Too big?

[Hallo2012]

what weight and build is the pony? world of difference between a 350kg tb type and a 450kg cob!

i am 5'7 and weigh 8 stone in my riding kit, my ponies are both 13hh and around 380kg (welsh B and welsh C)

a lot depends on back length too as a short backed pony in a 16 saddle may not accommodate you if you carry your weight on your bum/thighs

 

[ponynutz]

A lot of the questions are similar so going to try and blanket cover a lot of them here and then reply individually to anyone who’s said anything else. Thank you everyone who has responded!

Firstly this pony is my pony who I’ve had since I was 10. I rode her competivitely until I was 15 and then hacked and occasionally jumped little fences until I was 18. I then went to uni and have a 15.3hh part loan at uni but this hacking would be over the summer while I’m away from part loan. This obviously means she is very unfit but I am not. I’m now 20 and I’d say I’ve put on half a stone.

She IS a native technically as a connemara but she’s quite fine, more of a sports connie, in fact I distinctly remember doing Mountain and Moorland showing and being told I was going to have to fatten her up on purpose to make her fit in (I promptly never did another class again). She was beginning to struggle to carry me at 18 over fences but fine out hacking, very eager.

Not a long term ride by any means probably a 6 week hack over the summer term. I never got a horse at home as due to space it would have meant selling her and I wasn’t prepared to do that.

I also agree with you lot that I’m too big you’ve confirmed my opinion but Dad is very eager I give her a job and have something to ride while I’m away from uni.

Attached a photo of her in her stable the about a year ago and one of me flatting her at 18.

 

[ponynutz]

If the pony is sound and in a decent level of fitness it shouldn't have any trouble carrying you at that weight. If it's very unfit it might have trouble, but then again the same would be true of a taller horse!
If it has previously only been ridden by children then it will need a bit of gradual conditioning to carry the extra weight but otherwise I wouldn't have any concerns.

Of course depending on the pony's build and the saddle you might feel a bit leggy on it, might be fixable by different knee rolls/stirrup/saddle style, might not be.

Otherwise, common sense rules. If the pony is labouring excessively OR is getting strung out and rushing, then it probably needs to build up more strength to be able to work effectively.

Hope you have fun!

Answered some of these in my blanket post, thanks for replying!

In terms of saddle I’m not too concerned. She’s always been hard to fit to so she’s had the same saddle since I was 12, I’ve sort of got used to being a bit too big for it but it’s not excessive just makes me a bit sore.

Fitness wise, I wonder whether starting with lunging or inhand walks might be beneficial and then maybe I could hop on later in the summer?

 

[ponynutz]

Ahhhhh not again!! A piece of string question…. A 14 hand mountain and moorland registered or similar type pony can be a substantial pony, a 14 hand TB type less so. It depends on the conformation of pony and of jockey ie is the jockey long in the back in which case they may look ‘over topped’ or long in the leg - have a look at the type of saddle.

Haha, sorry!!

Yes, I am all legs AND 5’7 so I do worry my long legs will unbalance me and make her job even harder.

 

[dreamcometrue]

She is beautiful .

 

[ponynutz]

Probably ok for the odd ride/riding for friend type situation, but if this is going to be your every day riding pony, then I think you would be more comfortable on something bigger. Also, you sound young, are you still growing?!

No, I’m 20 so not still growing (I hope!)

 

[ponynutz]

She is beautiful .

Thank you, I think so!

 

[ponynutz]

For the odd ride you might be OK, otherwise, yes you are too big.
I'm 8.5 stone 5'1 & ride a 14.1 conny x. I think I'm borderline for her size.
What build is the pony, do you, fully dressed including tack fit into the 20% rule?

I believe it does yes, or last time I did the calculation it did but it is a “just”.

 

[ponynutz]

I agree it depends entirely on the build of the pony. I'm the same height and weight as you and fitted very easily on a 13.3hh Highland (she was built like a little tank). I've also ridden Icelandics and an Exmoor of 13.2hh ish - both narrower but equally sturdy build and hard as nails - and they had no problem with me either. But I wouldn't consider getting on a show pony of the same height.

The other thing to consider is the pony's neck and back length (this sounds a bit mad I know) but the Highland and the Icelandics both felt like a good fit for me, whereas the Exmoor didn't have much neck, and it was much harder to stay in balance.

That’s interesting I’d never thought about it as she’s the only thing I’ve ever ridden long term before my part loan. I don’t remember either of those things being a problem, it was my legs, but would be interesting if I did get back on to see how I felt now I’ve consistently been riding bigger!

 

[ponynutz]

It all depends on the build of the horse. I'm 5'7" and currently a smidge under 11 stone. I'm not riding my 13.3 mare until I lose a few pounds, BUT she's 25 and has a touch of arthritis. At 10 and a half stone she carried me fine! She is a Fjord, so quite sturdy. For my next horse I'm looking at around 14h cobby types, so Fell, Highland, or sturdy cob.

This is me at about 10 stone 5, in a 17" saddle. She is wide, so takes the leg up well.

She is gorgeous, I don’t look too much different to you on mine maybe a bit leggier.

 

[Gloi]

Your problem seems to be you have an unfit pony rather than a small pony. If you fittened her up again she should be the same as she used to be. You've just got accustomed to the larger horse.

 

[Abacus]

You look fine on her in the ridden pic. Agree that the main issue of her fitness so you’ll just have to build up gradually. Shame she won’t be fit when you get home. For the future could you find a sharer to keep her fitter while you’re away?

 

[Peglo]

Could your mum or dad start taking her hacking in hand before your home so she has started getting a bit of fitness?

she is very beautiful

 

[gallopingby]

I think you look ok but perhaps we need another thread discussing the difference between flat bone and round bone? She looks like a typical connie and they were bred to be all round family ponies.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I think you look ok but perhaps we need another thread discussing the difference between flat bone and round bone? She looks like a typical connie and they were bred to be all round family ponies.

a thread on that sounds good! Would like to learn more about that

 

[toppedoff]

I think you look ok but perhaps we need another thread discussing the difference between flat bone and round bone? She looks like a typical connie and they were bred to be all round family ponies.

I'd love this!

 

[Fjord]

She is gorgeous, I don’t look too much different to you on mine maybe a bit leggier.

Thank you, I think yours is rather lovely too. And you don't look too big in the ridden pic. Maybe it's just a case of getting her a bit fitter?

 

[Fjord]

I think you look ok but perhaps we need another thread discussing the difference between flat bone and round bone? She looks like a typical connie and they were bred to be all round family ponies.

Yes please, I'd like to learn about this!

 

[sbloom]

There are ponies and then there are ponies.

A typey NF or similar would carry that weight with ease. I'm your height and not much lighter and regularly ride a 13.2.

If it's a finer type then perhaps not.

To add, my ass fits easily in saddles suited to short backed ponies so unsure why that should be a concern.

There are so many reasons why different people of the same height or weight may be really well suited to a smaller horse, or not suited at all and after horse posture and fitness the saddle is a massive part of it. If you have narrow hips, not to the extent of painful, but your knees tend to come forwards because of it, then saddles can be a real problem on short backs.

What build pony? My 13.3/14hhers would be fine with that, and take your leg and a 17 inch saddle.

I would say most ponies that size would be 16"-16.5", with the caveat that for instance Fyldes come up super small so a 17 in a Fylde Samantha is more like a 16" in other brands, though a decent open seat often has much more room than most would imagine.

In terms of saddle I’m not too concerned. She’s always been hard to fit to so she’s had the same saddle since I was 12, I’ve sort of got used to being a bit too big for it but it’s not excessive just makes me a bit sore.

You're actually sitting on the back of it, you're sitting beautifully but a compromise for the rider is almost always a compromise for the horse.

We don't yet have ways of measuring, or have horses and ponies we can truly monitor over long periods of time, but it's becoming a little more clear that, far from being able to just settle for "he seems perfectly comfortable carrying me" we need to look very closely at movement patterns. Poor, asymmetric, compromised movement patterns are probably the biggest cause of lameness long term but can be hard to spot.

The heavier the rider, and the more they sit at the back of the saddle, the more likely that there will be issues.

Saddle fitter specialising in natives and cobs for 14 years

 

[ponynutz]

There are so many reasons why different people of the same height or weight may be really well suited to a smaller horse, or not suited at all and after horse posture and fitness the saddle is a massive part of it. If you have narrow hips, not to the extent of painful, but your knees tend to come forwards because of it, then saddles can be a real problem on short backs.



I would say most ponies that size would be 16"-16.5", with the caveat that for instance Fyldes come up super small so a 17 in a Fylde Samantha is more like a 16" in other brands, though a decent open seat often has much more room than most would imagine.



You're actually sitting on the back of it, you're sitting beautifully but a compromise for the rider is almost always a compromise for the horse.

We don't yet have ways of measuring, or have horses and ponies we can truly monitor over long periods of time, but it's becoming a little more clear that, far from being able to just settle for "he seems perfectly comfortable carrying me" we need to look very closely at movement patterns. Poor, asymmetric, compromised movement patterns are probably the biggest cause of lameness long term but can be hard to spot.

The heavier the rider, and the more they sit at the back of the saddle, the more likely that there will be issues.

Saddle fitter specialising in natives and cobs for 14 years ☺

Very interesting sbloom - always eager to hear your insights! Interesting you bring up Fylde saddles because we’re from that area and so have used their saddles before - she was actually in a 17.5 one of theres originally! Her thorowgood is 17 I think, don’t know whether they come up small as well or if she’s slightly longer in the back than average?

Can well understand me sitting on the back of it can do damage but wondering your thoughts on how much damage can be done in a short space of time or how one can minimize the risk? Think the consensus after posted some background is I should be okay but fitness is the main issue. However wouldn’t want to get over one thing and her saddle to be causing problems all along!

@ everyone else: Quite excited to see if we can sort out her fitness now, although originally sceptical have to admit I have missed taking her out hacking

 

[ponynutz]

I think you look ok but perhaps we need another thread discussing the difference between flat bone and round bone? She looks like a typical connie and they were bred to be all round family ponies.

Yes please!

 

[Bobthecob15]

I'm the same height and would personally not ride anything less than 15hh x

 

[FitzyFitz]

Answered some of these in my blanket post, thanks for replying!

In terms of saddle I’m not too concerned. She’s always been hard to fit to so she’s had the same saddle since I was 12, I’ve sort of got used to being a bit too big for it but it’s not excessive just makes me a bit sore.

Fitness wise, I wonder whether starting with lunging or inhand walks might be beneficial and then maybe I could hop on later in the summer?

I don't blame you for the blanket post! Had a lot of replies to respond to individually. I have to say I think you look pretty good on her in the ridden photo, I look much leggier on that on my 13.2 new forest.
If she's been off work for a long time, then yes, definitely do a bit of hand walking and lunging and poles and shorter work sessions before hopping on and riding off for 4 hours, but that would be true for any horse!

Very unfortunate about the saddle being uncomfy for you, and that i'm sure will limit you, i really do sympathise with the hard to fit problems! Took me absolutely ages to find something for my 2 that fits both of us properly. Honestly it's one of the biggest problems being an adult on a pony.

I don't think you are too big or heavy for this pony, and she will be better off all round if she's kept in decent shape, but in the end it does come down to preference. If you aren't comfortable on a smaller horse, even after an adjustment period if you moved from a much bigger one, it is what it is!
I competed for years on a 16.1 mare and was far far happier when my next one was 14hh, although the speed difference took a bit of getting used to as he was young and unfit at the time.
My friend who is nearly identical in height and weight who learned to ride on one of my ponies now owns a whacking great hunter. We ride each others horses all the time with no problem, but still have a distinct preference for size!

 

[ponynutz]

I don't blame you for the blanket post! Had a lot of replies to respond to individually. I have to say I think you look pretty good on her in the ridden photo, I look much leggier on that on my 13.2 new forest.
If she's been off work for a long time, then yes, definitely do a bit of hand walking and lunging and poles and shorter work sessions before hopping on and riding off for 4 hours, but that would be true for any horse!

Very unfortunate about the saddle being uncomfy for you, and that i'm sure will limit you, i really do sympathise with the hard to fit problems! Took me absolutely ages to find something for my 2 that fits both of us properly. Honestly it's one of the biggest problems being an adult on a pony.

I don't think you are too big or heavy for this pony, and she will be better off all round if she's kept in decent shape, but in the end it does come down to preference. If you aren't comfortable on a smaller horse, even after an adjustment period if you moved from a much bigger one, it is what it is!
I competed for years on a 16.1 mare and was far far happier when my next one was 14hh, although the speed difference took a bit of getting used to as he was young and unfit at the time.
My friend who is nearly identical in height and weight who learned to ride on one of my ponies now owns a whacking great hunter. We ride each others horses all the time with no problem, but still have a distinct preference for size!

Thank you! That is the plan now I think, Dad's agreed to lunge her when he can and otherwise we're going to keep the saddle and since I'll only be hacking just manage it by trying to sit more central. Maybe a fit once she gets her muscle back. Thanks for all the advice re bringing her back in slowly.

So funny about preferences - I totally agree with you, will always love the little ponies although you're so right, getting used to little legs flapping about to keep up is a weird one lol!

 

[sbloom]

we're going to keep the saddle and since I'll only be hacking just manage it by trying to sit more central

I think investigations a different saddle would be ideal but in the meantime if it has velcro blocks remove them or replace with a shorter block, also spacers on the stirrup bars to set the stirrup leather position back would be a good idea, see if your fitter can help with that.

 

[ponynutz]

I think investigations a different saddle would be ideal but in the meantime if it has velcro blocks remove them or replace with a shorter block, also spacers on the stirrup bars to set the stirrup leather position back would be a good idea, see if your fitter can help with that.

Thanks for your help! Unfortunately not sure different saddle is financially viable especially as I'm only really going to be riding her for 3 months and there's no guarantee I'll repeat that next year. Given she's difficult to fit as well I can imagine that being an expensive venture (although can appreciate that's part of the sport).

Will want to get the fitter out once or twice over the three months of summer as she'll be a different shape to last time she was fitted and will change again as she builds muscle so will talk to them about spacers on the stirrup bars and see what else they think might be able to do to reduce concussive injuries/stress from my seat! Thanks for the ideas