How much can an 11hh pony carry?

Mb02

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Hello everyone, I am soon going to be getting a 4 yr old pony but he will need backing. He's a welsh section a and I'm 5'4 and about 7 stone 7/8. I was just wondering if anyone knew where I could find the information or if they knew if I would be way too heavy for him or not? Thanks everybody :)
 
OP says he's a welsh Sec A so relatively light? And as a youngster will not have build up any strength to carry a rider yet. The theoretical estimate is 10% of horse's body weight - but I do know that is not the entire picture. Some breeds carry more bone. Some riders are more balanced.

But based on the estimate of 10% you would need a pony weighing approximate 470Kgs? (Maths not my strong point?!) My welsh Sec A weighed 354kgs. My daughter rode him and she probably weighed about 35-38kgs at the time. (She was 14 when he died before anyone accuses me of having an anorexic child!)

Personally I think the 10% thing is set on the low side - but mindful that this is an unbacked youngster not a mature pony I would err on the side of caution until he can build some muscle mass.
 
Some Welsh As are wider than they are tall! If so 20% is more realistic. At 10 stone I was ok on a 12hh solid A, too heavy for 11.1 solid A. Some are far lighter build than those two though.

I don't think at your weight you need a TB sized horse/ large pony :)
 
This is the Pony Club Games weight restrictions on ponies
A rider weighing over 54kg dressed to compete, may not ride a pony 128cm or under. A rider weighing
over 60kgs may not ride a pony 133cm or under. A rider weighing over 66kgs may not ride a pony
138cm or under.

11.2hh is 116.84cms so you would be looking at a rider and saddle weighing no more than 45kg (7 stone)
 
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