Umbongo
Well-Known Member
What about a NF cross? I had a beautiful 15.2hh arab x NF.
You wont find many NF that will go over height, the breed society is very strict with keeping to breed standards so over height ponies will not get a full passport, it may not matter to you but it will stop them being advertised as potentially going over height as it will keep the price down and limit it to a non showing career in the future , hope that makes sense.
The Dales are less restrictive but the preferred height is under 14.2, it is up to the individual judge whether they put them down the line or not, so again traditional breeders will not be actively promoting any bigger than average youngsters, you will probably need to do some research to see which bloodlines tend to be big and contact the breeders directly asking them to give you the nod if any are likely to be over or at the top end, otherwise it will be down to you taking a punt and hoping whatever you buy grows well.
The Dales here is right at the top, he will probably measure in but it may be tight, I have had a few 14.2 NF ponies, 2 were from the Buckland stud, the Dragonslayer pony was a really good type, deep bodied, super front and easily carried a 5ft 8in rider as a 4 year old so by the time he matured he would have ridden more like a horse but with the pony brain.
I don't think so really. I would love one but I think we tall people are just too tall for them. We would look stupid unfortunately especially for competing. Try a Connie or Welsh cross.
Someone of 5ft8in will not "look stupid" on a well put together deep bodied pony, as long as the pony takes up enough leg and the rider is not too long in the body they will look and feel fine, if more people bought something smaller there would be less people struggling to cope with having too much horse to deal with, it is much the same with children who get put onto ponies that are too big too soon, they often find they have problems.
At the end of the day we buy a horse we want to ride, if a few people think they look stupid who cares as long as the pony is happy and the rider is having fun, the OP knows what she wants and has a fair idea of the type that will be suitable, I am sure she has a mind of her own and can ignore this type of comment.
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.
This, this, this!!
I had a challenging, give an inch take a mile up to height welsh D on loan for a few years. Knew his full brother and known a few others since. I love the breed, they are all different but have all been intelligent and adults more than kids ponies for sure. I also totally, 100% agree with the experience that it takes time to get them to trust/bond with you, but my god they will go through heaven and hell for you once you are both on the same side. Whilst also still dragging you off to the nearest grass the moment you take your eye off them and making you look like a right novice!
Where are you based? I might have missed that bit!
I'm on the edge of the New Forest, in Wellow. Hants/Wilts border of the A36.