5'8 and I'd like a NF Pony - Unrealistic? Other Suggestions?

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PercyMum

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I'm having a dither.

I would really, really like to get a youngster to bring on so I am looking at going to the sales next year to pick up a little something. I keep my horses at home and currently have a 15.2hh Highland x Tb who is just right but isn't as chunky as a normal native (I also have a TB who is a total idiot, stupidly high maintenance and after 10 years of owning TB's, I've had enough, although I do love them!!). I was thinking about a NF; whilst I know they are supposed to do 'a hand per stone', I'm not sure I want to test this theory and rather selfishly, I don't want to look stupid on a little thing!! I'm 5'8 and weight 11-12 stone, depending on how many pies I have eaten (I'm also a size 12 - physio thinks I have a titanium core!!)

So I have been thinking about a 14.2hh NF (or bigger if one comes up) and have been doing a lot of research on the bigger, stockier lines to try and make sure that I get the right sort of thing. Obviously there is a risk with a youngster and it not turning out as thought but I do have a sharer who is teeny-tiny who can do the backing stuff if it turns out smaller than expected. She will then either have the pony or we sell on as a (hopefully) nicely produced young pony.

However, this is my least preferred option and I would prefer something to keep. Basically, I ultimately want something that can do a bit of everything, inc. XC and jump, that is hardy, a good do-er and fun. I'm open to anything but really fancy a pony! I have thought about a Dales but know very little about them. I did also consider another Highland but they are a)stupidly expensive and b)not that athletic to jump (or the ones I have seen aren't!). I wouldn't rule out a cob but tricky to predict how one will turn out as a 1-2yo. I have the time to consider all my options and I'm not rushing into this at all so I would love to hear peoples thoughts or alternate suggestions?

Elevenses tea and biccies for all of you who go to the end!!
 
What about a Section D? Yes they have a reputation for having a lot of attitude but don't most natives/ponies? I have a D x TB (at 35' 10" I'm too tall for a pure D) and she has a fantastic leap and although very opinionated she has been really well trained in her youth (not by me) and has lovely manners.
 
NF's have an upper height limit of 148cms and I don't know how many are available close to the upper range - all the ones I have had dealings with have been in in 13 - 14hh range. That might not take up your length of leg. What about a Connemara? Lovely active movers, good athletic all rounders. Only thing - you might have to go to Ireland for them if you are specifically looking for something picked up on a drift.
 
I did think about a D or a D cross, as they are chunky, athletic and go a bit bigger. However, everyone I have met has been totally nuts. I don't mind quirky or unique but I don't do divas (says she with the TB who refuses to eat grass because it requires effort, is on the ground and it might be dirty...don't ask!). I had dismissed them out of hand but I guess with a youngster I would have the ability to shape it a it more so hopefully no diva-esque behaviour!!

I LOVE Connies but think they might be too expensive for me. Any ideas how much they go for in the Sales in Ireland? Not after something specifically picked up in a Drift, I just want a youngster. An overheight one would be the most perfect thing ever but I suspect also very expensive?
 
I agree, you don't really see many 14.2 NF's these days! I think you'd really struggle, especially if you're looking to get a youngster!

My friend has a 14hh boy, who is the chunky variety and if I'm honest, they aren't the best looking ponies out there! I'm 5'7 and have ridden him a few times, whilst he was over weight but now he's at the right weight I'd not dream of getting on him, I feel like I'd break him and almost my legs are far too long.
 
PercyMum said:
I did think about a D or a D cross, as they are chunky, athletic and go a bit bigger. However, everyone I have met has been totally nuts. I don't mind quirky or unique but I don't do divas (says she with the TB who refuses to eat grass because it requires effort, is on the ground and it might be dirty...don't ask!). I had dismissed them out of hand but I guess with a youngster I would have the ability to shape it a it more so hopefully no diva-esque behaviour!!

I LOVE Connies but think they might be too expensive for me. Any ideas how much they go for in the Sales in Ireland? Not after something specifically picked up in a Drift, I just want a youngster. An overheight one would be the most perfect thing ever but I suspect also very expensive?
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where about's in the country are you? I can put you in contact with the connie breeder who I bought my boy from. Mines connie x tb but she also breeds pure connies, although they are more likely to be under 2yrs old, so not sure if you were looking for that long?
 
Kezzabell2 said:
where about's in the country are you? I can put you in contact with the connie breeder who I bought my boy from. Mines connie x tb but she also breeds pure connies, although they are more likely to be under 2yrs old, so not sure if you were looking for that long?
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I've only just started looking and I'm planning to buy mid to late next year. I want to do lots of research first as I have never done this before! I'm in the New Forest so not far from you.
 
Kezzabell2 said:
I agree, you don't really see many 14.2 NF's these days! I think you'd really struggle, especially if you're looking to get a youngster!

My friend has a 14hh boy, who is the chunky variety and if I'm honest, they aren't the best looking ponies out there! I'm 5'7 and have ridden him a few times, whilst he was over weight but now he's at the right weight I'd not dream of getting on him, I feel like I'd break him and almost my legs are far too long.
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No, there aren't many. although there a cuple going through the Sales at Beaulieu next week so perhaps not impossible? Still worried I'd look daft on one though :-s
 
There are plenty of NF's that make max height of 14.2hh, get on the New Forest People's Facebook page and ask for studs that breed up to height ponies :) Mine is only 13.2hh but i am only 5'2'' myself. I'm always dwarfed in the ring on the whole, so that proves their are plenty of bigger ones out there :)

My YO has a yard full of Connies, only one of hers is 14.2hh, the others are around the 14hh mark, she is 5'8 and looks absolutely fine on them.


Just to add, a good true to type NF is definitely pretty!! Mines constantly complimented :)
 
I think you'd be fine weight wise, only problem with adults riding ponies is getting a saddle that fits both the pony and the rider. The pony may only be able to accommodate a 15.5/16" saddle with its length of back and this could be too small for an adult to comfortably ride in
 
PercyMum said:
I did think about a D or a D cross, as they are chunky, athletic and go a bit bigger. However, everyone I have met has been totally nuts. I don't mind quirky or unique but I don't do divas (says she with the TB who refuses to eat grass because it requires effort, is on the ground and it might be dirty...don't ask!). I had dismissed them out of hand but I guess with a youngster I would have the ability to shape it a it more so hopefully no diva-esque behaviour!!

I LOVE Connies but think they might be too expensive for me. Any ideas how much they go for in the Sales in Ireland? Not after something specifically picked up in a Drift, I just want a youngster. An overheight one would be the most perfect thing ever but I suspect also very expensive?
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They're like any breed, there are all sorts and all temperaments. My old D was certifiable but in a good, excitable, life-loving way, not a nasty spooky sharp way. You just had to trust him and let him do his thing and he would look after you to the end of the earth. His dam was exactly the same. His full sister was an RDA pony. There are lovely chilled ones out there and hotter fun types as well as the sharp little gits! They do have strong opinions but if you get them onside, you won't find a better breed. Getting one young and handling him/her properly will almost certainly get you a fantastic pony.

I find they also ride much bigger than other natives. I rode a friend's NF quite regularly and another friend's connie x nf from time to time. Both were roughly the same height as my boy. I never felt big on mine but felt huge on the NF and fairly big on the connie too. My boy was 14.1 but (other than getting on and off) I genuinely didn't notice much difference when I moved onto my 16.3 IDx (who, admittedly, I now realise rides smaller than his 16.3!)
 
xgemmax said:
I think you'd be fine weight wise, only problem with adults riding ponies is getting a saddle that fits both the pony and the rider. The pony may only be able to accommodate a 15.5/16" saddle with its length of back and this could be too small for an adult to comfortably ride in
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On the whole, a good big native will easily be in a 17" saddle. Our yard is full of natives from 13.2 - 14.2hh and saddle sizes vary from 17-18". Even my 13.2hh is in a 17".
 
I wouldn't get a D because they are pretty much the same build as what you've got.

I have a 15.2 D and a 14.2 Irish cob. They weigh the same but the 14.2 is a much bigger ride. The D is more athletic but they will both jump round a metre track with ease. The cob has jumped a metre ten with my 14st 6ft3 SJ coach on her. I am 5ft8.

Section D:

CA3374CA-898B-459F-8149-7633685588C5.png_zpsig6lx5qu.jpeg


Cob:

A9463F90-4141-457C-9D96-7DC849DE78BE_zpsxoow2vt6.jpg


With coach:

6E253D2B-FA26-4148-B747-7D11878ADB48_zpsoq8epaib.jpg


If I could only have one it would be the cob every time!
 
PercyMum said:
Ooh your Cob looks lovely!!

But I am clearly being dim - looked on a couple of sites but no cob foals?? Am I missing something?
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She is the love of my life. I've put my D in foal to a giant RID to hopefully breed my dream horse. The foal will need to live with the Cob to learn proper cob behaviour instead of Welsh behaviour!!

Have you looked on donedeal, you could import one from Ireland. One thing I would say is that I would do a hair test for PSSM on any cob I bought.
 
FfionWinnie said:
She is the love of my life. I've put my D in foal to a giant RID to hopefully breed my dream horse. The foal will need to live with the Cob to learn proper cob behaviour instead of Welsh behaviour!!

Have you looked on donedeal, you could import one from Ireland. One thing I would say is that I would do a hair test for PSSM on any cob I bought.
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PSSM? Sorry, would you mind telling me what this is as I have not heard of it? Thank you!
 
It's a muscle storage disease which is present and undiagnosed in many many horses particularly cobs and those types. Mine has it and needs careful management to lead a normal life.
 
You mentioned Dales and that you know nothing about them so a few thoughts from me, I have had very little to do with them having had just 2 but they are great, the current one is full 148cm, previous was a bit smaller but they ride big, he has the most wonderful easy nature, is talented enough to go on in dressage, is county show standard, lovely to hack and has just started jumping, I would certainly recommend from my experience with the breed.

I have had loads of NF here over the years and they are also super ponies, find a good one and it will do all you want, and more, they are out there at 148 but you will have to take a bit of a chance that it will not be your ideal size.
 
I'm 5 foot 7 and have had a 148 New Forest for 15 years. I'm also around your weight and he has happily carried me all that time - still going strong at 26 with no back or joint issues. I'm starting to see more up to height ones for sale on the various sale sites. At New Forest Show this year the big ponies' class seemed to contain more of the old fashioned leg at each corner types rather than the mini TBs that seemed to be creeping in a few years ago and talking to the lady on the NF society stall she seemed to confirm that this is what they are starting to breed for again.
 
lar said:
I'm 5 foot 7 and have had a 148 New Forest for 15 years. I'm also around your weight and he has happily carried me all that time - still going strong at 26 with no back or joint issues. I'm starting to see more up to height ones for sale on the various sale sites. At New Forest Show this year the big ponies' class seemed to contain more of the old fashioned leg at each corner types rather than the mini TBs that seemed to be creeping in a few years ago and talking to the lady on the NF society stall she seemed to confirm that this is what they are starting to breed for again.
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That's really interesting, thank you. I emailed them a few weeks back to ask for advice on studs, bloodlines etc and have head nothing back, which was a bit disappointing. I've heard that the Farriers Stud is pretty good ad just down the road from me.

Although I am rather taken with the Dales as well....
 
PercyMum said:
That's really interesting, thank you. I emailed them a few weeks back to ask for advice on studs, bloodlines etc and have head nothing back, which was a bit disappointing. I've heard that the Farriers Stud is pretty good ad just down the road from me.

Although I am rather taken with the Dales as well....
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Have a look at Applewitch, Willoway & Furzley too

The breed society are undermanned and very slow to reply :)
 
http://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/class...lay_db_button=on&db_id=133501&query=retrieval

This is rather a nice NF colt, looks as if it will be the right type so may be worth contacting the stud to see what they will have next year.

There are very few Dales studs in the south, one in Surrey, where mine was bred, is the Sunglow stud they could be worth contacting to see if you could visit and check out the type, again if you want a young one they may have something on the way.
 
be positive said:
http://www.nfed.co.uk/cgi-bin/class...lay_db_button=on&db_id=133501&query=retrieval

This is rather a nice NF colt, looks as if it will be the right type so may be worth contacting the stud to see what they will have next year.

There are very few Dales studs in the south, one in Surrey, where mine was bred, is the Sunglow stud they could be worth contacting to see if you could visit and check out the type, again if you want a young one they may have something on the way.
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Yes, I saw him and thought he was rather yummy! And ginger - my fave colour!

Thanks for the tip about Sunglow; I'll have a gander...

Although now pondering a cob also. But just think a big pony would be so much fun!!
 
I am another to recommend the Dales breed. My boy whom I bought as a 2 yr old is just so super, he is oversize at 15hh and stunning. I feel very lucky he grew so well.i do distance rides with him, horse agility and am just starting jumping. He really is a lovely willing alrounder.
I have had 3 section D s in the past when I was younger. They are imo not for the feint hearted. A beautiful and fiery breed with an action to die for. In my older age I prefer a quieter ride.
 
You need to think hard about what you want to do with your pony.

If you want to do all rounder stuff AND be able to stick pony in an M&M class at a show then an over-height NF is not the pony for you.

If you get an M&M, imo make sure it is registered and not overheight, then you have more options than just your all rounder RC type stuff :)
 
PercyMum said:
I LOVE Connies but think they might be too expensive for me. Any ideas how much they go for in the Sales in Ireland? Not after something specifically picked up in a Drift, I just want a youngster. An overheight one would be the most perfect thing ever but I suspect also very expensive?
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I think the price of connies at Clifden has picked up a bit but I bought a fab one by a fashionable stallion there in 2012 for 1300 euros (had been out competing at 90cm and had hunted), and in 2014 I bought one by a less fashionable stallion for 1000 euros and he has turned out to be even better. I kept in touch with the breeder of the first one and bought another out of the same mare for 1200 euros, and he is a chunky 15.2 and the most straightforward obliging, fun RC allrounder you could wish for. I can send anyone hunting on him (he gets pimped out lots) and would happily sail round a 90cm HT with even the most nervous novice. As he is overheight I cant show him in registered classes and he is too small to be a successful small hunter, but he tends to clean up in the RC horse classes. All 4 of my connies turn their hooves to absolutely everything and are great fun to have around
 
Crackerz said:
You need to think hard about what you want to do with your pony.

If you want to do all rounder stuff AND be able to stick pony in an M&M class at a show then an over-height NF is not the pony for you.

If you get an M&M, imo make sure it is registered and not overheight, then you have more options than just your all rounder RC type stuff :)
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I only want to do RC stuff, perhaps some low-level affiliated dressage and BE. Definitely not showing!!
 
YasandCrystal said:
I am another to recommend the Dales breed. My boy whom I bought as a 2 yr old is just so super, he is oversize at 15hh and stunning. I feel very lucky he grew so well.i do distance rides with him, horse agility and am just starting jumping. He really is a lovely willing alrounder.
I have had 3 section D s in the past when I was younger. They are imo not for the feint hearted. A beautiful and fiery breed with an action to die for. In my older age I prefer a quieter ride.
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Interesting, thank you. I'm not bothered by fiery-ness, high spirits or anything like that; I cannot stand temperamental diva-esque behaviour! Sadly, most of the D's I have met come into this category. I know a lot of it is the way they are handled and TBH, the owners I met seemed a bit um, wet, for their charges. So I guess I am being unfair to them and should look objectively at them again, bearing in mind I will be buying a 1-2yo and bringing it on myself. I do like a Dales though and yours sounds amazing. Do you have any piccies? Where did you get him?

Thanks!
 
PercyMum said:
I only want to do RC stuff, perhaps some low-level affiliated dressage and BE. Definitely not showing!!
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No worries! Just pointed it out because i read so many people buying something, then later trying to fit their horse in to a type/breed for showing and moaning when they can't :D
 
Crackerz said:
You need to think hard about what you want to do with your pony.

If you want to do all rounder stuff AND be able to stick pony in an M&M class at a show then an over-height NF is not the pony for you.

If you get an M&M, imo make sure it is registered and not overheight, then you have more options than just your all rounder RC type stuff :)
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Dales ponies have no upper height limit, mine is registered under section A of the stud book and would likely do very well shown.
 
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