How big a pony for my 8year old? Is 12.2 too small?

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Julia0803

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I know you are probably thinking of course 12.2 is fine for an 8year old! But mine is really tall and I just wanted to check before we go and see a pony who is looking for a sharer locally. I don't want the owner to look upon us in abject horror that we will squish her ponio!

My son is very tall and skinny for his age. He is 8 and 146cm/ 4ft9 and about 28kg/ 4.5 stone so proabably about the same weight as most 8year olds, and about a head taller.

At his lessons he tends to ride the schools ponies of around 14hh but they are all quite chunky. But he is a complete beginner and does sometimes struggle if they play up as he isn't very strong (and is a bit weedy) and of course he is a complete beginner, having only been riding a few months.

I've spoken to the owner and pony is a new forrest- so i'm hoping a little bit chunky to take up some of his leg, apparently very sweet and suitable for a nervous child to have fun with and gain confidence.

What do you think? It's a share,not a sale so I guess i don't need to factor in "growing room" in quite the same way.

Many Thanks
 
A first pony is better a little small as it will be a stepping stone for your son to get started on, the temperament of the pony is the most important thing at this stage, as it is a share it will be down to the owners to approve but it sounds ideal to me.
 
Thank you. I'm waiting to hear back and will see what she says. If all is well then hopefully we will get to go and see her on Saturday.
 
Best thing is to go and try the pony out, it may not be suitable for other reasons, tho I'm sure it will be fine - and as it's a share, I really would not worry !!

Good luck, and let us know what happens :)
 
I have just bought my 9yr old a 13.2hh - he is about the same height as your lad and around 5 stone.

The pony is a little big for him so am hoping it will last a couple of years before he grows out of it.

However if it is a share I wouldn't worry at all - as and when he gets too big you can just end the agreement and find something bigger.
 
My nearly 11 year old son is the same height and weight as your 8 year old and is still on a 12.2 pony. He (the child, not the pony) has long legs and a shortish body - so it partly depends on how your child is proportioned.

Also, the temperament of the pony is key. You may get a 14hh which is way safer than a 12.2 - but generally, if you have a pony with a nice temperament, you will never lose money when you sell.

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As a very 1st pony, I think you will be fine with a 12.2.
Pony may only last till end of next summer before dangly legs could be too long, but this pony (if right in temp) could be the 'one' to get your son going.
When starting out all kids need something with their eye level with theirs, helps them feel more comfortable & at ease.

Don't be tempted to go much bigger if this one doesn't suit as then your son may be put off for a long time if pony gets over strong on the ground as well as under saddle.

Better to be under horsed than over horsed at his age.

Good luck - hope the viewing goes well :)
 
Thank you to all who replied.

We are going to see the pony at the weekend.

More than anything else I just want something kind, and safe. My son is a bit of a worrier and can get a bit nervous. His self confidence is pretty awful (in everything not just riding, somthing we are really tring to improve. He has got a lot better, but we are still working on it). I spoke to his instructor before my lesson today, and she said she was heartbroken yesterday when, at the end of his lesson, he gave his pony a pat and a kiss and said "I hope your next rider does a better job than me. " :( (He hadn't really done anything wrong at all, except cobby 14hh pony had napped a little and it took DS a few goes to get him doing as he was asked. It wasn't a big deal at all, just a chunky pony seeing what he can get away with)

So kind and safe are the order of the day!

I will let you know how it goes.
 
Julia0803 said:
I spoke to his instructor before my lesson today, and she said she was heartbroken yesterday when, at the end of his lesson, he gave his pony a pat and a kiss and said "I hope your next rider does a better job than me. " :( (He hadn't really done anything wrong at all, except cobby 14hh pony had napped a little and it took DS a few goes to get him doing as he was asked. It wasn't a big deal at all, just a chunky pony seeing what he can get away with)
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Oh bless!!!

My daughter is a similar age to your son and only started riding last year... I don't think it's the best time with hindsight... My son was 13, tall and with a good musculature so he had some strength when needed - daughter has missed the early days I guess of learning to balance and sit right but doesn't have the core or physical strength if her mount plays up either...

You don't need to be thinking of the pony suiting your lad for the next x number of years so a good size now can only be a benefit... I hope she turns out to be a little star and suited to your lad - if not, keep looking and you will find the right one that will help his confidence...

:)
 
I carried on riding a 12.2 until I was nearly out of my teens - I'm 5' 4". Bear in mind that your lad will be able to mount a 12.2 easily and tack/untack it instead of having to stretch up to 14hh. He can do all the daft things I did such as jumping off in canter and running along beside and vaulting on over the pony's bottom (temperament permitting!) I've never understood why parents are so keen to put their kids onto bigger and bigger animals so quickly. Go with the little uns!
 
He sounds like a nice caring little lad, bless him! Hope it goes well. My first pony was 12.2 and I was 10 and leggy. Sure it will be fine xx
 
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