I've ridden a pony two or three times in the past--he was a Connemara, 14.2 hands--and he had what I call a "jackhammer trot." I posted just fine on the horse I rode before him, but then my instructor put me on this pony and I started bouncing all over the place! I simply couldn't figure out how to post to his gait.
I know ponies have a reputation for being bouncy, but is it common to find ponies with smooth trots, too? I always assumed the bounciness had something to do with their shorter legs...I like the idea of riding a pony because I'd be lower to the ground, but I hated feeling like I was about to come out of the saddle at any moment!
I also wonder how small of a pony I could ride without hurting him or her...I'm 5'5" with short legs (I always have to buy pants in petite sizes or they're too long for me). I usually weigh somewhere between 140 and 150 lbs., though I've started losing weight recently...Are Shetlands out of the question?
I know ponies have a reputation for being bouncy, but is it common to find ponies with smooth trots, too? I always assumed the bounciness had something to do with their shorter legs...I like the idea of riding a pony because I'd be lower to the ground, but I hated feeling like I was about to come out of the saddle at any moment!
I also wonder how small of a pony I could ride without hurting him or her...I'm 5'5" with short legs (I always have to buy pants in petite sizes or they're too long for me). I usually weigh somewhere between 140 and 150 lbs., though I've started losing weight recently...Are Shetlands out of the question?