Another pony! Eek! Advise!

[Chromelotus]

....

[shirley]

Why do you not think about a taller pony, but finer - about 14 hand - 14.2 hands. Lots of fine ponies this height go to young teenagers or older children, but very rarely to adults. I know of a fine pony type and just wish I was to my height weight and oh boy would she be a wonder to ride - so just being envious of your position at the moment.
Why not look at other native types or go on!!! show pony types!!! You have so much to choose from (green colour is fading by now!!!)
Good luck and lucky pony!!!

[chev]

I'd look around for a good, typey B of around 12.2hh. There are some fantastic smaller Bs around, which are just as substantial and up to weight as most As - that way you get the best of both worlds!

This is Tally - not as chunky as some of the heftier Bs, but stands around 12.2hh and would carry most adults without even thinking about it. (Excuse the foal belly - she's also pregnant!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bronyfelin-ponies/FreyaandTally.jpg


There are also some really nice small cobs around; this is Gelfy (who has slimmed down since this was taken but he really is built like a short tank). Gelfy's type is more than capable of carrying grown men, let alone a small adult! We don't know his breeding - he's basically Irish Bog Pony - but there are lots of chunky cobs of this height around now. He's about 12.2hh too - but because he has a barrel like a VW Beetle he takes up my leg really well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bronyfelin-ponies/OnegirlandherGelfy.jpg

If you want a registered pony to show I'd go for either a B or a C. The Cs are a good choice if you think the Bs you're looking at are a bit fine - I prefer Bs because they tend to have better ridden paces - but the C's are usually more substantial. They vary in height from 12hh up to 13.2hh too. This is Rhodri, who was only 18 months old when this was taken - you can see how much bone he has even then! He's one of the bigger Cs but actually looks unlikely to make much more than 13.2hh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bronyfelin-ponies/Rhodricar.jpg

[ajhainey]

*wow* thats a big difference!

Personally I'd got for the secB because I think secA's are _supposed_ to be fine (aren't they? Or is that B's?) so even at 12hh you'd probably just face the same problem again, unless you get an atypical one.

As for being looked at askance I'd guess you need to get above 14 before you have a hope of avoiding the occasional sarky look/comment, but it depends on the build - some ponies look 'bigger' than others...although I bow to the actual pony owners on this as I'm usually up on some strapping half draft thing so its never really an issue. EVERYONE looks like they are riding midi shetlands to me :D - my smallest mount at the moment is 17.2 and the biggest just over 18hh...muuuuussstttt diiiieeeeettttt :p

Why not look at both A's and B's (and C's for that matter) until you find a nice chunky one you like the look of? As you say at 7st you are very lightweight so there must be something suitable out there - I'm suprised he's having trouble carrying you to be honest - I'm thinking of my 7st friend and shes tiny, I was bigger than that at 11!

aj xx

[Supercali]

I can't believe that's the same pony, must have been so overweight before.

I think you should go for a 13-14 h, how about a Welsh Section C or something. Well to be honest it's not the height but finding the pony that you get on with. There are a lot of shetlands out there that I wouldn't want to ride, they can be very strong.

I am only 5' 1" and about the same weight as you. I found one of the best rides I had was on a connemara pony about 14h.

Happy pony hunting :D

[Mehitabel]

i'd echo ajhainey - look at as many as you can. don't limit yourself to As or Bs, go and look at all sorts and see what does it for you.

[Chromelotus]

ajhainey, lots of different types of sec A's exists but its a modern phenomenon to breed them ultra fine like a little thoroughbreds or Arabs. They are not really meant to be like this, they are meant to be weight carriers. Thanks for all the ideas guys but really I'm trying to choose between a chunky section A or lighter type section B. Nothing over 13hh and no other natives :)

[kyanya]

Wow, what a lot of difference a winter coat can make. I'd never have guessed that was the same pony!

Have you thought about going to some Welsh studs to have a look at what they have to offer? There are some nice local ones who I'm sure would be very helpful and let you see their stock. Seeing all the ponies together might help you decide what type you'd like to go for, because ultimately, it's your pony so you need to decide if you want an A or B.

Another option would be to go to a Welsh Pony & Cob Assocciation (WPCA) show. The 'Home Counties' area (Herts, Beds, Bucks, Berks, Middx and Greater London) would be your area, and there shows are on their website (http://www.welshponyandcob.com/~hcwpca/schedule.htm). Their Spring Show is on the 2nd may and should have a nice selection on ponies to look at - and you could always talk to the breeders there as well.

Good luck with your decision :D

[Chromelotus]

My boy was SO fat when he arrived with me, it was awful! The winter coat has ALOT to do with it too, it was unbelievable how much came off him when I clipped him, you could have stuffed several pillows with it! :D

Thank you so much for your advise! It would be nice to get out there and have a good look at the various ponies out there. I've been wanting to show my gelding inhand too so I could take him along! :)

[notpoodle]

does it have to be a welshie?? how about an exmoor maybe :D

julia
x

[Chromelotus]

Ahhh! Its definitely got to be a Welshie, I utterly adore the breed and could not imagine owning anything else! :)

I have found a really gorgeous mare. I hope to go and see her this week. She is stunning and sounds like a real treasure of a ride, very safe and honest. She has a great inhand record and is a proven broodmare. She is a sec. C, 13.2hh with clearly alot of bone (lots of approval from my friends/instructor on this one!) However, she is nearly 14 years old which I wonder about. What do you guys think? I want a top riding mare that I can enjoy showing inhand as well as under saddle and eventually breed from. I do not want to feel pressed to breed from a mare so the age worries me. I know a mare can have foals well into her 20's but I was essentially looking for an animal no older than 8 or 9. However, she is so lovely in other ways so I don't know that the age isn't a small minus point. I have attached pics! Opinions would be appreciated! :)

[notpoodle]

wouldnt worry about the 14 (my pony was 12 when i got her), you can always show her in veteran classes and stuff :) she sounds lovely!

julia
xx

[No_Angel]

she is lovely :D
Wouln't worry about her age, my mare is 15, has raced, been a broodmare and a hacker who taught someone to ride, now shes come to me to do a bit more.
I also thik that as long as a mare has hada foal by the age of 10 then she can have one later in life and it wont be as much as a problem as if she hadn't had one when she was younger,if you get me :D

She is beautiful tho, my sister would love her (she has a thing about palaminos)

[kyanya]

She's lovely.

For showing, the age is no concern really. If you put the right work in with her, she can do very well for her age, and of course you'd have the Veteran showing classes, which offer so much now, all the way to the finals at Olympia. You never know, Gyp and I could be up against you two if it all worked out :D:D

The only concern of mine would be breeding. Has she ever been used as a broodmare? I'd be reluctant putting an older mare in foal for the first time, but much happier if she'd already been bred from when she was younger.

[Kanuma]

harvey is 24 years old!!! 14 is still young! stan is 15 now and still going on the county show circuit with no problems!! how about a 12,2hh chunky sec b something like harvey for example (my boy) im 5ft4 and feel too big on him but im also alot heavier then you!

[Chromelotus]

Thank you so much for your reply! She's had something like 9 foals! One thing I do fear is that this mare has spent most of her life in foal, quite how much schooling she could have got under her belt being in foal so much I don't know!

Typically enough, when you are looking, you find none at all and then they suddenly all crop up at the same today! Today I found a gorgeous sec B mare, 7 years old and 12.2hh. She had one foal last year and is a good ridden/inhand prospect with lovely breeding.

I prefer both sec B's and smaller animals, of course the fact the second mare is younger is a bonus! Both these mares are many hours drive away, its hard as I really feel the need to see them before making a decision. Right now I am definitely leaning towards the younger section B. I'm going to see one of the two on Thusday! :)

[kayleigh995]

i'd stick to the A's - you will probably only wish you had a sectionA if you buy something else. i also looovvveee tiny ponies and am hoping to buy a welshy soon. parents arnt keen on me getting an A - they think its far too small and would much sooner see me on a 14.2 atleast but i insist on nothing bigger than 13.2! i wouldnt mind a B or C. Actually i think ideally it would be a 12.3hh section B show hunter type - plently of bone, not a riding pony! Got to sell my nutter welsh/arab first though who is just a bit to spooky/bucky/nappy to take to shows!!! been looking at new ponies though and although it will be very hard to sell my pony im really looking forward to having something i can really enjoy and do everything i want on!

[Chromelotus]

Ahhh! I just adore A's, they are super! I am keeping both A's and B's in mind! :) B's are really a better bet for me because I will look alot more sensible on something around 12.2hh. However, a 12hh weight carrying type Welsh A would certainly take my fancy if the right one came along. My Y.O has got me thinking about stallions! I never considered them before because of the 'stigma' attached but the place I actually keep my gelding is a stud farm and they are very well versed in caring for/riding stallions! Funnily enough all the stallion owners say that my Welsh A gelding is more stallion-y than their boys! :p My YO thinks the idea is good as I'll then have my entire animal which I can show inhand and it will have the extra muscle bulk for riding (if its a section A.) I don't know what you guys think about stallions? I've always been held back by that stigma! Funny as I know many stallys which are gloriously natured, true gentleman, but I still wonder if they are the best choice for riding horses?

[Mehitabel]

in your situation i wouldn't get a stallion. the staff may have the ability to handle them, but have you? do you handle the yard stallions, would you be trusted to hack them out? or will you need a fair bit of help from the YO, which ten to one you'd be paying for? :cynic:

a stallion takes a fair bit more caution than a gelding or mare. the best behaved stallion in the world can be tempted to misbehave, and other people are daft! you will get people wafting mares under his nose, tying their ponies next to him, etc.

also, a stallion normally leads a fairly different life from a gelding or a mare. if you want to show him, he will have to be blemish-free, so turned out alone. i don't think it's fair on a horse if he is not going to be bred from, to keep him in an artificial lifestyle and leave him full of hormones and urges he can't satisfy. and i think we should only breed from the very best, and a breeding quality welsh stallion is not going to come cheap.

socialising and bringing up a stallion is not easy, and you have to have your wits about you all the time and eyes in the back of your head. they are not born well mannered and polite, it takes some doing to get them to subordinate their urges and hormones to a human handler.
getting them used to riding in company, travelling in company etc, is all just much harder than a gelding or a mare - i wouldn't bother as a private owner.

[Chromelotus]

Heehee, you haven't met my gelding! Yes, I am trusted with the stallions and I trust THEM more than some of the mares and geldings :D I do have a vested interest in breeding Welsh ponies. I also don't believe in 'bargain' breeding stock, I agree we should only breed from the best and my interest is to find an exceptionally well bred animal whether it be a mare or stallion. I prefer the idea of a mare personally. My show gelding is turned out with one other gelding in order to keep him blemish free (he is a bit of a tyrant!) Although I would be interested in breeding, not all stallions DO get to breed in the wild, some do have to lump it.
None the less, I do agree, a mare will be the most suitable option for me!

[Mehitabel]

no, i've not met your gelding, but i know enough welsh geldings to know that a stallion is even more so!

[Chromelotus]

no, i've not met your gelding, but i know enough welsh geldings to know that a stallion is even more so!

I think they are all individuals and should be judged as so. I have met some very soft natured stallions and utterly spicey mares and geldings! I think the problem is that the stallions are all too often shut away 'round the back' and treated far too over-cautiously which doesn't suit them as they are such inquisitive creatures. Being hidden away with people treading on egg shells around them makes them bored, irritable and prone to acting up! Of course it would be nice if all stallions were correctly raised and handled from birth but I think they should all be in work and in a position on a yard where they can see what is going on and speak to other horses. It makes for a different animal!

[WelshPonyLover]

I think that you should get a Welsh Pony Sec C. They are suppose to be loving, sturdy, hardy, and are good jumpers. They excell in riding. Although I do not have a pony I would like to get one and I am researching more and more about them. Overall, by what I have read, they are great!! :)

[Esther.D]

I would still go with Mehitabel here, there are lovely stallions out there definately and they are certainly not the monsters some people make them out to be but as M outlined there are issues with keeping a stallion that you wouldn't encounter with a gelding, even on a yard accustomed to dealing with stallions. I really would think hard before I had a stallion, just for the practicalities even if the pony is the gentlest loveliest stallion about :) For instance, what if some circumstance forced you to move yards? Majority of livery yards will not accept a stallion so it might be difficult to find him a new yard etc And yes I have met some Welsh geldings with real attitude but generally the stallions have even MORE attitude ;) Good Luck whatever you decide but I would go with your thought at the end of the last post that a mare would be more suitable :)

[notpoodle]

not every yard is willing to accomodate a stallion and even less yards are willing to grant them the necessary turnout :( theres 3 stallions at out yard, none of them get turned out ever. two of them are too young to be ridden, so they just stand around in their stables - not nice!

julia
x

[Chromelotus]

not every yard is willing to accomodate a stallion and even less yards are willing to grant them the necessary turnout :( theres 3 stallions at out yard, none of them get turned out ever. two of them are too young to be ridden, so they just stand around in their stables - not nice!

julia
x

Oh no! :( That's terrible.....and when they develop behaviour problems and vices I bet it will be blamed on them being stallions. I topped up the stallions' water buckets yesterday and a mare in season was flipping her tail and acting tarty....the boys munched their hay without batting an eye lid! The stallions are turned out daily and ridden regularly and they really are gentleman. 9 months on the yard and I have not seen them act like anything but....

As a child, my mare was mouted by an Arab stallion who went out of his mind and broke out of his stable. She was in season and I was heading out on a hack at the time!!! That was fun! :eek: So yes, I have seen a stallion at his worst. However, that boy was unmanageable fullstop!

[notpoodle]

the ones at the yard seem pretty edgy. the two young ones bang their walls and awful lot of whinny a lot as well. the older one is at least ridden every day but kicks up a stink every time a mare comes past - he even got dopey little angel in a pickle today (i normally try not to walk past him with her but had to today). she got all excited ....

julia
x

[kyanya]

Have you seen that the Orponsgate Stud (http://www.orponsgate.com/) in Essex is dispersing. They look to have some lovely Welsh A's, although I'm not sure if any would be up to height or even backed, but it might be worth investigating if you don't have any luck otherwise.

Did you go to look at one of the mares yesterday? What did you think?

[ponylover88]

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