Dartmoor Ponies

[Sierra]

First of all, its my first post so Hi!

And then for my question:
Does anyone have any experience with Dartmoor Ponies and bigger riders?

Are they suitable for carrying adult weights? Just because a friend and I have been looking for horses to loan and recently came across an opportunity for a loan involving a 12.2hh Dartmoor pony.

We both weigh 9st and are 5'2 tall. We have both ridden ponies of similar heights before and having been riding for years (so are balanced when riding).

I know that it will really depend on the pony but I just wanted to know if anyone else had any previous experience with Dartmoor ponies.

Thanks

[Madaz_Maddy]

Welcome to new rider!! Hope this helps....

A friend of mine is approx 10st and rides her 11.2 Welshy on a regular basis for descent hacks.

I have an 11hand Dartmoor and she takes my weight (10st/5'1) easily.

Another friend has an 13h pony who has done 1 day eventing with an adult again approx 10st.

Yes it does depend on the individual pony but it isnt out of the question, personally I don't feel very balanced on my little girl but ride her comfortably and she's not the type to allow you to do something unless she likes it, so musnt be a problem for her!!

[lor]

I am 5'5" and about 9.5 stone and have ridden my friends registered 12 dartmoor mare several times, she felt completly comfortable carrying me. She has a lovely kind temperament, very willing and sweet.

The owner also rides her from time to time, she is about 5'8" and about 8.5 stone so looks leggy, tho not as leggy as you may imagine as Bella has quite a nice wide body so riders legs well taken up. Bella is mature, well put together and has a well fitted saddle.

[TiggerthePony]

A lot will depend on the Dartmoor. Some are very fine and not great weight carriers others are big boned and bulky and excellent weight carriers!

I've been trying to decide if my Dartmoor will carry me, he's nearly 4 now but not backing him for another year, he's 12.1hh and he's a medium build. I am 10 stone now though and if I was 9 stone would be happy to ride him - I am using him as my motivation for losing some excess weight by next year LOL!

[flashy33]

im about 81/2 stone & 5'2" i ride a 12.2 darty x she carries me no problem even in shows ( upset the locals by beating them all in a jumping class in sept)