Am I Too Big?

[PoniesRUs17]

Hey!:D
I have just been thinking about something for a really long time and it was that, Am I Too Big To Ride A Pony?????
I am about 165 cm or 5'4" and weigh 135 lbs or 61 kg.
I really like ponies a lot!! :D They are my favorite and I really love their personality even if they are bratty.
I would really like to own a pony of about 14-14.2 hh, but I am worried that I will look to big/tall on him. I would like to also show on that pony, so I have to look the right size.
Someone Help ME!!! :eek:
~Sofia :cool:

[Showjumper]

You're not too big! I'm 5'5" and weigh 7 stone. Until last week, I was backing my 13.1hh New Forest mare (she's now been turned away for winter). Native ponies are generally tough, sturdy little things with very deep girths - a girl my height rides her 11.2hh Shetland cross and doesn't look at all out of place on him - until she gets off and stands next to him!

[vickie]

i'm 5ft5/6ish and weigh more than 50lbs more than you do. my pony is a 14.1/2hh welsh cob and shes fine with me

[anuvb]

No, not too big at all. In fact I think, unless the pony is very small, or the person very large, then there are few people out there who couldn't ride a pony.

Though I do think it is less common in the US to see adults riding ponies than over here in the UK, but that doesn't mean to say it's not possible.

If you are 5ft 4, then you should look fine on a 14hH -14.2, particularly if they have a reasonably broad back (which I personally thinks makes more difference than the overall size to whether a rider looks small or large) and if you like them, then go for it! :D

[paula kemp]

How can you work out the height/weight ratio for horses as I am a bit overweight for my height of 5'6"

[joy70]

paula - a general rule of thumb is 20% of the horses weight is what they can carry but its down to the individual pony really

Im just under 10stone now!! dieting hard (for myself not the pony) i own and ride a 13.2hh pony im 5'1". but i have ridden an 11.2hh as well

i would have to echo anuvb

No, not too big at all. In fact I think, unless the pony is very small, or the person very large, then there are few people out there who couldn't ride a pony.

[paula kemp]

thanks for the reply, I have definately got to diet as well, but at the moment can't be a****d hee hee

[Wally]

I'm five feet eight and 13 stone...on a good day. My Icelandic is 13.1hh or there abouts. The biggest horse we own is a Welsh D at about 14.2hh and a Fjord at about 14.1hh.

Remember most British breeds were originally bred for grown men to ride, not kids anyway. A welsh B can carry a man all day out rounding up sheep.

In Iceland there is many a 6 foot 3 man on a 13. 3hh small horse.

[PoniesRUs17]

Hey Everyone! :D
Thanks For All The Help everyone has given me and I really truly appreciate it!!!! :p
It is a little different in the U.S. to see Adults/Young Adults riding ponies and most ponies for sale are sold due rider is moving onto horses. I of course would rather stick with the ponies :)
Here, also especially in shows, they only care about height, which could help if I were to get a pony/horse mix, so it could still be counted as a pony. ;)
But Thank You Again For Everyone's Help!!!!!
:D
~Sofia

[Janette]

Hey Wally, tanks for the pstitve vibes - I'm 5'8, and built for comfort rather than speed. I worry, but keep thinking of those icelandics, and 6'3 men.

[HoRsE ChIcK]

Hey
I have a 14.2 morgan mare and im 5.6 and 115 pounds (lbs) and i have never had any problems with her. I have alse ridden many shetlands and although my legs are way to long for them, they seem quite comfortable.

[makebelieve]

I am 5.3', 90 pounds (or 5.2- stone) and not all that fussy about ponies, but anyhting under 14.0hh feels small for me. I'm just used to horses 15.0-16.0hh I guess. Last time I rose one I felt so big, and the pony was about 13.3hh.

Use your own judgement, if you think the pony can carry you, then great! :) Just my two cents.

[tarkia]

Your not too big at all, Im 5ft2 and weight 7stone and I sometimes ride small ponies, usually 11hh-13.3hh. They can easily put up with the weight, by the way don't judge a pony by its size, you have to judge by its build. If the pony is thin with a small back and thin legs then the pony would probally stuggle to carry you. I make sure that the pony isn't going to stuggle, your best riding a native pony, dartmoor ponies are great, they are strong and well build, they easily carry an adult.
So don't worry about other people riding big thoroughbreds, ponies are just as fun usually with more character!