Adults riding ponys????

[HCkernow]

Hi all, I've just bought a 4 year old 12.2 new forest pony as a 2nd pony for my son. She is amazing but just needs her schooling furthered and he isn't experienced enough to do it.
What would you say is the max weight she should carry? I'm too heavy at 11 stone but I have an adult friend who is 7.5 stone. I would say this is fine for schooling but what about more prolonged rides eg hacking or hunting??
Thanks.

 

[castella]

Your friend should be absolutely fine, I'm 8.5 stone and ride a 13hh welsh b.

 

[PaddyMonty]

I would say this is fine for schooling but what about more prolonged rides eg hacking or hunting??

Just a minor point but schooling (if done properly) can place far more physical strain on a horse than most hacks would. 7.5 stone should be fine for schooling and hacking. Just match the level of work to fitness / muscle level.

 

[NellRosk]

7.5 stone is absolutely fine! I'm extremely jealous, wish I could still get away with riding ponies We have a Highland in the herd and I occasionally have a sit on him, he's awesome!

 

[Charem]

It depends a lot on the build of the pony too. New forests come in all shapes and sizes and the stocky type can carry a decent weight. At their breed show they have a weight carrying class and I think the minimum weight is 13 st. Back to the point your 7.5 st friend would be fine.

I'm just over 8.5 st and had an 11.2hh welsh a in for selling a couple years ago that I rode out hacking, jumping and schooling. Atm I've got a lovely little welsh b x connie who I do everything with including hedge hopping out hunting.

 

[paulineh]

7.5st will be fine for your pony.

I had a 13.2hh New Forest pony who carried me . In total with tack he would carry 11st. He competed in Endurance , including the 100 miles class at the Golden Horse Shoe (All over Exmoor). He never had a problem and completed in many Endurance Race Rides. He also Hunted and Hunter Trailed with success