Shettie riding

Bettyboo222

Bettyboo222

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A few weeks ago I posted about me at 8stone and 5ft,7 riding a 41" shetland. Well I gave it a go, (massive thanks to his owner). The shetland is called Avalanches Teddy and anyone who is around on north west showing circuit may recognise him.

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Gorgeous pics :D Shetlands are considerably stronger and tougher than people seem to realise, and just because you look big on them doesn't mean they can't carry you!

I am the same size/weight as you and I've been bringing on two Shetties this year, as well as regular ride-and-lead hacks I also do flatwork schooling with them and pop over small logs in their field. In my previous job I schooled and hacked our 6 Shetlands on a regular basis and also backed and brought on a youngster. We also had teenagers taller and heavier than me, using them for jumping and mounted games and bareback hacking and even a spot of XC.
 
Aww he is very cute :D

I think you would be ok to show him - whack your stirrups right up so your feet are about level with his belly.

This is me showing my girl as you can see my stirrups are fairly short

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I jump her too and have no problem but, again, need to make sure my stirrups are pretty high otherwise I knock the poles with my heels :p
 
Jumping - yup, go for it! But do jock your irons up 3-4 holes and bring your legs back - I have taken more poles with me than I have left standing because I forget i am riding my shetties!

Showing - again yes and again jock your irons up, I'd only go one or two for this. Some of the southern riders are about 5ft10in and they just fold their legs up, sit on the backs of the saddle and generally cover up more of the pony than can be seen - but they still qualify for HOYS etc...

I'm too big for this lassy but I look small compared to some ...

http://www.equinationalimagestore.c...and/110611-saturday/ring-1/pages/ANZ 282.html
 
Well I admit I sat on my shetland a few weeks ago - she'ss 40inches and a reg standard - I was amazed! Seeing as though the last thing I rode was over 17hh... thought it would be awkward but she's so stocky she took up more of my leg than I imagined and her shoulder was HUGE - it felt like I was on a sec D cob! :) Love my little shetland so much -she is a dream pony and looks after my son (who's just gone 4) - He has ridden her off the lead for a long time now (insists he's too big now!) and she took him over his first jump this week - no song and dance - she's great - we're starting out showing this year and really looking forward to it! :)

Enjoy the ride - you look like you're having fun! (afterall they were used as riding ponies by men originally)
Kate x
 
Looks ok - I'm sure you would 'feel' if the jumping was too much.
Like others have said - balance and dangling legs might be an issue!

At least if you fall off its not too far down! :D
 
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