Riding smaller ponies

P

Patchworkpony

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 July 2012
Messages
1,536
Visit site
We have a dartmoor hill pony who is good 12.2 and stocky. He has just been backed at 8 years old and has proved to be a lot easier than we expected - he was very jumpy and a bit naughty when young.

I am 5'4" and too heavy to ride him at the moment but I wondered if I lost weight would I look silly on him. As I have got older I find it hard to get on and off a larger animal. I know there is more of a movement towards adults on ponies so I thought it might be a good idea to find out if any of you guys rode small ponies and if you enjoyed it.

Any photos would be very much appreciated.
 
I think you'd be fine. I'm schooling a 13.2 and I'm over 5ft7 :o

I look a bit tall:o but I bet your dartmoor will be stockier than my pony. Might post a pic later if I'm feeling brave :)
 
I am 5'3, just 8st (usually!) and when my daughters cross was naughty last year I rode him a couple of times.... and fell off haha

We just bought a 12.2 welsh type who I plan on riding once I have my baby in 6 weeks. To keep him fit and well excercised.
 
I'm 5ft6" and ride a 12.2hh brick outhouse of a Dartmoor pony. I look fine on him in the show ring. I can't put photos on from my phone but if you look at my Highlnd Show thread from last year there is a pic on there.
 
If you and pony both feel happy and comfortable, go for it. I'm in the process of backing my 12.3hh pony (I'm 5'5 and 8 stone) and although I look tall on him, he carries me fine and I feel comfortable on him.

Ideally I could do with something around 14hh but I bought this guy as a foal and he just didn't grow as much as I expected him to. He's not going anywhere though as he's incredibly special :)
 
I am 5'6 (with long legs!) and own a stocky 13.2/13.3hh New Forest and we are fine...with his attitude and sheer strength, he is definitely an adult ride rather than a child's ride. You will be fine :)
 
I'm 5ft 7 and very lanky,but still ride knobberpony occasionally.In fact I'm looking forward to the dark evenings so I can use them as an excuse to ride her while my daughters are at school.;)
 
The only problem u might have is the saddle. If the saddle is too short for u, all your weight will b at the back of the saddle creating a nasty pressure point on the ponies back. I am 5ft 3 and find on a 16 inch saddle or smaller I am sat right at the back of the saddle. U will c this in a lot of pics of adults or taller children riding wee ponies. A good saddler would b able to advise u.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top