i love riding my pony but people dont.

[chestnuts4ever]

i hate critisizing (if there is such a word?) people who say "oh ** too big for your pony" bla bla bla I;m 18 yes, about 5'1 and weigh 8 stone. ok i know this is heavy as i used to be 7 stone but my pony doesnt seem to mind!

He's about 13.3hh and is a finer type not cobby.

People tell me id look better on a 15.2-16.2 but to be quite frank anything over 14.2 scares the living Dayligths outta me!!!! and i feel lost!!

I also ride my mates 10.2 dartmoor for a laugh and to school him - he can go with me on him too. i just get sick of people and their big horses. little ones are so much better! for example my friend whos about 4'7 and is only 14 and about 4 stone has just been bought a 15hh coloured cob:confused: her parents made her get something thats shed grow into but im afraid she sint going to be taller than me fully grown!!

anyone else feel this way

even my own family say im CRUEL for riding my pony and that i shud sell him and buy something bigger. i dont no what to do

[Guest]

Theres been alot of this recently and TBH if weight is not an issue - who cares if you look to big (meant in the nicest possible way).
If you like riding your pony then carry on and let someone else fall off the big horses!!

[Bronya]

I'm 5ft4, 8 1/2 stone, and my pony's 13.2hh. My boyfriend's 5ft6, quite a bit heavier, and he rides her too. He doesn't look too big at all, though I thought he might, and she carries him so easily.

So no worries, anyway, loads of adults ride ponies these days. You're in good company:p

[ShariN]

I hear you.

Goodness was about 17 years ago. I ended up with a 30 year old Fly pace Icelandic mare.
Everyone in the barn had these super tall horses, some of the people affraid of them.
Well, one of the worse with the mouthing was a older Teenaged boy that had a standardbred off the track.
Calling my Icelandic a windup toy....yada yada...
I never said a word.
However one day I said OK lets have a race. Nice NE soil and a being a long clear track in the woods.
Of course the whole barn +plus others had to come. :rolleyes:
Lets just say my wee 12.2 hand Fly pace racing icelandic mare, beat the living pants off the 16.3 hand racing standardbred. We left them so far in the dust it wasn't funny.....for him.;)
The Teen did not say a word after that.

Just proves bigger isn't always better.

Besides.. my ego doesn't need a giant horse.:D

[Guest]

Ooooh I like that....it's going on my signature - hope you don't mind:D

[SupaTania]

Sharin... 16.5 hh horse?

[ShariN]

i hate critisizing (if there is such a word?) people who say "oh ** too big for your pony" bla bla bla I;m 18 yes, about 5'1 and weigh 8 stone. ok i know this is heavy as i used to be 7 stone but my pony doesnt seem to mind!

He's about 13.3hh and is a finer type not cobby.

even my own family say im CRUEL for riding my pony and that i shud sell him and buy something bigger. i dont no what to do

Have them check out this site! Love to see folks tell 6'4"+ Icelanders their "Ponies" are too small for them.

http://www.eidfaxi.is/stodhestar/eindex.php
http://www.icelandichorse.is/

I ride a 12.3 hand tall Icelandic and when my back is up to it a 13.3 hand Fjord. I am 5'7" tall and running about 145lb at my worse.
They do not have a problem at all with my weight.

[ShariN]

Sharin... 16.5 hh horse?
Ya I oppssed Silly fingers where not paying attention to the key board.
Was to say 16.3 hand. :D :rolleyes:

[ShariN]

Ooooh I like that....it's going on my signature - hope you don't mind:D

Not a problem!;);)

[Guest]

I often find the most profound sayings are made up on the spot:D

TA!!

[NoviceNic]

No way are you too big for your pony chestnuts4ever. I am 34 yrs old, weigh under 10 stone, 5ft 2 and am scared sh**less of anything bigger than 14hh. My friend begged me to see Captain 14 2hh and now all mine. I stood at the side of him and felt ok. But anything higher and I used to get panic attacks. I like to be able to see over their backs. It makes me feel bigger than them. Even though the smallest little shetland in our yard drags me all over the place and is taller than me when he rears. :eek: :rolleyes:

[alpha1]

At 5'1" and 8 stone, it would be dificult to find a pony that couldn't take you easily. Don't worry about what people say. One of my daughters who is a good rider, 5'7" and about 8.5 stone whose normal ride is a 16.2hh fwd going warmblood eventer, has a really good time taking out her youngest sister 12.2hh little unidentified moorland pony (even takes him hunting). She looks a bit daft, but enjoys him, and certainly doesnt cause him any difficulty at all.

If you enjoy your ride, stay with it.

[raggydoll]

i ride a 13.3-14hh pony and weigh significantly more than 8 stone :o i think if i got down to that weight bim would forget i was up there! Not being on a yard i come across very little critisism, unfortunatly what i do get comes from my dad :eek: :rolleyes:

[shandy84]

Don't you just love'em, those know it alls who measure you to decide your horse suitability :rolleyes:

I ride a 13.2hh New Forest pony and I weigh 9stone and am 5'5 and my partner rides her and is 5'10 anjd 11stone we also have a 14.2hh pony who is quite fine that we both ride, both of my ponies will outrace and outstay any bigger horse that I have challenged them against.

It's a pet peeve witth me because Bramble is a super jumper but I cannot compete on her because I'm too big :rolleyes: nevermind the fact she was bre to carry heavy farmers!

[B&R's Mum]

Well I am 5'5" and a lot more than 8 stone and my 13hh Icelandic carries me without any problems. I get some funny looks from people but if you are happy and the pony is happy who cares what other people think.

[ingela]

From what you write your pony should easily carry you. Don't worry about the comments.

Ingela

[Wally]

We have a Swiss lass working for us at the moment, In Switzerland they have a saying!

Folk that have big horses have lots of money, no time and no talent! Folk that have small horses have no money but time and talent!

[darling_dyllis]

Hi,

At 8 stone you are FAR from heavy!! Makes me seem and FEEL obese! You will certainly be fine riding this pony! Even at my height and weight I'd be fine. Most ponies are capable of carrying far more than we'd believe. Go ahead and just have fun! I ride a 16.2 cob, but not through selection! I really don't understand the stigma and sillyness about this topic; perhaps those who do think it's wrong simply have insecurities about themselves. Whilst annoying, it is worthwhile bearing in mind that most are probably people who know little about equines.

Sorry to say this, but just a little concerned. Are you sure your 14yr old friend weighs so little? At just 4 stone I would imagine she is quite severly underweight. To be classified anorexic you should be only 85% of the recommended height to weight ratio. Perhaps she has reasons for this, ie medical, but it may also be wise to keep an eye on her. I really do hope that is not the case and that you will not offended by this. It's just that it's such a crippling condition and so dangerous, particulary at her age.

Once again, I hope you will understand my concern and not be offended or upset at all. Apoligies if so, it's simply due to study eating disorders as a psychology student and so being aware of the horrible effects of them.

Just keep having fun and showing up those who may comment or give nasty looks. Perhaps see about organising some in-yard competitions etc! And of course, you need to be faster thinking with those little monsters!:D

Anna.:rolleyes: :cool:

[EnduranceAli]

I am 35, 5'5", 9 stone - and ride a lightweight 13.2hh Sec A x Arab. Penny can easily take someone heavier (she rides more like a 14.2hh :rolleyes: ) - and you certainly have nothing to worry about.

[SA rider]

I'm a complete convert from horses to ponies. Rode TBs and TBX all my life up til 34 years old as that's really all we have in the Falklands. Not alot of ponies around.
Came to Cyprus and started working as an instructor and also schooling the ponies at our saddle club (because I'm very small, 5ft and petite). There was no looking back after that. Now when I have to exercise the TBs I can't find as much enthusiasm, except a fantastic one that is great for jumping - completely mad but brilliant at jumping -
When I decided to get my own horse here, I had no interest whatsoever in getting anything over 14hh. (Ended up with a 14.2 but would have gone alot smaller).Means I don't have to stand on a box for grooming either. AND she costs me tons less as she doesn't need half as much food as a TB.
All the other owners at the club are great though, most of the livery people have TB's but they adore my pony and aren't patronising at all. In fact they all encouraged me loads when I first got her and she was behaving badly biting me and all the grooms!! They are all very experienced horsey people though, so the ones who know what they are talking about, understand the value of the pony - it's usually the inexperienced horsey types that patronise others.
Anyway my point is, don't let people's attitudes bother you.Don't even think about it, they are just spoiling your pleasure in your fab pony. The ones who patronise you either don't understand about how amazing ponies are, and how strong they are, or they are insecure about their own riding/horse so make themselves feel better by putting you down.
IGNORE IT.... I bet some of them have some real problems behind the closed doors of their stables.

[Happy H]

it states that a pony can carry its own height - 1 stone per hand, so if u r riding a 13 hh pony, it can carry 13 stone. it sounds bizzare, but thats it.
as for comments, u love this pony, so y give up on him coz u r growing?
i had a 12.2 until i went 2 college, which meant i had 2 lease him. it felt awful seein him bein ridden by some1 else (who i could fault on their skills, but im just a perfectionist!) so i eventually had 2 sell him. it broke my heart. i do love my H, but shes 14 hh, and even tho shes adorable, i wont ever 4get my little brat who at times would buck to get me off, but he loved me back as much as i loved him. dont worry what others think or say. hes urs, so do what u want with him. i bet he loves havin u all the time being there and enjoys himself. :)

[tbtess]

Just sharing my two-penneth worth. If your happy riding your pony, who cares what anyone else thinks. Stuff 'em.:)

[sam_pring]

i am about the 5'3" and weigh alot more than 8 stone and all three of my ponies are 12.2hh! :D if your pony is happy and so are you dont worry about it!

[i luv horses]

just ignore them if you feel comfortable and the pony is carrying you with no diffuculty just carry on. at my riding school i ride 15-17hh and don't mind but would like to go on a pony too!!

[JustJas]

If you like the pony- ignore them!

I have a 13'1 pony- arab x cob. (squint at her she is the skewbald). I loan her out- because of time- she is being ridden by an ten year old girl and her mum. They both love her. The lil sis will also ride her when she is a competent rider.

If they return her - I will ride her my self- I am 5'2 and she will easily carry me.

[Trewsers]

Ignore them, they're just jealous cos they have further to fall:p I love ponies, I'd love a Hafflinger or Icelandic or fjord - but I think I might be a tad on the heavy side if anything (I'm 10 and a half stone ish) Mind you, if I carry on like I have been doing, the weight should carry on falling off, I've gone down 2 sizes since getting my own (must be all the worry!!!):D

[Frances]

" I'd love a Hafflinger or Icelandic or fjord - but I think I might be a tad on the heavy side if anything (I'm 10 and a half stone ish) "


Sorry, but rubbish utter rubbish.

Any of those could carry someone 14 stone without blinking and do regularly.

10 1/2 stone - you could ride our Shetlands no problem.

What is it with people who think they are too heavy for their horse who could probably pull a house down? Most native European breeds who are stocky and rotund are built to pull or carry large loads, perhaps not do the finest dressage but they can carry a large rider. Why do you think they were bred? They are not children's ponies but for adult riders and certainly in Iceland and Norway the men are not small but massive 6' 5" vikings.

And, I feel sure that if your horse thought you were too heavy, he would tell you in no uncertain terms.

Sorry for rant - had bugger of a day!

F

[Trewsers]

" I'd love a Hafflinger or Icelandic or fjord - but I think I might be a tad on the heavy side if anything (I'm 10 and a half stone ish) "


Sorry, but rubbish utter rubbish.

Any of those could carry someone 14 stone without blinking and do regularly.

10 1/2 stone - you could ride our Shetlands no problem.

What is it with people who think they are too heavy for their horse who could probably pull a house down? Most native European breeds who are stocky and rotund are built to pull or carry large loads, perhaps not do the finest dressage but they can carry a large rider. Why do you think they were bred? They are not children's ponies but for adult riders and certainly in Iceland and Norway the men are not small but massive 6' 5" vikings.

And, I feel sure that if your horse thought you were too heavy, he would tell you in no uncertain terms.

Sorry for rant - had bugger of a day!

F

Don't worry, rant allowed:D ! Since posting have seen an article in an issue of Horse and Rider and it said that Fjords were ok for carrying a mans weight. Right, that'll be me looking for one when the time comes.......:D

[carrieh]

I'm sure it's the build of the pony that matters, not the height. For example, I wouldn't sit a 13 stone adult on some of these 12 or 13 hh little lightweight show pony types. But I'd sit a 13 stone adult on my Fell. Different kettle of fish altogether! :D True British native ponies, whatever their size, are tough little things. Once you start breeding the native blood out of them and introduce thoroughbred blood to produce very lightweight show ponies, then you take away the hardiness and the ability to carry weight.

It just takes a bit of common sense and the ability to realise when you are asking too much of the pony. He will let you know. Ponies do! :D

[Colour_Crazy_Gi]

I get what you mean, i get tired of people saying to me 'your too big for your pony' 'you will be the one knocking jumps over not her' 'its better to let her go' and its only because they want her!!! I would really love a bigger horse simply because they can sometimes jump bigger and i would choose one that is more of a challenge. My pony does jump pretty big for her size, i just love it so much id love to go bigger!! And i would also enjoy an all-round eventer (my pony sucks at dressage :p)

The main thing is, if you and your pony are happy, then stuff everyone else! They are probably just jealous of you and your boy!

little ones are so much better!

Got to agree on that one though, they are amazing!!:D

[Wally]

My Icelandic is about the build of a Welsh B, about 13.1hh, I have never measured him. He is lighter built than Esther D's Rupert who has a bottom and a half.

However, Rupert is about 13.2hh, I would think twice about asking Rupert to carry me, because I just have a feeling that he might object to my weight. He is a smart, little pony with what looks like some breeding in him. Even though he looks more robust than Ljóssfaxi I am happier on the lighter horse than the heavier built one. I know Ljósfaxi has 1000 years of purpose built breeding behind him. No offence to Rupert, but I would't jump on his back and thrash off.

What I am trying to say is, just because they are a brick built out house is no real judge of their weight carrying ability. A big horse has so much mroe of his own weight to carry.

I once caught my 20 stone father on my Haflinger stallion, 13.3 ish. My dad is from army riding school so a bit coarse. My horse was willing and sensetive. I saw a Haflinger bottom with my father, all 20 stone, whizzing off at 90MPH up the drive as my father dug his heels in and old horse said HOW FAST? The only person having any problem was my father with the brakes. That's what they can do, 8 stone is nothing.

[carrieh]

I saw a Haflinger bottom with my father, all 20 stone, whizzing off at 90MPH up the drive as my father dug his heels in and old horse said HOW FAST? The only person having any problem was my father with the brakes.


:D :D My Fell is a past expert at carting riders too!

[Asterskatie]

Haha my haflinger can carry and jump with someone who is 20 stone easily!!

[Brandy Snap]

I know what you mean chestnuts4ever. I was a little worried about how I looked on ym pony, so much so that I nearly didnt buy him! Most people I asked said I looked fine, a few said I looked a little too long in the leg but I wasnt to heavy for him so if I felt good on him to go for it. And a few people were really nasty, telling me I was being cruel to even consider something so small I'm very glad to say that I went with my gut instinct and bought him. 9 months on and I've never been happier (or felt safer!) I do get comments sometimes. Someone once said to me "oh well, your next one will be bigger" and when out on a hack I heard a woman say to her daughter "isnt she too big to be riding that pony?" the little girl who couldnt have been more than 8, laughed at her mum and said "no!" :)

And I was delighted that I didnt get any strange looks or comments at the show on sunday as thats what I was worried about... goodness knows why as I dont look big on B at all!

Anyway, basically I'm saying that if your having fun on your pony, and he's carrying you happily (which at 8 stone he will barely feel you!) then ignore the comments, smile and continue hairing across country that big horses would stumble over! I know I do!

oh and incase your interested B is 13.2hh ish, 24 years old welshie xxxxx and I'm 5ft4 ish, 29 year old 10 1/2 stone scot!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j292/Rodeo_Sheepling/Brandy%20and%20Hannah/Digitalpictures8486.jpg

[Vicki1986]

~That is absurd.

I am 5ft 2, and weigh 9.8 stone and ride my 13.1 mare. she can jump 3ft with me and gallop as fast as she wants.

Although i do have fat days where i think im too big but i know really im not.
My pony is so strong theres no way a child could control her (hence her being chucked out of a riding school) so she has to have an adult anyway!
Tell them where to go.

I wouldnt give up on my pony for the world no matter what anyone said or thought.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/vicki1986/willow/small345.jpghttp://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/vicki1986/willow/untitled-1.jpghttp://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/vicki1986/willow/speedgateshow1.jpg

[ponies-R-gr8!!!]

I wouldnt worry about the comments. I am 15 y/o, 5" and weigh about 8.5 stone and i ride an 11.2 welsh sec a at times and she still manages to tank off with me!!! Shes too strong for small children and before my riding school got her she was a games pony used for a small adult! and my 18 y/o friend who is about 5"7 rides a stocky 11.2 welsh and he still manages to buck and go at 200mph with her!:rolleyes:

[abbiegirl]

hiya i have a pony too! he is a sec b x and i hack him out regular. he carries me very easily. i am about 5"3 and weigh nearly 9 stone. put the comments aside and enjoy the time you spend with your pony.

[mazda]

I think you sound absoulutly fine!!! I know people that are taller and slightly heavier (not much heavier) than you that always ride 12hh ponies and they look fine! Don't worry what others say it's how you and your pony feel with each other!

maz
xxx

[rinzarider]

I am 5'9" and very definitely an adult.

I used to take my 12hh Welsh Mountain Pony to the Riding Club Shows and enter everything going on her-and win things too.

When someone 'moaned' about that, I took my `16hh show-jumper the next time instead and got moaned at AGAIN because it 'wasn't fair' that my BSJA show-jumper was beating their horses in the jumping.

So-whatever you do SOMEONE will criticise. :D

Don't worry about it.

[missing murphy]

your right, ponies are better than horses! ponies are small, skitty, fast an fun. yes....u can find skitty fast an fun horses but i perfer ponies. when i went on a trecking holiday in wales i specifically asked for a pony, all the horses were plod alongs if i wanted that i would have jus stayed in london an went 2 a ridig school! and y shud u have 2 give up your baby because other ppl think u should! no, its totally up 2 u! carmen x x

[*Solo's Mum*]

i'm 5 foot 5ish 8-9stone ish
and ride a 13.1hh welsh b pony..
you sound like you would be fine
don't listen to the comments
they are just jelous..
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/Jessmeeka/100_1082.jpg
me and my pony compete in show jumping comps all the time
we have jumped 3 foot so far
*due to me not wanting to go higher* lol
he could easily do higher with me on his back, it is just my confidence
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/Jessmeeka/odesjjump.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/Jessmeeka/100_1009.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/Jessmeeka/IM004357.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/Jessmeeka/jessandsolosj1.jpg

Jess
xx

[beccylovespurpl]

They say that New Forest ponies can carry a stone for every hand. Whilst Foresters are not fine (not really cobby either) I'd still say that there is no way that you are too heavy. I think that this attitude is a result of what people are used to rather than an accurate understanding of what ponies are capable of. Ignore them and enjoy your pony!

[shandy84]

You should have been at the breed show this weekend, there were huge numbers of people riding these ponies larger than you, even I was taken aback by some of the riders - but it was BRILLIANT to see it!

[Black_Topaz]

I think you're all just fine riding your ponies, go for it, they can carry you, I'm sure they love you to bits! :D

However, I would mention that some people in their defences of their ability to ride ponies occasionally end up treading on others feet to the point where they hurt people who ride bigger horses. Not saying any of the people here have done this, but I have met some of these characters before and they made me feel quite bad, somehow that I'm not as good a rider if I ride my 16.3 than if I rode a pony.

Anyways, just be careful that in your own defences you don't hurt others :o

[hunny]

i am 5ft5 bout 8 and a half stone and i ride my friends 12.2 he carrys my weight with perfect ease ponies are stronger than they look so just ignore them ponies are really nice to ride (bit hard to sit in trot tho to mee anyway lol) just ignore them and enjoy your pony and ignore their stuck up comments

[Greentchr]

My 16yo daughter is 6 ft,weighs about 110 lbs (tall and skinny), don't know how that translates to stone in weight. Her little mustang is 13'3. She is taller than the horse, but who cares? She feels safe on the little horse, and was scared to ride before we got the little one. We went hacking with some neighbors on their big dressage horses (and I mean big!), and our little one looked like a toy- but when the biggies were afraid of the evil tractor monster, guess who led the way? when we had to go straight up the steep hill, guess who got to pick the path? Wasn't the prissy barn models, it was the little pony:)

Size isn't the thing, it is ability and heart. If she can comfortably carry you, then don't get upset at other people's opinions. Opinions are like elbows- we all have 'em.

[lamprellsarah]

i am 9 stone and currently schooling my friend 14HH welsh x hackney, hes not particualarly thick boned either. and i'm taking him around the x country next week and i'm looking forward to it!!!

[Gothika]

You'll be fine! I'm 5 foot 6/7 and 11.4 stone and recently went to a friend's and she asked me to ride her 13.1hh pony (not hugely cobby either), and she looked shocked when I asked if I was too big.

So I got on him and he was wonderful, walked, trotted, cantered and I even took him round a mini xc course, clear and no problem. :D Go for it, ponies rule. I have a 14.2hh cobx , 14.3hh welsh cob and a 15.1hh tbx and guess which I look tallest on? My 15.1hh, of course. :D

[LokiSofi]

Your not too heavy, I've just got myself an 11.3hh section A on trial and I'm 5'3" and just under 8 stone he manages fine he even tries to jog through fields.
I'm a convert to ponies having also got a 15.3hh TB gelding and having always had or ridden bigger than 14.2hh (apart from a couple at my old job where I was the only one small enough) and I have to say I get more enjoyment from riding Paddy than I do from riding Dakota. (Don't get me wrong I love riding Daks too;) ) I feel safer on Paddy and know that whatever he throws at me I'm capeable of dealing with it, whereas Daks has a lot more size and power and when he messes about I do worry.
Paddy is too much for kids to handle as he either bucks or switches off when they ride him but with adults he is a star really awake alert and seems to enjoy it more.