13 year old too large for 11.2?

[gerbiljo]

I have just purchased a 5 year old 11.2 section A for my 8 year old to ride. We have had her two weeks and she’s been dream. Today she spooked and played up a bit and my daughter came off, of course now she doesn’t want to get back on
If one of my bigger ponies plays up with the kids I usually hop on and make sure we end on a good note, but I’m too big. My 13 year old daughter is 5’4 and approx 45-50 kg could she get away with hopping on the pony for a little walk about in this situation?
We just did a bit of lunging and trotting, walking about in hand when my 13 year old rode our other mare in the school and had no other issues but ideally I’d of liked to have had someone have a quick ride, but no other small riders!!
Appreciate advice as although we’ve had horses a while we’re not really knowledgeable owners regarding riding! I dont want to risk hurting the pony as she is quite fine boned and hoping it’s just a small blip and I can get my other daughter back on…

 

[Chuffy99]

Go for it, being ridden by your elder daughter a couple of times to keep her on the straight and narrow will do no harm

 

[gerbiljo]

Ok great thanks for taking the time to reply ?

 

[JackFrost]

I am the same weight as your older daughter. I would not feel good about getting on an 11.2 fine boned pony that was 5 years old.
At that age their back is still developing and it may not have learnt yet how to really carry the weight of a rider. For me, it's a no.

 

[Chuffy99]

45kg is 7 st, no problem

 

[planete]

I would do regular ground work with her before younger daughter rides, concentrating on making her super obedient to voice commands with quiet lunging and long reining.

 

[ponynutz]

Yes, I was sat on things at her age and older because I only weighed that or less. I'd say she's fine but not for a permanent solution.

 

[Cutgrass]

I'm a 45kg adult and wouldn't get on a pony that small.

 

[sbloom]

I wouldn't rule it out for short rides, but I would be more concerned about the saddle and having a larger rider in it, it will almost certainly affect the fit. If you use a fitter I would have them come and advise, it may be entirely possible with a shim pad for example to stop a taller and heavier rider sitting on the cantle. This is really common, will likely send the saddle forwards, and give the pony a sore back through not spreading the weight properly. It's not something enough people take into account.

A 13 year old can exercise a small pony but few would have the skills to improve the pony. Is there anyone locally who specialises in them that could come and suss things out for you?

 

[SEL]

I've got on RS ponies that size - especially welshies - & I was nearer 8 stone. They didn't have a problem with me for a short period of time just making sure they remembered their jobs before the kids got on.

I did try bareback but bucks from a small pony who hasn't had enough work are hard to sit no matter how short their legs are!!

We do have a couple of ladies nearby who specialise in backing ponies and they are both about 7.5 st and 5'3" ish

 

[eahotson]

If you haven't already get a good experienced instructor to assess the suitability of the pony for your child.

 

[maya2008]

5 year olds can play up. They are coming into their prime and mares are coming into a world of hormones at that age. Perfect at 4, spicy and hormonal at 5, perfect again at 6yo. I happily bought my experienced, loves-a-spicy-pony son a 5 year old unbacked pony a few weeks ago as he specifically wanted something fun that would keep him on his toes. He learned to ride on a naughty Shetland who liked to buck him off or take off home with child attached…so he’s learned to love the adrenaline rush! He also spent last summer on a cheeky older pony, so has the skills too. Are you sure your 8 year old is ready for a 5 year old mare who will challenge her and be a bit cheeky?

In terms of putting your 13 year old on, the weight I am sure would be fine bareback, but as said above I sincerely doubt she would fit into the saddle! Also…I am 5ft4. I think I would need roller skates if I sat on our 11.2hh. Could you maybe find a plucky 9 or 10 year old locally who could help? My son had helped friends in the past. He quite enjoys it!

Another option that might help is long-reining, which is something you can do with the pony.