Fell or Dales pony enthusiasts a question/opinion pls

Cuffey

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 February 2003
Messages
3,151
Location
SW Scotland
Visit site
A subject which often comes up is what weight of rider is a particular horse/pony capable of carrying
If you have a Fell or Dales pony could you please give me an estimate of its weight and what is the maximum weight of rider you would allow to ride your pony--not jumping but across open country at all paces
I have been reading up on Border Reivers and they estimate the Galloway pony breed were carrying of the order of 140kg or 22stone--rider, saddle, weapons, food etc on raiding parties
This sounds far more than we would ask a pony to carry in 2008
Opinions pls--the modern Fell/Dales is nearest to the extinct Galloway
 
I used to have a 13.2hh Fell Pony, she could easily carry 18-20 stone, she was a powerhorse!
img009.jpg
 
I had a 14.2 pure bred dales and she used to carry my 13 stone friend hacking and jumping. She did not look the slightest bit underhorsed. I am certain Holl would have carried up to 15 stone comfortably.
 
I have a 13hh Dales x with a dartmoor and he can carry about 12stone, haven't really questioned how much he can carry as i'm only 7 stone and carries me v easily.
grin.gif
 
I have a 13.2hh Fell. She's built like a tank and I would estimate she would carry around 14/15stone and they probably wouldn't look underhorsed either. Not that I have anyone of that weight ride her anyway!
 
Top