How small can I go

[Highflinger]

Thinking of getting another pony . I am a happy hacker but enjoy the occasional very low level dressage/trec/polework stuff but just to take part - not interested in winning. Not into jumping.
I am 5ft 8 and weigh 9 stone 4 and average leg length . I have always ridden 14.2 and under native types. I realise that 14.2 is super popular and expensive at the moment and wondered if I went smaller I would widen my market and reduce the price. How small do you think I could I go without looking ridiculous or feeling unbalanced. I prefer the wide across the beam type which take up my leg.

 

[Leandy]

You could probably go to 14hh but I would think that just over 14.2 is also cheaper. There is a premium for up to height ponies that still measure in, so ones just slightly over height are likely a bit cheaper as less of a competitive market.

 

[Widgeon]

I'm not sure about over 14.2 being cheaper - chunky 14.3/15hh (i.e. not jumping pony type) are like hen's teeth because they make nice adult rides (or so I found when I was looking last year). I wouldn't rule out smaller cob or native types, my last share was a 13.3 Highland and I'm also 5'8" and heavier than you at just over 10 stone. I looked fine on her and she rode bigger.