope you're catching up on your sleep!:)

[Uthyr Pendragon]

Hi Peace
Yes I was up early/late. To top the idea of being up at 4ish I decided to go for a ride about a half hour after that. The stabbles where Uthyr lives has a lighted covered arena. So I went for a morning ride with him. He was as gentle as could be. I am amazed by this pony. Uthyr's sweet nature and desire to please is so heart warming and to think I've had him a full 3 days.

[Steve.R]

Congratulations he sounds lovely!

I had a lot of decisions to make when I bought Rupert (13.2ish New Forest type) everyone was saying I should buy a 15.2hh, but I am only 4ft11 and a bit! My pony I had at 13 was bigger than Rupert but I felt it was the right decision. After years of driving Shetlands (which I still do as well) I am used to small ponies and Rupert seems big!

He was with a 12yr old child before I bought him. (She was about the same height as me - but why is it that age seems to make a difference - no-one bothers if a 5ft 12yr old rides a 13.2 but they comment if a 5ft 25yr old does!) His owner wasn't strong/confident enough to handle him as he is only 6 and quite lively and he was learning bad habits. Therefore I believe he is more suitable as an adult's horse anyway as he has learnt to behave with me and is gaining confidence.

We are looking forward to some endurance riding next year and possibly some little local shows (he loves jumping and I have seen him jump over 5ft with no-one on him so we must be able to manage a little bit of small jumping!) Incidentally the 5ft thing he jumped was a high electric fence and he wasn't meant to, but that is another matter ;)

Good Luck

Esther

[Uthyr Pendragon]

Hi Esther
We are probably the same hieght. I am 4'11 and made 3/4"
I have not grown since I was 12y.o. I feel exactly as you do about people seeing nothing wrong with a 12y.o on a pony of our stature but put an adult one of the same size attracts weird looks.
Ah well too bad for them, becuase we know better.

I was intrigued about your comments about jumping and entering some shows. Are ponies of any size allowed to enter shows like small jumping vaults and dressage?
that does sound like fun hmmmm

[Steve.R]

Local shows in the UK have 'open' jumping and other classes that don't have height/age restrictions also classes like 'Handy Pony' that are fun and have no restrictions .....It is more difficult when you get better and into the regional/national ones. Although a local instructor has recently got a 13.2hh Welsh up to international dressage standard and competes in all the big national dressage competitions and I think she has been abroad with him!

Jumping is more tricky as I believe that in the UK you cannot affiliate your pony with the BSJA if they are under 14hh/14.2(?) and you are over 16yrs...but I'm not sure - does anyone else know?

As for edurance riding - there are no restrictions so long as the pony passes the vetting after the ride.

Esther

[Emma_G_NZ]

No matter how big you are (well i guess there could be exceptions ;)) there will be a pony to fit you.
However, there are exceptions when it comes to competing. Over here, 17 cut off for showing ponies. Not sure about show jumping, but I would say that would be 17 for ponies as well- actually im pretty sure it is. That doesnt mean they cant jump what horses jump (lenny jumped 1m competitively, originally was told 1.2m but anyway!) its just that you cant compete them over a certain age!
I mean, it would be a bit unfair to have young kids on their everyday ponies competing against experienced adults on their well schooled ponies.
Over here, novice ponies are now allowed to be ridden by adults in showing, which is great because they are out there getting experience by experienced riders. Then they can be passed onto children when they have to graduate to Open.
Ponies rock, and it is a shame that there arent more opportunities for adult riders on ponies here. (Seperate classes would be a good idea, for one!).

[Sidesaddlelady]

40-odd years ago a little horse called Dundrum who was a little over 14hh, won the Victor Ludorum at either HOYS or the International. There were several clear rounds and every time there was a jump off the fence was raised. Competing against much bigger animals this brave little horse, ridden by a full-sized adult male rider, beat the rest hollow clearing 6ft 6ins, I was allowed to stay up to watch it on the television and I have never since seen anything so exciting! I rather think it might have been Seamus Hays who rode him.

I think this answers the question about whether adults should ride ponies.

[rocketman]

Actually, I believe it was Tommy Wade who rode Dundrum. (Old age has some advantages). Also, let us not forget Stroller and Marion Coakes who won a silver medal at the Mexico olympics. Stroller and Dundrum were both Connemara cross (tb, I think) and about the same size.

[Sidesaddlelady]

I bow to your superior knowledge, Rocketman. I wasn't sure about Dundrum's rider. In those days it was the horses that counted for me.

[suki]

I now drive ponies but when I rode I always had a big TB and also a pony for fun. My 15hh arab (she counted as my pony at one time!) had injured herself when I was due to go on a big public ride so I borrowed a 12.1. There was a buffet afterwards just for riders and I nearly wasnt allowed in as no one had spotted me on my little fat hairy pony. The following year I upgraded and took my neighbours 13.1 youngster that I had been bringing on. I was noticed on him because he bucked in a very public place!

[chev]

Hmm, I'd been led to believe that Stroller was in fact nearer 15hh, having been issued with a life height certificate before achieving his final height...

That said he was a fantastic little horse and he and Marion Coakes (or Mould, I think, when I encountered her) were at least partly responsible for encouraging my childhood passion for all things equine.

[CobNut]

Here's a link (if it works: I'm a complete technoblonde, you know!) that should take you to some pictures of me and my pony at Saddle-Up. You'll have to scroll down the page a little, because my pics aren't at the top of the page.

http://www.saddle-up.org.uk/Gallery/gallery-2.htm#Cob%20Nut's%20Pics

Hmmmm - that doesn't look very much like a link to me. LOL Still, if you sopy and paste it into your browser address bar (he he - technical language or what??) it'll take you there all the same.

I'm all for us older folk riding ponies. Easier to get back onto them for one thing.
:D

[rocketman]

Hi Chev -

When Marion Coakes went out of juniors, Stroller was actually sold as a pony. Apparently, someone objected to his size with the new owner and he didn't quite measure. Marion Coakes took Stroller back and refunded their money, which turned out to be her good fortune, since she was forced to take him into adults as a grade 'A'. The rest is history. At least, that's the story I heard.

I found myself alongside of Stroller at a show while I was sitting on my 14.1 and an eighth inch jumping pony. Stroller was noticably bigger and not just seven-eighths of an inch. I would say Stroller was pushing 14.3 hands, which I understand was about the same size as Dundrum.

I know we're splitting hairs here (or inches), but that one inch plus/minus made all the difference.

[chev]

Hi Rocketman,

Thanks for clarifying that! Have to say I don't know Dundrum, but did think Stroller was over 14hh. It's an incredible achievement though, to take even a 14.3hh to the kind of dizzy heights they managed.

And I guess if a 15hh Polo pony can be called a pony then a 14.3hh showjumper is well worthy of the title!

[dres_sage]

I agree Fraggle
We used to relay race a small pony at our club, and he only came up to my hips, but he would sure run when you put your boots to him. Loads of fun, and they are stronger than you think!

[coblover26]

I think you look great together. I don't think your too big for him. Although i'm only 5.5ft I though i was quite big for a 14.2hh but seeing someone else on one it doesn't llok so bad. I mainly ride a 15.1/15.2 (can't remember) gelding called Austin. The only problem is that he is quite fat and really slow. I'm hopefully going to try and jump him soon but everone else in my group have never done jumping before :( The only reason i have is becasue my cousin asked me if i wanted to jump with her horse.

I only ride in a school at the moment so i'm hoping that maybe 3 or 4 of us from the group can go and have a gallop along the fields. The yard is kind of near a main road but behind it all there are really good hacking paths and loads a big fields.

I'll tell you when i start doing that. (Hopefully soon) :D

[dres_sage]

...also, it's not as far to fall!

[Sparklie]

I love ponies, always have!
Most of my friends ended up wanting to ride bigger horses but I'm happiest on something under 14.2hh.
Infact I'm on the look out for a pony right now...going to see a 13.3hh connemara at the weekend.
I hope I can keep riding ponies for as long as I ride. I'm 5'6 and just over 9 stone so although my legs may dangle slightly under a pony's belly I'm easily light enough for them to carry :)

[claire hodgson]

and a lot of ponies - fells, dales etc - are bred to carry farmers over rough terrain all day/carry loads for miles - so in the scale of things being ridden by an adult is not going to trouble them ...

[dres_sage]

Exactly Claire, in a nutshell.

[TT11]

Sometimes it's not so much the weight as the length of leg. I am only 5'5" and 9stone which wouldn't stop me from riding most ponies, but because I am very short waisted and also ride quite long I find it much easier to ride horses above about 15hh. I currently ride my pony who is a 14hh cob and my feet dangle under her belly and have been known to catch her front legs with my feet. If I ride in half chaps or long boots they catch on the bottom of her saddle flaps.

I have ridden smaller ponies but it is much harder to balance if your legs are not really on the ponies sides. It can also make it much more difficult for the pony to balance with a lighter, taller person riding them than a heavier, shorter one.

[Sparklie]

I also ride long. I'm rather short bodied and long legged adn I'd rather have long stirrups than ride too short as I feel it helps me balence better. I still prefer ponies though, I can imagine it being a problem on a thinner horse though as I doubt it'd feel my legs squeezing if they hung too far down! :p

[dres_sage]

Yes - Length of leg is certainly a consideration! On the little monster we used to relay race, some of us could wrap our boots around his barrel and practically cross our feet under his belly. Well, certainly makes for an effective leg aid! but as for balance at that size, whoooaaaa...

[Mossy]

Sometimes it's not so much the weight as the length of leg. I am only 5'5" and 9stone which wouldn't stop me from riding most ponies, but because I am very short waisted and also ride quite long I find it much easier to ride horses above about 15hh. I currently ride my pony who is a 14hh cob and my feet dangle under her belly and have been known to catch her front legs with my feet. If I ride in half chaps or long boots they catch on the bottom of her saddle flaps.

I have ridden smaller ponies but it is much harder to balance if your legs are not really on the ponies sides. It can also make it much more difficult for the pony to balance with a lighter, taller person riding them than a heavier, shorter one.

The attached pic is me on my dad's 15.2hh cob who is probably an ideal height for me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/Tapir/Drummond_2.jpg
I ride long, and have a long leg 32 in! I also ride a 14.1 highland and feel stretched! The sheer width of him takes up my leg. My 6ft 2 son rides him and looks totally at home. Moss took off with him uphill so does not apparently have a problem!

[dres_sage]

Looks great to me.

[TT11]

The point I was trying to make is that I can quite happily ride my mum's 13.2 haflinger but, as I have fairly long legs, I wouldn't be happy riding a 13.2 riding pony type even though I probably wouldn't be too heavy for it.

[kelly@theodonne]

Hi Everyone,

I had a pony on loan called Freddie he is a 14.2 welsh cob. I am 5'4 and weight in at 12st12. Just had a baby so plan to be back to10stone ish very soon (well hope so :) )

The owner called me one day and said they were selling him. I have always riden BIG horses 17 hands + and feel really small on feddie though very safe and like im in control. I have fallen in love with freddie and his cheeky ways we hack out alone in company jump ect but im worried I look silly on him.

I worry people look at us and think that poor horse and sometimes think that myself. What do you think?

Am i too big for him? He is giving me so much confidence and i feel like finally im riding my perfect match but worry i am too big for him and that he finds carring me hard work.

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks Kelly and Freddie

xxx

[Mossy]

Yup, that's the problem I have, "ponies under 14hh, riders under 16 years old!"

My horse is 13.2hh ish. I'm well over 16 years old.....don't look it though!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p

So, why are we still calling them ponies? Small horses is a far more apt description. Ponies were bred for children, small horses were meant to carry MEN and huge agricultural and industrial loads!
Ponies are designed for children? Take one 14.1 Highland who hunts up front and normally with notional brakes! Alternatively take same pony with 6ft 2 adult son on board. A novice small child would be baby sat as though they were eggs. A young teenager who thought that they were "getting too big for ponies" would soon be shown the error of their thinking!
Your dales is lovely. I know a dales TBx who is lovley but no easy ride.

[helenpleasance]

Kelly

You look perfect on him. I am 5'3" and I ride all sorts of horses, the ones I feel happiest on are 13.2 and 14hh, after that I feel over horsed. Freddies looks just the job.

[Horse nut]

I think you look great on the pony. Dales ponies are well up to weigh. I am 5'6" and have a Dales x she only 14.00hh but I adore riding her more than my horse. With your long legs you would probably struggle to get a classical seat but hey, who cares. Just have fun.

[Wally]

The smaller and narrower the horse the easier it is to get a classical seat! I find!

[eml]

Daughter at 5'10 with the longest legs I have ever seen took 14hh Welsh riding school coblet out last week with the fashion conscious Quorn ( well it was a freebie as we knew the host farmer!) and had a great day even being complimented by the Field Master on said cob. Only snag daughter reported was that every hedge ( usually 4'+) had to be jumped blind from that height!

Said coblet would carry 14 stone plus so most adults would fit her ...she also carries kids in the school!

[kelly@theodonne]

Hey everyone

Thanks for your comments.

I am now the owner of Freddie :D best xmaas prezzie I ever had!

We are really happy and hopefully when the children get bigger we can all have fun together learning how to care for our very own pony.

It really has been a dream that i have had from a child, my parents did not have the money to get me a pony. When the had to close the rididng school i used to go to and sell all the ponies I was so sad I loved one called Dreamer she was very like freddie in breed and size I think that why I love him so :)

I have the vet comming out today to give him his jabs check his teeth and worm count ect ect ect

I am really glad we now have a compleat family with me, husband, emily (2), josh (1), 2 yorkie pups (bill and ben) and PONY Freddie :D

Thanks again for everything its really put my mind at rest

kelly

xxx

[Mossy]

The smaller and narrower the horse the easier it is to get a classical seat! I find!
Thanks Wally. The lack of my hip mobility on Moss has nothing to do with stiffness and age on my part, just his width!!!:D :D :D heaven help those trying to sit properly on show condition large natives!!! 10 to 2 more 20 past 4 reflex arc :D :D

[dres_sage]

all in all, looks like a lot of happy owners of small ponies here, all doing well.

[budgiebone]

hi
my husband is 6 foot tall and he loves riding my 13h cob, small horse big personality! He does look a bit leggy (my husband that is lol) but they both have a great time! Surely thats what is important.

budgie

[iloveshearer]

yer definalty, aslong as the pony isnt in any pain.

[dres_sage]

Absolutely, budgie, all about fun: we had such fun on the small pony we used to relay-race.

[Kanuma]

thankfullly there is no limit on the age you can show M&M's to. Im 5ft4, when this photo was taken i was about12st, stan is 14hh connemara and boy is he chunky! he weighs 550kg at his lightest!
here is a pic of us. now stan is a sweetheart for me, and in the school is an angel for anyone. however out on a ride his tempertantrums are amazeing, i wouldnt let a child hack him out as after a canter he very often has zero brakes, he likes to be infront so if he is with anything will attempt to race them and whilst in the school his mouth is the most sensative thing ever, on a ride sometimes you can haul on his pelham and not have any effect! this is him tanking in the showring!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/kanuma/stan/stancantermM.jpg
and him being sensible for once
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/kanuma/stan/stanmM.jpg

[Afellpony]

I dont think this children/adult divide regarding ponies is as common at the shows for native breeds only; especially the breed shows themselves. When I had the Exmoors, I used to take them and there were men riding the larger ones and also 'proper' height women as well, (not like me 5ft)! I dont know why there's this prejudice against adults on ponies. All I can think of is that the adults on horses are afraid that the adults on ponies will beat them in competititons as ponies are far more athletic than the larger horses!!! and, there's also the idea that the adults who ride only horses, couldn't handle ponies anyway. So na na na na na!!!!!!

[Kanuma]

i totaly agree! however i must admit i dont like rideing anything over 15hh! its to far to fall!

[Big Ears]

Rosie is 15hh and I am 5'6 and she feels just about right - I used to ride a 17hh narrower tb type and the main difference I find is the length of stride.

Rosie at first felt very short necked and backed as the other one was very long and lanky, but I feel very secure on her now. If anything, she could probably be 14'2 to be perfect.

[dres_sage]

Yes, Afellpony, I've seen plenty of men and women on small ponies, too, it's fine - though for fun rather than comp.usually. But then, fun is what it should be about, too.

[Gabrielle]

Could this heightism/sizeism be down to history and the lords who had horses and the lay men who had working ponies?

Someone must have an explanation. This is all I have come up with I am afraid.

Anyone?

[Kimo]

I just have to chime in. I'm new to this list, and I'm finding this thread very enjoyable. And I love the pictures. I've always wanted a pony, and often have said to my husband that when we finally have our own place, I'm getting a pony to keep our two horses company.

I have a Quarter Horse mare, and we just moved to a new stable last week. The kids here keep saying, "What a pretty pony!" whenever I bring in my horse to groom her. Now, I'm from the US where people don't say "pony" quite as often, unless you're looking at a really small horse. I've never once referred to my horse as a pony. It's hard to explain... So after about a dozen young girls called her a pony, we got out the measuring stick and... she's a pony! 14.1 1/2. I just cracked up.

So I finally have my lifelong dream--a pony of my very own. And I've had one for three years and didn't even know it.

Kim

[dres_sage]

Congrats to Kimo on already fulfilling your dream of a pony. I'm still dreaming but fond memories of the haflinger we rode every week. Gabrielle raises an interesting historical point about the class history of horses/ponies. Makes sense, too, since I'm working class and relished racing the little pony each week. Since he only came up to our hips, I guess that made us all at the riding club very working class indeed!

[Kimo]

Thanks! I do love her. I wonder about the class issue, too. It's pretty obvious at my HJ barn (I'm the oddity there!) that I'm different because of riding the small horse. Plus, I'm just getting started with riding, although I've owned her for awhile, so it's like baby steps for me. No crazy jumping! :eek:

But she's so darn cute that she gets attention. Pretty, kind face. Palomino! And she's so fuzzy now in the winter. Maybe someday I'll get a pic of me riding her. I'm 5'3" and have been told we look fine together. Even when my 6'2" husband rode her, I thought they looked appropriate.

Kim

[Fraggle]

Hi
Not been on this site for quite a while as I got side-tracked by a Dales pony forum and somehow never got back on here.:D

I've had my Dales pony Sam for 3 years now and we,ve finally grown used to each other. He's quite a charactor and prone to being a "drama queen" but we've had loads of fun out hacking through the Welsh countryside (I've moved!). He's also grown from about 14.2HH to 15HH and has filled out considerably.

Hopefully I've attached a photo of him so that you can compare it to the one at the start of the thread.

I have no regrets about buying a pony and he certainly feels big enough when he's having one of his strops! LOL

[dres_sage]

Looks lovely - and looks like he's grown! Way bigger than the hip-height pony we used to relay-race, that's for sure!

[neen]

Wow, he looks amazing. Great presence -- he's certainly grown up!

[Jaxte]

I am interested in the question too big to ride a pony ? I am currently looking for a pony for myself and my son, saw one today at 13hh but he looked quite small although he had the character I was looking for which was quite disappointing,

I am 5'2" and average (ish) build, wasn't quite sure if I get a pony :) what size pony should I be looking for

[Emma_H]

Hi

I'm 5ft3 and ride a 13.2hh pony. I weigh between 8 and 9 stone which fluctuates, so you should be fine.

Em

[bspa05]

I am 27, 5'4, weigh between 7.5 - 8 stone and have a 12h sec B and 10h sec A whom I ride. They seem to cope fine with me, even though the sec b is only 3. I aslo have a 14.2 cob who feels huge when I ride her after my ponies. They take a bit of getting used to to ride, especially getting your balance. But I do think you become a better rider as you have got to try extra hard to keep your balance otherwise you are off! Riding ponies puts you in a more classical position too.

[xkatiex]

I quote from another thread:
I think it's totally down to each different horse and their build. Every horse is different! My boyfriend is very tall and I let him hack with Trish occasionally. And my little Shetland has no trouble carrying his 6'1 bulk for about 30 mins at a time.

Good luck with your search!

Kate xx

[L34NN3]

I love my ponies. Its a good job really because when I was having regular lessons on a Monday I was always made to ride the naughty ponies that had been plaing up over the weekend - it did wonders for my ability to stay on...

I do hate the prejudice thing though. I was hacking with my 10 year old cousin. I was riding a 14hh3 highland (i'm 5ft1) and she was riding an 11h3 welsh sec a. The welshie was playin up big time and had had her off twice. She was a complete novice at the time. So we swapped. We had only been riding for a further 10 minutes when a woman stopped her can and told me I was being cruel riding the little pony and suggested me and my cousin should sway. Little welsh at this point puts in a major bucking fit and starts prancing on the spot and going sideways. My response was "this is why I riding the little pony. do you mind if we move on before he explodes?". Her face was a picture!

[molly34]

I'm 5'9 with long legs and have ridden a 13.3 Fell. She's a real weight carrier and comfy, just rides like a shire with short legs!

[teapot]

hi, i new to this part of the forum. Been mainly riding 16.3/17hhs but have just been offered the ride on a 13.2 welsh c.

I'm not worried about the weight but its my height - 5ft10. Will I look stupidley big on him?

[Wally]

It all depends on what you mean by stupidly big, In the European culture some folk think that a 5 foot nothing person on anything smaller than 16hh is stupidly underhorsed.

In Iceland you are underhorsed only if the horse is going too slow for you.i is a mental thing rather than a physical one over there.

Open minded, enlightened folk, who know what they are about won't give you a second look, so long as you are riding well, and the weight of the rider is not too much for the horse.

[teapot]

I'm just worried that I'll look totally out of proportion.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/stickyVix/Horsie%20like/100_0571.jpg This is me on my friend's 12.2. Please ignore the odd stirrup leathers ~rolleyes~

[Tizer]

Just another thought on this - My 14.1(and a bit) takes the same size rugs as My daughters 15'1 therefor body wise they are very similiar, nobody would look once let alone twice if I was riding the 15'1. So if Tizer's legs where an inch or so bigger in the cannon bone and leg bone it would be a different scenario altogether.

[icegirl]

No-one had mentioned Icelandics yet - though if you call them ponies, their owners get upset as apparently there is no Icelandic word for pony - they are always horses. I have an Icelandic horse - strong enough to carry the whole family and doesnt feel small to ride - too much presence and confidence I think!

[happy highlande]

How about this - I am 5' 7"
This was just before we did 21km at 10.19 km per hour!!! and he was still up for a canter at he end!!! Ponies rule!:D :D


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/mulletsmum/321-2184_IMG.jpg

[sweuzo]

aww is that a highland pony? how big is he? you look great on him, and he's gorgeous... you just made me want HIM !!! what colour is he, its quite a weird grey/dun something ain't it?

[neen]

He's lovely, happy highlande. Also curious to know about his colour, as it's the closest I've seen to Fluke's colouring, right down to the light feather on seal legs. Fluke is NF, dun like your boy, and my fear is that he's greying out because his face, like your boy's, is greyish. Not that it matters of course whether he ends up grey or dun, but you have to admit that duns are cool.

Conversation with my sister on seeing a picture of Fluke:

Sis: What colour is he?
Me: Dun
Sis: Is that dun as in "dunno"?

The cheek!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/ninblak/neenfluke2.jpg

Back to the topic -- we think he's about 13.2 at the moment, but he's having another growth spurt. I'm 5'2'' and think he's tall enough already!

[carrieh]

I have a wonderful 13.2hh Fell pony called Benson. I'm 50 years old, and in my time I've ridden and bred all sorts of large horses, Arabs, Irish Draughts, ID sport horses, but never have I had as much fun as on Benson. We've been together 9 years now and I wouldn't part with him for the world! And I don't think I look too big on him at all - after all the farmers in the Lakeland hills use Fells to ride themselves. Fells are tough, hardy, willing and with great temperaments. They are adults ponies without a doubt as they are immensely strong. But if your Fell respects and loves you, he will do anything for you.

My arthritis means I'd have trouble mounting a bigger horse anyway. Nowadays as we are both getting older we only plod gently round the lanes [often via the pub, to Benson's delight, as he loves crisps and Guinness!] but he is worth his weight in gold to me. I never look at people riding by on their Thoroughbreds and wish I had one - I'd rather have my little Fell any day.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/carriebear1955/Benson2.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/carriebear1955/Benson1.jpg

[carrieh]

P.S. Happy Highlande - that's a beautiful boy you have there!

[joey_olop]

Blackie is 14hh and Im 6ft with very long legs haha!!! So i dnt think there is nothing wrong with adults riding ponies in fact I seem to ride the ponies better!!

Ive helped backed my aunts 12hh Section As and although I look ridicoulous(sp) it helps them learn.

I also ride little 12hh and 13hh Section Bs and they seem to have more respect for me(Im only 8 stone!!)

[happy highlande]

Thanks for the lovely comments - he is a handsome chap - and he knows it!!
His official colour is cream dun - and he has an eel stripe too. I think he might end up grey when he is older - some highland do this - I'll have to wait and see.

[neen]

How old is he, happy highlande? I feel somehow better now that I know that his lovely colour has an official name, and that he may or may not turn grey in the end. Fluke has an eel stripe too, and shoulder shadows and zebra stripes on his legs. He's got some cream dapples here and there, too. I read the other day that all NF duns are descendants of a particular Highland ancestor, introduced long ago to improve stock.

Whatever the truth of that, your boy's gorgeous.

[fishiz3434]

That horse of yours is a tank, you look great on him and shouldn't worry bout wat n e one says your a great pair!!:)

[hApPiNeSs]

im loving this thread! :D

OK, im 17, not quite an adult yet, but i'm stil 5'7" and weigh about 10-11 stone depending on which carpet the scales are on ;) :p

Up until very recently i have been riding this little girl out hacking for miles, and she didn't flinch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/happy_the_horse/profileedited.jpg

It's upsetting that i couldn't enter any shows on her, not neccesarily because of the rules (although there are quite a few restrictions) but because it isn't 'the done thing'

i love riding my pony, i find she has a sense of fun and humour. i would also say she is more forgiving than a horse. ie practising vaulting etc... :o :D

[Kanuma]

happiness what breed is she? if she is an M&M small then it is very much the done thing to ride ickle ponies, even at county shows!

[Purple Hugs]

Kanuma, I've been trying to find out the maximum weight a healthy Section A would be capable of carrying.. for future reference.
What would you say?

[Purple Hugs]

im loving this thread! :D

OK, im 17, not quite an adult yet, but i'm stil 5'7" and weigh about 10-11 stone depending on which carpet the scales are on ;) :p

Up until very recently i have been riding this little girl out hacking for miles, and she didn't flinch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/happy_the_horse/profileedited.jpg

It's upsetting that i couldn't enter any shows on her, not neccesarily because of the rules (although there are quite a few restrictions) but because it isn't 'the done thing'

i love riding my pony, i find she has a sense of fun and humour. i would also say she is more forgiving than a horse. ie practising vaulting etc... :o :D

you look great together! :D

[Kanuma]

a fit healthy section A who is nice and stocky and not old should in my oppinion be up to 10 stone. the finer the pony is the less it will take, the less fit the pony is the less you should put on its back.

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks, :D We have a 2 year old and it's nice to know what his ability will be later on.. much later of course! :P

[fishiz3434]

your two look cute together...he has a short back by the look of him and he seems to be in good condition

[Tizer]

What a great thread and great photo's aswell.

I am 5'7 and 11.1/2 stone Tizer is 14'1 and stocky, I wouldn't swap him for anything else, for me he is just perfect. :)

He doesn't sweat or struggle with the work we do, and that really is the only indication I need that he is happy. ;)

[herbyhorse]

I love rding ponies. I'm 6ft 2 and 12 ish stone and have been since i was 15. when learning to ride i spent very little time on ponies as it wa thought it was more suitable for me to ride big 17hh TB hunters etc, but i really yearned to ride the 12.2hh welshies. Pip was 13.2hh and smoky was 14.2hh and i loved jumping them.

Now i have comments about treac at 15.3hh being too small to jump, but she's wide of chest and gorgeous (and probably partly pony).

I have found however that it takes more balance to scrunch myslef to ride the smaller ones, (patch 13.3hh, boris 14.1hh, minnie 14.2hh and archer 14.3hh) which can make it un-nerving, but it's a challenge.

I've lost a lot of potential clients because we have very few "biggies "on our yard, and most people want something showy to ride - but to be honest a pony is less lame, cheaper to run and has more sense (with exceptions). (though for beginners i always over hrose them ont he lunge - so as not to unbalance the horse (a cob pony or horse).

I have concerns about my weight being a "long person" as i don't want to unbalance my horse, but other than that love them and more people should by ponies/ smaller animals and we'd have less damaged horses from people being over-horsed! if you are 5ft 2, you need a 15hh max! - it'll get over all but the highest tracks (Stroller was a pony) and lets face it most people are only going to do local stuff.

and look at the variety in pony types, far more interesting than a bay TB!

ponies are wasted on kids!

HH

[amandal]

My own horse (15.2) is Connemara cross which I think makes her the gem she is. Last night I rode a 14.2, I'm 5ft 4 and probably a bit over 11 stone, felt fine on her - may have her to ride this summer - looking forward to it :D

[Afellpony]

FAO: Urthyr Pendraggon

Hee hee! I used to ride a Welsh Cob called David Pendragon.

[dres_sage]

Great to see so many riders enjoying smaller ponies. As I say, we raced one that was only hip-height on me but he was very strong and keen to please and run for us. And you have an advantage in the leg aid: as soon as we wrap our boots round him and squeeze, he feels it right away and runs runs runs. Fab fun. Do others use the pony in relay-races? Does he respond well even if, as some of the posts say, the rider is tall? Ours at the riding club was only informal for laughs, not a proper competition, but we all wanted to win all the same.

[Brandy Snap]

what a great part of the forums! Think I'm going to spend all my life on here!

I've always been a fan of ponies, and being 5ft4 I always tended to get put on them when at riding stables. It used to annoy me that my friends were all getting the big horses and I was on the little ponies. But then I realised how much more fun I was having, how I wasnt nerovus on the wee ones!

Now I dont feel confident around horses at all, but I'm quite happy with anything under 15hh!

Finally, after 29 years of dreaming I bought my very own pony. 13.2hh (although he's more like 13hh!) bundle of joy!

[dres_sage]

Congrats on owning your own pony at last, I'm all envious. Keep us posted on his progess. I agree, riding small ponies ca be more fun sometimes, and we have more force in the leg aids too relative to his size. I' 6 foot 3" so 5 foot 4" is probably just about right really , not too tall til you reach me, hahah. I'll let you know if and when I get my own pony, but money is main issue there.

[dres_sage]

Yes Kimo I agree - and identify with your hubby. I'm 6 foot 3 and when I mounted our small pony in the relay races, my legs swallowed him whole! but entirely appropriate when you saw how well he ran, so keep on riding.

[~* Fab Filly *~]

u 2 look great 2gether! its smaller ponies lyk 11hh that ppl make more fuss over but if u n ** horse r happy then y not? x

[jenren!!]

This is an old thread :eek:

Jenny xx

[dres_sage]

I agree absolutely - the rider's pleasure is important afte all. Riding should be fun too. Riding a small pony can be as fun as a dressage ride if you can make him work hard for you...and you can! many membes on this thread have proven it marvelously.

[dres_sage]

So are we able to work out from the postings, who rides the smallest pony?

[dres_sage]

I think I did last week, to answer my own question! Pony was hip-height just like the old days, though not very fast, alas, couldn't make him run as I'd like to but still good fun.

[Afellpony]

Ponies can be pretty sharp though, more so than horses - and - also very naughty! Ah bless!! :D

[dres_sage]

Very naughty is so true, especially the last one. And then the question is what to do about it. Not nasty-naughty though, sometimes just lazy, yeah?

[Laura+Phantom]

This thread is 5 years old! I started reading it thinking "is it this week's Horse and Hound?" Clearly not! :eek:

[rianne21]

can someone please tell me what the 19stone of lead thing is about at the start of this thread? i am confused :confused: :o

[Laura+Phantom]

They were saying that Dales ponies can carry 19 stone of lead, so a normal size human is nothing to them!

[rianne21]

They were saying that Dales ponies can carry 19 stone of lead, so a normal size human is nothing to them!

lol oh ok :o thankyou, i thought so!! :rolleyes:
that is a lot of weight!!! so they are super strong!!'
is it true a shetland can carry up to 20 stone not that it should, but can it? i only ask as i heard it so much :confused:

[Laura+Phantom]

lol oh ok :o thankyou, i thought so!! :rolleyes:
that is a lot of weight!!! so they are super strong!!'
is it true a shetland can carry up to 20 stone not that it should, but can it? i only ask as i heard it so much :confused:

Not sure about that, I would say a stone a hand though for Shetlands (proper ones that is not wimpy ones)

[rianne21]

Not sure about that, I would say a stone a hand though for Shetlands (proper ones that is not wimpy ones)

hmmmmmmmmmm ok thanks hun ;) now i know!it has baffled me for yrs:p

[lauren123]

people at my stables well the person who takes the phone calls at my stables says i am to tall for the 13.2hh pony that i love to ride i am around 5ft3 but i am one of them people who have reallly long legs but in all the mags that i read people do say as long as your not to heavy for the pony that you ride its fine . And hes my fave pony as hes loves going fast , jumping and pony games i dont think i am that tall but these were taken about 2 years ago

[dres_sage]

I thought this was gonna be the longest thread in history if the pony could carry us that far.

[Wally]

Shetlands cannot carry 20 stone, they might for a short period, but it would do them no good at all.

[c2b]

I am not sure how much good carrying 19 stone of lead did the Dales ponies either. How long they lived, or what it did to them long term.

[CarolineB]

Hi, I am new to the forum and have a 13.2hh Welshx mare age 6 who I ride regularly, jump occasionally and she has never sweated up or shown any signs of being tired! She is a middleweight cob; I am 9.5 - 10.0 stone, and 5ft 4in tall. I bought her as a mother/daughter share but have sometimes worried that I am too big for her, but then I just look at how she goes and I can't ever see that she is tired! (Unless of course you count schooling when she switches off and pretends to be asleep whoever is riding...)

Anyway, a question - how do I create a brand new post on here? I can't seem to find it - it's probably staring me in the face, but would someone kinldy tell me how it's done??

Thanks!
Caroline

[puzzles]

click on a topic (i.e. "Horse Care and Health" and at the topic (where the list of mini-topics posted by indiciduals are) there should be a tab with "New Thread" on it.
click!

:-)

I went on a ride on the Isle of Skye once, on 18.2-18.3hh Clydesdales and Shires. While we were there, a 20 stone guy turned up who asked to book a ride. the woman who ran the place denied him this, and when asked why, replied "because I love my horses".

:-D

[Julz]

Dont shoot me down in flames, but i reckon you could do with a bigger horse.... sure he's a Dales, and at 5years old, still got some growing/maturing to do... you may well be light enough for him to carry, but i think you would look better with a larger horse...JMHO. Im 5'7 and look stupid on anything smaller than 15.1hh......

[Julz]

I agree absolutely - the rider's pleasure is important after all..


and what about the horse's pleasure? should the horse be made to carry a rider if it isnt happy with the weight/height of the rider? come on...get a grip....a riders pleasure may well be important, but not as important as the well being of the pony/horse/mule/donkey....

[Beck]

you are right

[dres_sage]

Get a grip yourself: the rider's pleasure doesn't need to go against the horse's well being to be pleasurable, any fool knows that. Ask anyone: they will be able to help you with your misunderstanding.

[Julz]

I dont believe i have misunderstood anything.... there ARE people in this world who do not give a toss about the horse's welfare if they can still get on the horse..... this country is no different to any other...it's just more rife in the poorer countries..... what makes it worse in this country, is that facilities are better here...yet people still ignore them

[punxmafia]

Im 5.6 and ride a 14.1 Dales, I hate the Bsja rule only juniors can ride ponies.:mad:My pony often carries my friend and I up to his field, maybe a combined weight of 19-20 stone, he doesn't struggle at all.

People had me paranoided I was getting to big for him, somebodt said that 3 years ago when I was 13. Now im 17 and I thought he may not be able to jump so high this summer as im slightly taller, plumper! I have only ever jumped 1.10m and they other day he flew over a 1.25m parrallel, thats called proving me wrong!

[Julz]

Look, just to clarify...Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony.. hell i've ridden an Icelandic... but where do you draw the line? yes you could be 5'7 or 8 or 9 or even 6' and ride a 14hh + but would you still ride that pony if you weighed 16stone plus? Im 5'7, weigh 12stone, and im a size 12.... i look ok...but only carry it well because im tall.....i see people who are 5'0 and weigh 12 stone...and i'd be shocked if they ever managed to get their leg over a 12.2.... and believe me, I've seen it!!!! Poor pony!!!

Most horses (and ponies) have weight carrying limitations.... I have a cob type...he's got weight restrictions...he's 15.2hh and chunky.....

[Joyscarer]

Look, just to clarify...Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony.. hell i've ridden an Icelandic... but where do you draw the line? yes you could be 5'7 or 8 or 9 or even 6' and ride a 14hh + but would you still ride that pony if you weighed 16stone plus? Im 5'7, weigh 12stone, and im a size 12.... i look ok...but only carry it well because im tall.....i see people who are 5'0 and weigh 12 stone...and i'd be shocked if they ever managed to get their leg over a 12.2.... and believe me, I've seen it!!!! Poor pony!!!
Most horses (and ponies) have weight carrying limitations.... I have a cob type...he's got weight restrictions...he's 15.2hh and chunky.....


Don't agree that you at 5'7 weighing the same as someone 5' are more able to ride a pony.

Disparaging comments about flexabilty of bigger people shows a lack of knowledge in that dirrection too. My friend is a dance teacher and can get both her legs behind her head even when she was a size 26.

Making generalisations isn't helpful especially when they are so factually incorrect and downright rude.

Yes ponies and horses have weight limitations and certain heights of people may better too given hown the leg falls to apply leg aids but suggesting that you are better than they are and being rude is out of order :mad:

[Kathryn128]

100% agreed with you joyscarer.

that was totally uncalled for, and let's face it, you can't draw a hard and fast line when it comes to adults riding ponies, there's just too many ways to twist the situation.

for instance, I am 5'4 and a bit, and weigh just under 10 stone. My BMI is 22.5, as the doctor's recently told me, so I'm not overweight. And yet, I was turned down for a share pony (14.2hh Arab) because I was "a brilliant rider but too tall". I've since realised that this follows a trend, in that people see me on the ground, and at my height, realise I can get away with a 13.2/3hh under me, until I get on. I've always ridden long, liking to really stretch my legs down and get weight into my heels, and never look anywhere NEAR as tall on the ground as I do on a horse.

Since then, my RS had me on a 14.1hh pony and I fit fine, as I did on this other pony. So, it could be said that no, height wise, I can't ride a pony, but yes, weight-wise, I'll do fine.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who sits on the fence between horses and ponies.

[Julz]

I did not say I was more able to ride a pony than someone smaller and fatter than me..... and I also did not say or suggest I was better than anyone else...

Ok you know someone who has been large and still got her legs behind her neck.... that's great, but not every fat person can do that....
And it's wrong to assume that they can...

[Joyscarer]

Just like it is wrong to assume that every slim person is supple.

"..and i'd be shocked if they ever managed to get their leg over a 12.2.... and believe me, I've seen it!!!! Poor pony!!!"



Just quit being offensive with your sweeping statements :mad:


It is enough to say weight and height has a bearing on suitability which is dependant on the individual pony concerned. No need to be rude with it.

I won't be responding to you again because you lower the tone of the thread.

[horse__obsessed]

Dont shoot me down in flames, but i reckon you could do with a bigger horse.... sure he's a Dales, and at 5years old, still got some growing/maturing to do... you may well be light enough for him to carry, but i think you would look better with a larger horse...JMHO. Im 5'7 and look stupid on anything smaller than 15.1hh......

not shooting you down, but from the original post fraggle clearly isnt that bothered about how she looks on a horse

Last year I was 5ft5/6 and was still riding a 12.2hh pony, I was 7 stone and she carried me absolutely fine and obviously wasnt in discomfort

Fair enough many people prefer horses which take up more leg, but its people like you who prejudice AGAINST larger people on ponies which can clearly carry them comfortably, whose riders (like Fraggle) are more interested in having fun than looking good

[puzzles]

fairly said. :-)

[Julz]

Look, just to clarify...Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony..

Selective readers arent we...OK I wont say anymore on the subject my input is clearly not what you guys want... Im sorry I rocked the boat.....

Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony
Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony

How many times would you like me to say it, huh????

[puzzles]

we should all be able to express our opinions safely and without oppression, and this also goes for those who disagree.
there's no need to argue - both sides have their fair points and neither is necessarily right or wrong. what works for one may not (and often does not) work for another, and this is merely a fact of life and the way it goes.
"take all advice given, but use only what is relevant to you" as the saying goes.

:-)

[Julz]

It was my honest opinion...that's all.... I shall say no more.

[Laura+Phantom]

i'm a bit confused Julz, why did you feel the need to say

should the horse be made to carry a rider if it isnt happy with the weight/height of the rider?

Who insinutated that they would do that? The OP is not too heavy for the horse...so what's your point?

[Julz]

*deleted*

[Laura+Phantom]

Deleted? I never got to read your reply but it was probably a sensible move.

[Julz]

we should all be able to express our opinions safely and without oppression, and this also goes for those who disagree.
there's no need to argue - both sides have their fair points and neither is necessarily right or wrong. what works for one may not (and often does not) work for another, and this is merely a fact of life and the way it goes.
"take all advice given, but use only what is relevant to you" as the saying goes.

:-)


This person has it right..... This is a discussion forum, is it not? A discussion is never about who's right and who's wrong.... it's about listening to each other's points on the subject..... without it getting too heated...

So I come along after,.. 6-odd pages of poeple telling the OP how pretty she looks on her pony, and rock the boat, so to speak... I WASNT
SPECIFICALLY (sp) talking about THAT person, just the ones to really ARE too overweight for thier pony... I have seen the damage that a fat man can do to a lightweight pony, now are you really going to tell me that's acceptable?

This really is my last word on the subject..... It's gone off topic which to hi-jack someone elses thread isn't a nice thing to do.... If you want to carry on berating me, and tarring me with the same brush you tar everyone esle who disagrees with you, then start a new thread.

[Laura+Phantom]

I have Pm'd you Julz.

It's gone off topic which to hi-jack someone elses thread isn't a nice thing to do.... If you want to carry on berating me, and tarring me with the same brush you tar everyone esle who disagrees with you, then start a new thread.

That, is what I believe you should have done ;)

[Julz]

I agree absolutely - the rider's pleasure is important afte all. Riding should be fun too. Riding a small pony can be as fun as a dressage ride if you can make him work hard for you...and you can! many membes on this thread have proven it marvelously.

this is the post that made me reply to it. Hence not starting a new complete thread..

[coyote]

FRAGGLE i think you look fab on your pony IMO!!!! im 5ft 8 and 13st and my lad is a 14.2hh 3yrs old cob ,i dont look too big or too heavy for him,he might still have a bit to grow yet but i dont want him much bigger!!!

[Brandy Snap]

julz - I think you possibly read the post wrong. I dont imagine that dres-sage was meaning that the enjoyment of the rider comes before all else. None of the photos on this thread show a pony sturggling with its rider. I think she was talking about people who look down on adults riding ponies (which as you have said you are not one of those people) saying that what does it matter if other people think you are too tall, plenty people enjoy riding and the company of ponies more than horses.

And of course you are right that the comfort of the pony comes before the rider, that is clear in the amount of "am I too big for this pony" post that are posted on this forum.

You said in your first post on this thread, that in your opinion the OP would 'look' better on a bigger horse. But I think you will find that for most adults who ride ponies, the way they look on the pony is not the most important factor, what is is wheather or not that pony can carry them happily.

any hoo, I'm late for work now!!

xxx :D

[Julz]

julz - I think you possibly read the post wrong. I dont imagine that dres-sage was meaning that the enjoyment of the rider comes before all else. None of the photos on this thread show a pony sturggling with its rider. I think she was talking about people who look down on adults riding ponies (which as you have said you are not one of those people) saying that what does it matter if other people think you are too tall, plenty people enjoy riding and the company of ponies more than horses.

And of course you are right that the comfort of the pony comes before the rider, that is clear in the amount of "am I too big for this pony" post that are posted on this forum.

You said in your first post on this thread, that in your opinion the OP would 'look' better on a bigger horse. But I think you will find that for most adults who ride ponies, the way they look on the pony is not the most important factor, what is is wheather or not that pony can carry them happily.

any hoo, I'm late for work now!!

xxx :D

I agree with you totally....

As for reading the post wrong, perhpas you mean that to read the written word is harder than actually hearing it spoken? Too which I also agree...and perhaps i did get it wrong...

Im not on this site to purposefully disagree with people, I would like us all to "get along" and share veiws, suggestions and experiences...that's all. But also I do not want people telling me to shut up and stop being rude and nasty, when they dont even know me.... Im new to this site..... and I dont know how it works....

[Kathryn128]

Julz - have PMd you :)

[Beck]

oh dear i really hate it when arguing commences...anyway I am sure Julz is sorry and after all she was just voicing her opinion.
But fraggle, i must say you look superb on your neddy, he is loverly!
you arent to big so dont let people that insist you are gte you down! you look fab! :) :D :p

xxxx

[Julz]

to clarify again.... I said I thought Fraggle would look better on a bigger horse, not that she needs a bigger horse.

[Beck]

to clarify again.... I said I thought Fraggle would look better on a bigger horse, not that she needs a bigger horse.

i wasnt trying to say that...it seems you misinterpreted my sentence. It wasnt directed at you, just at anyone who had told her she was too big.

but oh forget it :cool:

u look great fraggle :D

[Fjord Tough]

QUOTE=Julz said "Look, just to clarify...Im not bothered if you are an adult riding a pony.. hell i've ridden an Icelandic... but where do you draw the line? yes you could be 5'7 or 8 or 9 or even 6' and ride a 14hh + but would you still ride that pony if you weighed 16stone plus?"

Wow what a flurry this thread turned into. First off you mentioned you were a newer user of this board so a welcome may be in order. Welcome to New Rider!
I agree with you that there are weight limits which honestly apply to all horses not just our beloved ponies. There probly will never be a true scale by which to judge those limits though because there are to many variables-rider height-weight-flexability-balance-tack fit---horses fitness-actual work expectations at that weight, the list could go on for days.

The factors I consider most important are yes-the horses comfort, safety, and soundness longevity (aka a long usefull happy life) Then of course my own safety and comfort. As for looks? I've stated many times before just because a person rides a 16+ hand grain guzzler doesn't make them a better horseman. Kinda reminds me of the old addage about people with fast cars or trucks with big mud tires.:eek:

My point? There are animals out there under or at 14 hands that are great weight carriers and are completely capable of adult service as a matter of fact some are too strong physically and a little to clever mentaly to be a childs mount. NOTHING against younger riders, many probly would out ride me and my horse 7 days a week!:mad::p

[horse__obsessed]

to clarify again.... I said I thought Fraggle would look better on a bigger horse, not that she needs a bigger horse.

fair enough

[Beck]

:rolleyes:
:p
;)

[icegirl]

OK lets bung in another reply just for the hell of it!:)
Looking at this very ancient post reminded me that when I last posted on it was when we first bought our Icelandic. Which made me think of all the fun wed had and all the things wed learned over the last year.
And for the record, I am just under 5ft 9, weight 13 1/2 stone and have long legs (33). He is just under 14hh and shows no sign of buckling under the strain yet.
I think some people just like that pony/small horse feel and I have become one of them. I used to ride a chunky Irish cob and she was sweet but MUCH bigger.

[ShariN]

I have been around Icelandics for so long and am used to the way adults look on them.

I think people on taller horses look totally over horsed and totally silly.
Just depends on what a person is used too.

The smaller Nordic horses like Icelandic's and Fjords where bred to be ridden by Adults..and many are not children's ponies/horses.

My 12.3 hand grey Icelandic mare takes up more leg than most tall riding horses can.
I am 5' 6 1/2" tall..and now because of things.. 155lbs. She has never had any problems with my weight or height and I think we look perfectly normal. ;):D

A bigger horse does not mean better. As I have said many times.. "My Ego does not need a big horse"!

[Beck]

I am 9 and a ahlf stone, 5ft 7 and ride a 14.1hh dales pony.

she carries me fine even though she is a bit older...22yrs

xx