Size of horse for daughter

[I don’t like mondays]

Hi everyone
I had great advice on here last year when buying my younger daughters pony (wasn’t sure about buying an older pony but so glad we did). Now looking for a pony for my 13year old. She’s tall (5ft5) but very slim (7 stone). She’s still quite novice after having time away from horses a few years ago due to a big confidence knock (confidence now back and I want to keep it that way). She’s back riding and has been very committed to the current share. I was thinking something around 14.2. She prefers to ride something smaller and gets worried riding anything 15h or over. She’s seen a 14h advertised but it’s a long drive from us. I’m thinking it’s too small and she’ll soon grow out of it, also there’s a risk you get there and the pony is smaller than 14h. The pony is a native but not overly chunky. What to people think? Is 14h too small for a 5ft5 still growing teen? We don’t have a huge budget in the current market so I know I need to compromise. Thanks

 

[Roxylola]

Yes, But if you get the right pony now you'll build her confidence and likely find she's outgrown either mentally or physically anything that's suitable now.
A friend years ago spent years on her pony, lovely quiet rider, super sweet pony, got bought a similarly sweet quiet horse but just mentally fell apart with it.
Your daughter will be fine weight wise so I'd buy what suits now

 

[meleeka]

I’d say 14hh will be ok. There’s a massive difference between a horse and a pony and not just a couple of inches.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Thank you. Do you think a 5ft5 rider will look big on a 14h? I definitely agree it’s better to go smaller than too big (definitely don’t want to over horse)

 

[Roxylola]

Depends on the pony. Not loads though, and does it matter anyway?

 

[Highmileagecob]

My cob is 14hh, piebald, leg at each corner. Daughter is 5'7" and just under nine stones, I am 5'6" and nearer ten stones. We both rode him up to his retirement a year ago. He is quite stout, and more on the Highland shape scale, so you may need to look at a few possibles before deciding on the height and build of 'the one.' Good luck!

 

[gallopingby]

When you say a native do you mean a registered native breed? Depends entirely on the conformation of the pony but 5’5” should be fine on a 14hh. My granddaughter who’s also 5’5” is still on a chunky 13.1 and looks ok for now but probably would look big on a TB type. Just be aware some natives can be quite strongwilled if not correctly schooled over time.

 

[Snow Falcon]

My son has outgrown his 13hh NF but as she's deep through her girth he doesn't look too bad. Currently on a 13.3hh NF which may last to the end of this season if we are lucky. He's 5'6.

 

[horseman1985]

I think it's more than normal. Time will pass and you will look at the situation, if you outgrow it, then no one has canceled the option to sell a horse and buy something more suitable!

Thank you. Do you think a 5ft5 rider will look big on a 14h? I definitely agree it’s better to go smaller than too big (definitely don’t want to over horse)

 

[Winters100]

I would 100% buy what is suitable today. It is a reality with children and ponies that they do outgrow them, but you can always find a good home for a safe and sensible child's pony. If you find a 14h which is a good fit you would definitely be better off with that than with a bigger pony who does not inspire confidence. Remember that how she looks on the pony is much less important than how she feels. Unless it is an absurdly long journey then I would try the pony and see how she feels on it. Good luck!

 

[millikins]

Thank you. Do you think a 5ft5 rider will look big on a 14h? I definitely agree it’s better to go smaller than too big (definitely don’t want to over horse)

She won't look "big" but depending on the build of the pony and rider might look slightly tall. I'm 5'4", ride a 13.3hh connie and do look a bit tall but he's not a particularly chunky type. Daughter is 5'3", rides a 14.2hh Dales and looks small as pony is built like the proverbial outhouse.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

How do you get around the saddle issue with a pony? Eg we tried a friends pony for size (13.2 but stocky) so daughter actually looked ok. The max saddle this 13.2 can take is 16.5 (at a push) but daughter is huge in that size saddle so was sitting almost on the cantle (she weighs nothing but has a long thigh bone)

 

[Wishfilly]

How do you get around the saddle issue with a pony? Eg we tried a friends pony for size (13.2 but stocky) so daughter actually looked ok. The max saddle this 13.2 can take is 16.5 (at a push) but daughter is huge in that size saddle so was sitting almost on the cantle (she weighs nothing but has a long thigh bone)

I'm about 5'4'' and ride in a 16 inch saddle- I don't have the longest legs, though. I'd try some different makes/styles of saddle, and you should be able to find something to fit- some at 16 inch aren't right for me.

I don't think you'd find many ponies of that size who will take a 17 inch + saddle, but you might find a different horse or saddle takes up her leg better?