Native questions - youngstock max weight and how much?

[Walrus]

2 questions, more out of interest than anything.

Firstly how much would you expect to pay for a nice native 2 year old - large breed, Fell, Welsh D, Dales. Good confo and breed type with potential to show at county level.

Secondly; without getting too much into a pony-squashing debate I would like to know what you think about whether I am too big to break in a native youngster? Ideally a fell (which have a max adult height of 14hh). I'm 5'8" and about 11.5 stones (currently dieting), I have no problem with the idea of buying and riding an adult fell but I wonder if I'm a little large to break in a youngster even if I bought a well built one.

Many Thanks

 

[lilym]

personally i think you will be fine to break in a fell, dales, highland or welsh D, your weight will be no problem and if you look for an animal that is nice and deep through it's girth your height will be no problem either!! As long as you are a light and balanced rider you will be fine - natives are the ultimate all rounders for adults and children!!
I have no idea where to find a fell, highland, or dales, but there are some really really nice youngsters to be had at the cob sales in october, held in builth wells - many a champion originated from there!!

 

[janeyrob]

We have a Welsh D who is county standard and is really well b.red. I know both parents. He was not expensive but breeders are friends of ours. I would think a good Fell would cost anything up to £3000?????? As to weight. If you are worried get someone lighter to back him at 3- 3half. Let him grow and develop until 4 and hten begin his more serious ridden work slowly. A lot will depend on how he is physically. Don't rush - a pony can have a long active life if treated considerately and intelligently (and with a bit of luck - lets face it!)

 

[janeyrob]

Lilym - you said it better than I did!!! Good luck with the foal.

 

[Walrus]

Thanks guys. It's just an idea I'm thinking about. I've wanted a Fell since I was about 15 (now 24) but it seems that they've suddenly become fashionable (and therefore expensive). I've never seen so many Fells in the horse and hound showing section!

JaneyRob - definitely something I'd consider and I think I'd err towards leaving backing to 3.5 and definitely more serious work till 4. Although obviously depends on the individual.

Cheers

 

[kingdom]

Fell ponies do not mature until 7, i have a rising 5 year old who was lightly backed at 4 and i am now bringing him very slowly into work this year, i am heavy ie 12 stone and 5ft 5 and this is the biggest reason i am taking it so slow.I am also in the process of buying another fell a 6 yr old mare who has done a lot more than Jack will have done by that age but her jockey was only 9 stone. Look on the fell pony society site they always have some very nice ponies on there. The problem with fells and the not so tiny riders is that they can be short in the back which means they can only have tiny saddles, Jacks saddle is a 16 inch and my bott is not a 16 inch bott. I bought a heather moffett treeless saddle and this fits him and me and is sooo comfortable. Good luck with your search they are lovely ponies and i can guarantee you will end up with more than one.