Is 14.1 too small?

[pinkfluffy]

So, I haven't ridden in 9 years. My horses were retired for health/age problems and sadly died within 6 months of each other at 36 & 31. I decided to get a riding horse (after a while) and started riding lessons to get my confidence back. I've been plodding around an arena on a lovely 14hh cob and getting all my confidence and balance back. I've had 5 lessons so not a lot but I only ever hacked out (nothing ambitious) and that's all I wanted to do so I'm happy. I'm not too big for the 14hh cob but he's a nice chunky cob, not especially heavyweight but sturdy.
My problem is - and I need advice - after months of searching and viewings I think I've found the pony for me. Now, I'm 5ft2 and my old boy was a 13.3 cob/shire and anyone could ride him and not look too big or be too big. The pony I've found is 14.1 connemara/cob. I wasn't looking for something so small but after so many horses and feeling nothing I saw her and just said "That's her." I'm also looking for a pony because I have a shy 11hh rescue who has been previously bullied by big horses etc and I don't want him upset. This 14.1 is kind and gentle and doesn't know the meaning of 'spooky'. She ticks all my boxes so far.
I'm riding her on Friday and I'm dreading it now. She's being sold for being too small for a child (who clearly has longer legs than me) but I'm just nervous I'll look or be too big for her.
Can you ride a 14.1 at 5ft2? I'm gutted because this is the only horse I've felt a real spark for so far.

 

[eahotson]

Yes of course you can.Its only in this country that if you are above 5ft that people think you NEED a 16hh .Icelandics for instance are typically between 112hh to 13hh and grown men and women ride them.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I ride 13.3 and ⁷/⁸ at 5ft 5, native pony but a trim fit one, not a fat one.
You'll be fine, unless you are very heavy.

Ponies are easier to get on and off, often cheaper to keep (not all!).

 

[Abacus]

I used to ride a Welsh section c who was 14.1. I’m 5’5 with long legs and although I looked a bit long was totally fine. I think at 5’2 you’d be ok but no way of knowing until you try her and see how she takes up the leg. Think positively, there’s a good chance she’ll be fine!

 

[alsxx]

Gosh yes, I'm 5'6 and skinny but hunted my 14.1 mare, jumping hedges, the lot. Just because you are an adult doesn't mean you need a big horse, and why overhorse yourself?

 

[BallyJ]

I think you should be fine! Can sometimes be a pain to find a saddle to fit you both, but perfectly doable!

I would ask someone to take some photos/videos of you riding so you can see how you look!

 

[Xmasha]

im 5ft 6, and used to love riding my daughters 14.1. He was great fun.

so yes, you will be fine . now go and buy the pony

 

[sbloom]

At your height, unless you have super long legs or a generous hip measurement then many 16" saddles will be good for you, which opens up a lot of shorter backed ponies. I fit way taller adults on ponies all the time, not always easy though!

 

[Glitter's fun]

I saw her and just said "That's her."
This 14.1 is kind and gentle and doesn't know the meaning of 'spooky'.
She ticks all my boxes so far.
this is the only horse I've felt a real spark for

You answered your own question above. Snatch their hand off.

 

[Peglo]

I’m just short if 5ft 6 and ride a 14.2. Fab size and loads of fun. I do stay slim so I don’t get too heavy but if you loved her, go for it. She sounds great for you.

 

[Lady Jane]

This is me on my friend's 14.1hh and 14.3hh connies, I'm 5'2". I feel too big as I'm used to bigger horses but I probably look fine. Get a photo and see for your self?

 

[smolmaus]

5'2" on a 14.1hh cob here and to be honest I did also worry but had no need. I think we fit perfectly.

You'll know right away if she rides too small for you which is more important than "looking" too big.

 

[Prancerpoos]

You will be fine. My haffie was only 14:2 and I am 5"9", I never felt I needed more horse and she was much easier to get on and off than my other, 16:3, horse.

For fans of Yellowstone, look at this guy - he's only 14:1hh and, like most quarter horses, was ridden by men that would have been a lot bigger than you. I'll bet no one ever said he looked small.

https://metalliccat.com/

 

[SEL]

I'm 5'3" and my two riding ponies are 13h and 14.1

The 13h takes up my leg but I'm a bit tall torso wise on her and have to be careful from a saddle perspective because she can only take 16". I look completely in proportion on the 14.1 lightweight cob though. And I can get on from the ground out hacking too.

 

[eggs]

I'm 5'8" and happily rode my daughter's 14.2 Dales pony so you should be fine.

 

[SO1]

I am 5.2ft and for 15 years had a 13.3 New Forest and will get another in due course. However I only weigh 8.5 stone so although the height is ok it will depend somewhat on your weight. I know weight is a sensitive issue.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Not to small! Your be fine. ? Can’t beat that height. I have a 15.2 now but dearly miss my 14.2, I’m 5’4 and never felt big on him.

 

[Britestar]

I'm 5'2" and ride a 12.3hh!
14.1hh is my perfect height.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

What on earth are you worrying about. She sounds lovely and if I was looking for a pony exactly what I would like. I used to be 5' 2.5" but now lost an inch. My old boy was 13.2 and my next was 14.2. I have never felt the need for anything bigger.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I am 5'8" and have just started hacking out occasionally on a 14hh NF pony! I am a similar weight to her owner, albeit it 2 inches taller, and thought I would just go and see if I felt ridiculous and if it seems fair on her. I actually don't feel that big at all... she is very sturdy (not fat) and in good health. The saddle has been fitted to her and the owner and I seemed to fit OK into that too. I will only be doing some occasional light hacks with her but I hope this makes you feel more comfy about your pairing, I am sure you will be fine!

 

[pinkfluffy]

You answered your own question above. Snatch their hand off.

You're right! I need to focus on what drew me to her. And she is perfect.

 

[SEL]

You're right! I need to focus on what drew me to her. And she is perfect.

I had a gut feeling when I saw the video for the cob I bought earlier in the year. I ignored it for a week then picked up the phone to his owner and haven't regretted it for a minute! (Apart from finding that he'd rolled in the only muddy part of the field the morning the saddle fitter was coming..... I appear to own a bog monster)

 

[pinkfluffy]

This is me on my friend's 14.1hh and 14.3hh connies, I'm 5'2". I feel too big as I'm used to bigger horses but I probably look fine. Get a photo and see for your self? View attachment 101624View attachment 101625

You look great! I know what you mean, my old boy was so big (wide) with xxlarge full size everything that I feel too big on cobs even though in videos (I make everyone take pics/video so I can obsess lol) I look fine. I rode my mother's 16hh Irish Draught and remember complaining she felt too small/narrow, if not a long way to the ground.

 

[ponynutz]

I'm sure you won't be but do judge it on the day and don't be afraid to keep looking if you don't feel 100% comfy with his size or how you look on him (get pictures).

My avatar is me (5'7) on my 13.3hh connie. I now just hack her (similar to you) and she's absolutely fine as am I - just took some getting used to balance wise.

 

[pinkfluffy]

I had a gut feeling when I saw the video for the cob I bought earlier in the year. I ignored it for a week then picked up the phone to his owner and haven't regretted it for a minute! (Apart from finding that he'd rolled in the only muddy part of the field the morning the saddle fitter was coming..... I appear to own a bog monster)

As soon as I saw this mare's video I was re-painting the stables.

 

[Cortez]

I'm 5'9" and used to ride a 14.2h. My main horses over the past 15 years have been 14.2 - 15.1h. You'll be fine.

 

[pinkfluffy]

Thank you everyone for your lovely reassurances (and common sense). I woke up worried and now I'm buying pink headcollars

 

[rara007]

Assuming it’s actually 14.1 you should be fine. My most recent one I viewed as 14.2, knew it was small, thought I was maybe too big but was keen to proceed. Sure enough he’s 14hh, and at 5’4 I’ve got used to how I look on him and don’t even think I’m big anymore.

 

[Peglo]

As soon as I saw this mare's video I was re-painting the stables.

I got these feels for mine too. Best decision I’ve made buying her.

 

[asmp]

Just another point of view (feel free to ignore). I bought a 14.2 and have owned him for about 16 years but I do wish he was a couple of inches bigger. I’m 5’2” and do struggle a bit with my weight so sometimes feel I’m a bit too heavy for him. He’s been brilliant though.