1275gta
Well-Known Member
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
too big??
- Thread starter Jingleballs
- Start date
HenryandPeta
Well-Known Member
Hi Mazziek - IMO I think you look just about ok on her - however the pony does look like she needs to fill out and muscle up, she looks rather tired and sunken to me. I'm assuming she's a riding school pony in which case you have no responsibility for her nourishment etc, but if she's yours then, she needs to improve.
I'm also not sure you got your heights right - if you're 5'2", I'd have placed the pony at about 13hh - she takes up your leg nicely but maybe that's deceptive, I don't know.
For your information because you're new - these "Am I too big" posts always, without fail, stir up very vociferous opinions on this forum, and sometimes people can be very blunt. Please don't let them upset you, the WAY you ride is far more important than how much you weigh...
I'm also not sure you got your heights right - if you're 5'2", I'd have placed the pony at about 13hh - she takes up your leg nicely but maybe that's deceptive, I don't know.
For your information because you're new - these "Am I too big" posts always, without fail, stir up very vociferous opinions on this forum, and sometimes people can be very blunt. Please don't let them upset you, the WAY you ride is far more important than how much you weigh...
blackcob
🖖
[ QUOTE ]
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
Last time I asked this question I ended up with two pages of enthusiastic support so I don't think that's true.
There's a lot of factors involved in whether someone is really too big for their horse, not just height and weight but how good and effective a rider they are too. Whilst it's hard to judge that from one photo that is what we've been given as material and people have judged accordingly.
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
Last time I asked this question I ended up with two pages of enthusiastic support so I don't think that's true.
There's a lot of factors involved in whether someone is really too big for their horse, not just height and weight but how good and effective a rider they are too. Whilst it's hard to judge that from one photo that is what we've been given as material and people have judged accordingly.
little_flea
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
But no-one ever says categorically that someone of a certain weight should ever ride a horse of a certain height - we all understand that there are many factors that matter here, and that each case should be judged individually. Equally I think we need to focus on the fact that this is about the horses well being here and not about anyone wanting to be "fattist" (for lack of a better word.)
I have read a lot of these debates on here, but NEVER seen anyone have a problem with a larger rider on a well-suited horse! It is about the combination horse/rider, and not about the rider.
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
But no-one ever says categorically that someone of a certain weight should ever ride a horse of a certain height - we all understand that there are many factors that matter here, and that each case should be judged individually. Equally I think we need to focus on the fact that this is about the horses well being here and not about anyone wanting to be "fattist" (for lack of a better word.)
I have read a lot of these debates on here, but NEVER seen anyone have a problem with a larger rider on a well-suited horse! It is about the combination horse/rider, and not about the rider.
Amys_Babies
Well-Known Member
I dont see any problem with people giving their opinion on here. With a post like this everyone is going to have very different views! But all comments are being said for the well being of the horse. Personally i think would be ok with some flat work but not jumping and if you wanted to compete jumping and everything a cob or horse would be better.
chriscrogul
Well-Known Member
Hi there, not going to comment wether you are/aren't too big for the pony as would like a side view and also see how she moves with you. But I do think that people over exaggerate the heights of ponies for some reason (not meaning that I think you have though). If you convert your height to hands (5'2" = 15.2) if you stand looking over your ponies back her withers should be about level with your nose if she is 14.2.
Also remember the old adage "if you plce a pound bag of sugar on the scales it will weigh a pound, if you drop it on the scales it will weigh more, albeit momentarily".
Also remember the old adage "if you plce a pound bag of sugar on the scales it will weigh a pound, if you drop it on the scales it will weigh more, albeit momentarily".
burtie
Well-Known Member
From what I can tell from that picture I would say you would both be more comfortable if you had a stockier/stronger mount.
mazziek
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone, many many thanks for all repling, i was not offended by anyones reply, i had been feeling myself that i was too big for her, when i have ridden her she felt v v low, compaired with the grey in my photos that i ride. i have a 13yo riding her just now to get her fitness up, interesting bout the ages tho, vet said 18 whereas pasport and bsja record says 13?!?!?!?
Was niot feeling good when i ws riding her as i fel i was possibly restricting her.
Again thanks for all your thoughts, def gonna sell her and find her smaller rider.
Was niot feeling good when i ws riding her as i fel i was possibly restricting her.
Again thanks for all your thoughts, def gonna sell her and find her smaller rider.
Honeypots
Well-Known Member
Its more to do with weight than height and the rider balance and capabilities..however, you look fine to me as long as you can ride and are balanced..
Now this rider is underhorsed..
Now this rider is underhorsed..
chillidragon
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Here we go again everybody thinks if your over 10 sto ne you should only ride a shire, what bulsh*t.
[/ QUOTE ]Deary me, where did that come from?
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I am no lightweight and ride a 14.2 cob
[/ QUOTE ]Not a 14.2hh TBxC then, which is what I believe we're supposed to be looking at and judging here, yes? If this were a cob-type, I think the answers would differ accordingly, but as it isn't, I'm not sure why any cob, let alone your own, has come into it.
[ QUOTE ]
I personally think if you are happy riding him, ride him.
[/ QUOTE ]If I asked the same question about me riding a 10hh finely built pony (I'm 5'7" and 9st 6lb) would you say the same? I think it is good that the OP has asked and received a variety of opinions. Let's imagine, though, that we all shrugged her question off with a "Go ahead, if you're happy to", and that the horse turned out not to be up to the work, and subsequently became lame or injured or even broke down entirely. Would you then accept, even in part, the responsibility for that horse's fate?
Here we go again everybody thinks if your over 10 sto ne you should only ride a shire, what bulsh*t.
[/ QUOTE ]Deary me, where did that come from?
[ QUOTE ]
I am no lightweight and ride a 14.2 cob
[/ QUOTE ]Not a 14.2hh TBxC then, which is what I believe we're supposed to be looking at and judging here, yes? If this were a cob-type, I think the answers would differ accordingly, but as it isn't, I'm not sure why any cob, let alone your own, has come into it.
[ QUOTE ]
I personally think if you are happy riding him, ride him.
[/ QUOTE ]If I asked the same question about me riding a 10hh finely built pony (I'm 5'7" and 9st 6lb) would you say the same? I think it is good that the OP has asked and received a variety of opinions. Let's imagine, though, that we all shrugged her question off with a "Go ahead, if you're happy to", and that the horse turned out not to be up to the work, and subsequently became lame or injured or even broke down entirely. Would you then accept, even in part, the responsibility for that horse's fate?
MerryMaker
Well-Known Member
I have a little falabella x shetland about 9hh and I occaisionally have a little ride (literally a few seconds hehehe my feet touch the floor flat on both sides so it's not like I have much weight on him, but he is as wide as he is tall at the moment he's a nutter and a half
Kenzo
Well-Known Member
haa haaaaaaaaa that genius!!...good to know its all ended in a some humour too and everyone is happy bunnies!
Hippona
Well-Known Member
Honeypots - PMSL-
- although, looks similar to a woman I saw at local show recently....
- although, looks similar to a woman I saw at local show recently....
Amys_Babies
Well-Known Member
Lol i saw someone at show last month she must have been about 5.5ft or something on a 12hh pony and was cantering it and jumping...the poor thing. She didnt get off it at all either...felt like going and throwing her off!!!
Annette4
Well-Known Member
I'm 5ft4 and I had a 13hh show pony build 13hh for 4 years in fast work/showjumping etc and had no problem and rode a 12hh pony for the same stuff. Pony needs to muscle up but IMO you look fine.
Personally I think far too many people over horse themselves because they 'should' have a horse. Ponies as a general rule are far better weight carriers than people give them credit for and there shouldn't be a stigma about people riding them. I had so much verbal abuse for riding my pony which was uncalled for and cruel (I was a maximum of 9st at the time...normally 8.5st) just because I was an adult riding a pony when in reality she was too strong and forward going for a child.
Personally I think far too many people over horse themselves because they 'should' have a horse. Ponies as a general rule are far better weight carriers than people give them credit for and there shouldn't be a stigma about people riding them. I had so much verbal abuse for riding my pony which was uncalled for and cruel (I was a maximum of 9st at the time...normally 8.5st) just because I was an adult riding a pony when in reality she was too strong and forward going for a child.
saskia295
Well-Known Member
DipseyDeb
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
But no-one ever says categorically that someone of a certain weight should ever ride a horse of a certain height - we all understand that there are many factors that matter here, and that each case should be judged individually. Equally I think we need to focus on the fact that this is about the horses well being here and not about anyone wanting to be "fattist" (for lack of a better word.)
I have read a lot of these debates on here, but NEVER seen anyone have a problem with a larger rider on a well-suited horse! It is about the combination horse/rider, and not about the rider.
[/ QUOTE ]
well said!!! I think it's all about people knowing their limitations. I dont consider my self a big person, I also ride lightly...BUT...I wouldn't ride anything less than 15.2 at least!! No one is being mean, to the OP and yes I do think you look a little big on her, but only because she looks very fine, and quite old. She definately needs building up.
[ QUOTE ]
I'm not offended I just think that this goes round and round and it always ends up with people saying negative things and then all the lightweight riders saying you're too big etc.
[/ QUOTE ]
But no-one ever says categorically that someone of a certain weight should ever ride a horse of a certain height - we all understand that there are many factors that matter here, and that each case should be judged individually. Equally I think we need to focus on the fact that this is about the horses well being here and not about anyone wanting to be "fattist" (for lack of a better word.)
I have read a lot of these debates on here, but NEVER seen anyone have a problem with a larger rider on a well-suited horse! It is about the combination horse/rider, and not about the rider.
[/ QUOTE ]
well said!!! I think it's all about people knowing their limitations. I dont consider my self a big person, I also ride lightly...BUT...I wouldn't ride anything less than 15.2 at least!! No one is being mean, to the OP and yes I do think you look a little big on her, but only because she looks very fine, and quite old. She definately needs building up.
lowbardon
Well-Known Member
i think you look too heavy for it ,but not too tall,sorry
AnnaandStella
Well-Known Member
Being completely honest, that pony looks as if it needs some lungeing & longlining before/if it's to comfortably carry your weight & even then it depends on yr riding style.
If you are light & balanced, it might be ok.
As regards the way these discussions end up -
when I asked if I was too big for my horse (my instuctor told me I was), I was told I wasn't & that was the end of that.
These debates only occur if there's a grey area surrounding right/wrong...
If you are light & balanced, it might be ok.
As regards the way these discussions end up -
when I asked if I was too big for my horse (my instuctor told me I was), I was told I wasn't & that was the end of that.
These debates only occur if there's a grey area surrounding right/wrong...
YorksG
Over the hill and far awa
Re the lightweights commenting, my sister who is 5'9" and has just bought some 32" waist breeches, ( and who says she hasn't been under 10st. since she was 14) believes that the OP is too big for that horse. My sister rides a 16:2 Irish Draught (not a shire) They both seem very comfortable with each other. I am one of the (sort of) lightweights, and I think the OP is too big. I ride a 15:3 lightly built Appy and weigh just under 10St and 5'6".
The way you ride is more important than your weight and so is the way that you sit at halt.
The way you ride is more important than your weight and so is the way that you sit at halt.
LankyDoodle
Well-Known Member
I do think you look a bit big for her. I am a larger girl as well but mainly because I am very tall, but I choose to ride cobs for more reasons than my size!
Your horse doesn't seem to look fit or muscled up enough to carry you, regardless of your height.
I would have no doubt she could carry you if she was fitter, but what about longer rides? Harder work? I know that my heavyweight cob could carry me over the moors when I am out for a day hacking, but I wouldn't trust that horse to carry me for half an hour over moorland because I am too heavy.
I'd like to add that I don't think your position in this photo really helps us to make an informed judgement. You seem slumped and your arms are forward and haphazard it seems like from the angle. I would recommend some pilates or to remember to sit tall as if there is a piece of string running through you and up out of your hat towards the sky. This will help you and it will help her. You could be 8 stone and would look quite heavy on her because you're so slumped.
Good luck.xx
Your horse doesn't seem to look fit or muscled up enough to carry you, regardless of your height.
I would have no doubt she could carry you if she was fitter, but what about longer rides? Harder work? I know that my heavyweight cob could carry me over the moors when I am out for a day hacking, but I wouldn't trust that horse to carry me for half an hour over moorland because I am too heavy.
I'd like to add that I don't think your position in this photo really helps us to make an informed judgement. You seem slumped and your arms are forward and haphazard it seems like from the angle. I would recommend some pilates or to remember to sit tall as if there is a piece of string running through you and up out of your hat towards the sky. This will help you and it will help her. You could be 8 stone and would look quite heavy on her because you're so slumped.
Good luck.xx
gothdolly
Well-Known Member
what are you doing with her? She does look quite fine....but theres a huge difference between a walk around the block and hard riding/jumping/x country.
Are you sure shes 14.2hH?
I speak as one who is frantically dieting to make sure she can still ride her ponies who are really too small.......
Oh, can you take some photos of you sitting up nicely in side view, so we can really see what you look like? its a bad camera angle it makes you look rather slumped and her kind of skinny.
Im paranoid that Im too heavy for my 14.2hh cob so I know how you feel. Despite everyone telling me Im fine, I still worry. hence the diet
Are you sure shes 14.2hH?
I speak as one who is frantically dieting to make sure she can still ride her ponies who are really too small.......
Oh, can you take some photos of you sitting up nicely in side view, so we can really see what you look like? its a bad camera angle it makes you look rather slumped and her kind of skinny.
Im paranoid that Im too heavy for my 14.2hh cob so I know how you feel. Despite everyone telling me Im fine, I still worry. hence the diet