How small can I go? Another adults riding ponies thread

[JulesRules]

Hi All

I'm looking at getting a second horse. My current horse is a 15.3 with lots of bone.

I would ideally like something smaller as I'm getting older (not as far to fall off and easier to hop on and off)

How small do you think I can go? I'm looking at medium to heavyweight cob types, Blagdon, Vanners, etc

I need something that can take up the leg and also carry me as I'm fairly solid and weigh more than I look like I should if that makes sense.

I'm 5' 5.5" and weigh just under 13 stone dressed

What is the smallest I could comfortably go? Anyone my height and weight riding ponies?

 

[ester]

The main issue you will have with that type is the size of saddle they can take for your height, many of them are very short backed which would mean although you could ride them they wouldn't be a comfortable long term ride for you.

I'm a similar height and weight (well I was much lighter but having had him 13 years it has increased to you and was happy at that combo riding my 14.2 welsh. - though he is a square old fashioned type. I look much better on him than I do mum's 15.1 anglo.

 

[Spottyappy]

Welsh cob.
Weight carrying but not as wide as the more traditional cobs.

 

[ester]

Width is an important point, F is a standard MW saddle, my hips are ok on him, Friend's XW cob could not be my daily ride.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

A good sized Fell, Dales or Highland could carry you easily provided you could get a saddle to fit both of you. They are though XXW generally speaking. See also Halflingers and Fjords. (I recently rode a Fjord-massive fun).

 

[HiPo'sHuman]

Definitely a Highland, you could probably get away with a smidge under 14hh if you wanted. I'm a similar weight on my 14.1 boy, he's happy, I'm happy and so are relevant professionals. I must add that I am trying to diet - I'd like to look slimmer on him BUT it's so nice knowing that there's no pressure to lose weight.

Eta - I carry weight on my belly (pesky children and mummy tummy!) so never had a problem fitting a 17" saddle although my boy could probably take a little bigger if I needed him to.

 

[JulesRules]

Thanks everyone. I hadn't really considered the back length, although having said that my existing horse is "short coupled" although she takes a 16" saddle okay.

In terms of width I'd better have a word with my yoga instructor for some hip opening exercises��. My current horse is medium wide but I used to ride a Clydesdale cross so hopefully I'll be okay. Something to bear in mind when trying things though.

 

[JulesRules]

I did enquire about a highland a couple of weeks ago but I think it was sold really quickly.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I did enquire about a highland a couple of weeks ago but I think it was sold really quickly.

I know a really nice Highland mare for sale but she is in Ayrshire. There's also a lovely Haflinger for permanent loan but he's in Fife (and 15.1h).

 

[eggs]

I'm 5'8" and a size 10/12 and used to ride a 13.2 Highland pony (although I did always say he was a 15 hand horse on 12 hand legs) and more recently felt very comfortable on our 14.2 Dales pony.

 

[Spandale]

I'd normally say around 14hh is as small as you can go safely and comfortably for an adult. In terms of breed, I am no expert but the first thing that comes to mind is a Quarter horse. A good, stocky one. They're small but sturdy little horses

 

[JulesRules]

I know a really nice Highland mare for sale but she is in Ayrshire. There's also a lovely Haflinger for permanent loan but he's in Fife (and 15.1h).

I keep seeing nice ones in Scotland 😕

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I keep seeing nice ones in Scotland ��

I think if you want a native, its best to go where there are a few of them I reckon-I went Welsh shopping in Wales and Fell shopping in Cumbria. Bought the Exmoor from a semi-feral herd in Cumbria also. This mare is nice and not overpriced and I expect she's not sold yet purely due to geography.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Um, stoopid question I know, but why would you WANT to get back onto a pony??? :-O

Having been on a "horse", you do get used to being on something a decent size, and a bit more predictable shall we say?

I just think the question "how small can I go" needs a bit of thinking around really........ its a bit of a "yes you might be able to but why would you want to" sort of question??

I'm 5'3 and weigh 9 stone. I've ridden an Exmoor pony, and wasn't too big for her. But for an older rider, which I assume OP you are? sometimes you need to think about comfort rather than "size"?? Ponies have a far more choppy way of going, and frankly can be damned hard on the vitals!! Contrast this with the nice even gait of a "horse".

Having said all this, I've gone back onto ponies! Bought a youngster last year, couldn't resist her, she's a gypsy cob, 13.2hh but rides far more like a 14.2. These little cobs are excellent for us older riders as - if you get a good one - they can have a really nice temperament with a sensible attitude, but they can come up wide unfortunately.

As others have suggested, I'd give consideration to something like one of the larger Natives. Welsh D would be my favourite, but be aware that they can be very opinionated and unless you can deal with that you may be better avoiding! On the plus side they are great characters, real fun cobs, very versatile, and immensely loyal.

 

[Gloi]

A Fell would carry you easily all day, or for something different an Icelandic. I've had a 13h Icelandic for 25 years and he's carried me 1000s of miles over that time, never tires even now.

 

[EllenJay]

Um, stoopid question I know, but why would you WANT to get back onto a pony??? :-O

Having been on a "horse", you do get used to being on something a decent size, and a bit more predictable shall we say?

I just think the question "how small can I go" needs a bit of thinking around really........ its a bit of a "yes you might be able to but why would you want to" sort of question??

I'm 5'3 and weigh 9 stone. I've ridden an Exmoor pony, and wasn't too big for her. But for an older rider, which I assume OP you are? sometimes you need to think about comfort rather than "size"?? Ponies have a far more choppy way of going, and frankly can be damned hard on the vitals!! Contrast this with the nice even gait of a "horse".

Having said all this, I've gone back onto ponies! Bought a youngster last year, couldn't resist her, she's a gypsy cob, 13.2hh but rides far more like a 14.2. These little cobs are excellent for us older riders as - if you get a good one - they can have a really nice temperament with a sensible attitude, but they can come up wide unfortunately.

As others have suggested, I'd give consideration to something like one of the larger Natives. Welsh D would be my favourite, but be aware that they can be very opinionated and unless you can deal with that you may be better avoiding! On the plus side they are great characters, real fun cobs, very versatile, and immensely loyal.

Totally agree with this. As I have got older pony brains are far too sharp. I have gone from a 14.2 Welsh D to a 16.2 - the 16.2 is great fun, and like sitting in your favourite chair. He is athletic and versatile but far more suitable to my aging reflexes.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

gods, I've gone to to ponies and haven't regretted it for a second with regards to sharpness lol. And Fells and such ride much bigger than they are-my own Fell has a cracking trot and canter and covers the ground better than the gypsy cobs that I've ridden over the years. I tried out one 14h Fell who had an incredibly long striding trot-very comfy.
I really wish people who be more supportive of our brilliant and versatile native breeds-many of which go on way into their 20s. And the XXW backs is what makes them strong enough for adults.

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

I haven't ridden a horse for years and have no desire to do so either. I love my ponies, I've had foresters from 13h to 14.2h. I'm 5'6 and a decent pony with a good depth of girth takes up the leg. ☺

 

[Nudibranch]

Being sick of big horses that just break, I'm now riding the 13.2ride and drive Fell, who is built like a tank and carries me easily. She takes up plenty of leg despite me being 5'10 with a 33" inside leg. She is quite long backed so takes a treeless no problem as well. But I have to admit I do miss a longer stride. That said, I'm seriously considering a big Dales when my poor big man has to be pts. You'd be just fine with a Fell, Dales or Highland as long as your hips can manage!

 

[Blazingsaddles]

One of the benefits of being a short-arse, IMO, is being able to ride ponies! I last rode a horse in 2004. Give me a pony over a horse any day of the week!

 

[be positive]

Another who loves riding a decent pony, I have a Dales here that is a super ride, extremely comfy, free moving, he is not too wide, he is in a wide saddle not extra wide and does not stretch the hips at all, I would definitely go for a quality native over a cob if you want to have a ride more like a horse as they should have a good shoulder and the movement to go with it, a chunky connie or NF could also carry the OP for low level activities with no problem.

 

[Calrina]

Ive seen a couple of nice ones the dales pony society website.

 

[eahotson]

A Fell would carry you easily all day, or for something different an Icelandic. I've had a 13h Icelandic for 25 years and he's carried me 1000s of miles over that time, never tires even now.

Icelandics are awsome.

 

[eahotson]

gods, I've gone to to ponies and haven't regretted it for a second with regards to sharpness lol. And Fells and such ride much bigger than they are-my own Fell has a cracking trot and canter and covers the ground better than the gypsy cobs that I've ridden over the years. I tried out one 14h Fell who had an incredibly long striding trot-very comfy.
I really wish people who be more supportive of our brilliant and versatile native breeds-many of which go on way into their 20s. And the XXW backs is what makes them strong enough for adults.

Absolutely agree and yes many do have good long backs,like my welsh,and can take a good size of saddle.

 

[eahotson]

A good sized Fell, Dales or Highland could carry you easily provided you could get a saddle to fit both of you. They are though XXW generally speaking. See also Halflingers and Fjords. (I recently rode a Fjord-massive fun).

Saw a news item on my Facebook showing a blind Fjord doing a dressage test.Having said that the partnership must have massive trust in each other.

 

[JulesRules]

Thanks all.

I think ponies and horses can both be sharp, or naughty or quiet or sensible. Depends on the animal and I guess to an extent the breed.

I don't have my heart set on something small, I just have friends sending me things like a 14hh Blagdon and I'm thinking "is it too small?".

I'm looking for something a bit more straightforward and confidence giving as my existing mare is challenging and I just want to go out and have some uncomplicated fun.

Funnily enough I have seen something advertised that looks perfect and it's a mare (I wanted a gelding) and 15.2 (I wanted something smaller).

I think the main thing is for me to forget use, sex, colour and to an extent price and just find the right horse (or pony)

 

[be positive]

Thanks all.

I think ponies and horses can both be sharp, or naughty or quiet or sensible. Depends on the animal and I guess to an extent the breed.

I don't have my heart set on something small, I just have friends sending me things like a 14hh Blagdon and I'm thinking "is it too small?".

I'm looking for something a bit more straightforward and confidence giving as my existing mare is challenging and I just want to go out and have some uncomplicated fun.

Funnily enough I have seen something advertised that looks perfect and it's a mare (I wanted a gelding) and 15.2 (I wanted something smaller).

I think the main thing is for me to forget use, sex, colour and to an extent price and just find the right horse (or pony)

I think it is a good idea to make a list of what you must have and everything else can be flexible unless you need a certain breed or height to do the job you want, one thing to bear in mind is that most people overestimate the height so the 14 hand blagdon may well be nearer 13.2 which probably will be too small for comfort, the 15.2 mare is likely to be 15 hands which could be perfect, it is not always the case but in my experience more are under the advertised height than over especially in the 14-15 hand bracket.

 

[JulesRules]

Just realised my last message should have read forget AGE, sex, colour, size etc and not Use.

I think my "Must have" list is as simple as:
Must be able to take 13 stone /5'6"
Must be proven sensible to hack on country roads with cyclists, tractors etc.


Anything else I can work with

Nice to haves:
Done pleasure rides.
Potential to do a nice dressage test or go out and do low level jumping just for fun.
Good loader/ travels well.

 

[Gallop_Away]

I'm 5ft1 and a size 12 and ride a 13.2 welsh without issues

 

[DJ]

There`s a distinct lack of photos on this thread

OP ... It depends on how you feel on them to be fair, I`ve felt "big" on a 15hh slender arab type, but yet felt right at home and had loads of fun on a real leg in each corner 13hh chunky cob