Am I too big for my pony?

Why are there so many of these ' I'm 4ft nothing and weigh 2stone will my 14.2 chunky cob fall over and die under me?' Where are people being made to feel so bad about riding ponies? I've had my 14hh spindley pony 15 years, I'm 5'7 and 65 kg I just completed a three day challenge ride with her and she was the smallest but most lively one there! Ponies are hardy and a lot more capable than some people give them credit for. You know if your horse is happy carrying you or not.
 
Procrastination said:
I've just started following you on Instagram, your pony looks ace! Ignore the neigh-sayers and just focus on you and what you want to do! If you're having a good time that's all that matters and there is no reason you won't be able to do everything on him that your friends are doing on their larger horses
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thank you very much ! Xx
 
huskydamage said:
Why are there so many of these ' I'm 4ft nothing and weigh 2stone will my 14.2 chunky cob fall over and die under me?' Where are people being made to feel so bad about riding ponies? I've had my 14hh spindley pony 15 years, I'm 5'7 and 65 kg I just completed a three day challenge ride with her and she was the smallest but most lively one there! Ponies are hardy and a lot more capable than some people give them credit for. You know if your horse is happy carrying you or not.
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thank you this helps a lot, you are very kind! Ponies are the best! X
 
They're probably just jelous or embarassed if you are riding at the same level on a smaller equine (big horse people seem to hate that). I have a 14.2 welsh and he is a fabulous little pocket rocket and we do a bit of everything. I'd choose a pony over a boring old horse any day!
 
Ignore, most people stay on 14.2s until their 16, then they move up to horses.

You'll probably still grow a bit more though - you're only 13!
 
Lordy you are no where near to big, height wise or weight wise! He probably doesn't even notice you are up there :)

Ignore the comments, its just typical jealous teenagers who can't help themselves. I have been on the recieiving end of this both from b*tchy girls and horrid yard owners and sometimes you just need to develop a thick skin!

If you are really worried speak to a horse back person (Physio, Chiropractor or Osteopath) who I have no doubt will confirm that you are absolutely fine on him!

Enjoy the pony, he looks lovely :)
 
I think you look perfect for each other - I hope you have lots of fun.

I'm 5' 10" and have been since I was 13 - I rode a 13.2hh pony until I was 17. She was a complete witch but taught me so much not least when you get bucked off over the head hang onto the reins or you'll never catch your pony and have to walk home!
 
I'm with the 'ignore them' mob. My friend is around 5'4 and used to jump my 14.2 slightly built arabxwelsh senior affiliated SJ and win regularly. Moon never struggled and she was unbeatable in the jumps offs. Another friend, around 5'5" has a 14.1hh welsh D and won the Addington Winter Prelim Dressage champs on him. She's also been selection for national senior teams. No one has ever commented that she looks too big for him and she regularly does sponsored rides and jumps all the big options (Over 1 meter in many cases. He has no problems carrying her whatsoever.

Enjoy your lovely pony. You are absolutely fine on him :)

Personally, I prefer pony characters, my boy, although 15.1 is a big pony rather than a small horse and I love him all the more for that.
 
Ignore them! You and your pony look very well suited. :)

I'm just under 5'4 and my mare is a 14.3hh welsh cob, however I can easily ride anything from 13.2hh upwards.
 
alainax said:
Ponies are the best. So many think it's cool to have a huge warmblood these days. Im more happy with my 15.3(and 3/4) than I have ever been on a huge horse. I'd love to have a pony, just need to reduce the size of my bum first!
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No way are you too big! Enjoy your lovely pony, he looks great fun and will teach you lots and you will be confident and safe.

I find that children particularly if they are in the pony club or at a riding club/school/livery the pressure of comparison to have the best /flashiest/highest jumping/impressive pony/horse drives the height of the steed up and up because they look more grown up/impressive. My daughter is 12years old just moved on to 14.2hh ready for next season and who she is slightly too small on. She still rides her 13.2hh and looks fine and has great fun. But there is such a lot of pressure from many of her peers are already moving on to 15.2hhs and wanting to BE etc. Long gone are the days of having fun at local shows - its all about how high they can jump. Very sad.
 
MagicEquine1 said:
:( I was at the yard today and my friends have 16 + hh horses and I have a Welsh section d 14hh pony, they were all telling me about how I'm too big for him, even though I just got him 4 weeks ago. I don't want to ever sell him and I am 5'4 and I'm 13. I'm not going to grow any more and I just feel really sad because should I have got a taller pony? But I wouldn't want any other pony than him, and I just feel so terrible I wish I was smaller 😭😭😭
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They don't like the fact that you have something new, that is all. You can do everything they can on their big horses, and you can get on and off without doing yourself a mischief into the bargain. Think how much money you are not having to pay out for 7 foot rugs, massive amounts of hay and feed. I know someone who does Prix St George on a Welsh Cob and I once watched an open jumping class at a local show where a little pony wiped the floor with the big horses and won the class effortlessly. When I was your age (and height) I was tootling about on a 12.2hh and we did plenty of jumping, riding cross-country etc. Section Ds were bred to do everything on small farms - light ploughing/harrowing, taking the farmers cart to market and church on a Sunday and take the farmer hunting on his day off too. They can EASILY carry a man so little old you is hardly going to trouble your pony. Riding a pony is FUN and they will always get you out of trouble (although being a Welshie, likely get you into trouble too :) ). My girl was 15.1 but all withers. Part Welsh D and rode like a pony even though she was quite long-necked and long-backed. She could out-gallop everything including her boyfriend who was 7/8 TB, !6.3hh and ten years younger. She left him standing every time and was still going hard at it when he had run out of steam. I've done my share of riding big horses and would always go back to the pony types.
 
I am 5ft 5, 11 stone , 50 yrs old and ride my 14hh trad gelding, he carries me fine, daughter is 5ft 8 and takes our 14.1hh mare hunting, she copes no problem. He will last you for years .
 
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