Vetting older ponies

Hi all so yesterday i went and tried a 13.2hh 15 year old NF gelding. He was sweet, safe and I felt find riding him. I left a deposit and come home feeling very happy that my girls and I will have a love gentleman to look after us all and in turn we will give him a forever home. The owner took a photo of me on him and after showing some non horsey family they’ve all said he’s far too small for me, my husband come to the viewing and said we looked great together. The picture hasn’t been taken at a great angle and in context I’m 5ft2 and 8st and within is the 15% body weight rule. Now I’m contemplating whether I’ve made a mistake 😢
 

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Lb1105 said:
Hi all so yesterday i went and tried a 13.2hh 15 year old NF gelding. He was sweet, safe and I felt find riding him. I left a deposit and come home feeling very happy that my girls and I will have a love gentleman to look after us all and in turn we will give him a forever home. The owner took a photo of me on him and after showing some non horsey family they’ve all said he’s far too small for me, my husband come to the viewing and said we looked great together. The picture hasn’t been taken at a great angle and in context I’m 5ft2 and 8st and within is the 15% body weight rule. Now I’m contemplating whether I’ve made a mistake 😢
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You fit in the saddle, you're not too heavy, they don't know about horses. Tell them to jog on.
 
You look fine to me, I'm no expert but you are not someone I would drive pass and think, omg she's too big for that pony.
Obviously weight etc is within limits so if you have a nice safe pony, go for it. They are probably jealous.

Editted to add, the owner hopefully would had said something if they though you were too big.
 
Thank you everyone 😊 you’ve definitely made me feel better about him. I’m looking at the bigger picture and my petite 8 year old who’s a beginner wants to ride and help and the last thing I would want to do is over horse her. I just want to enjoy some clinics (non jumping), hacking a few times a week and enjoy having my first pony at 40 🥰.
 
Lb1105 said:
after showing some non horsey family they’ve all said he’s far too small for me
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You look fine. Their idea of what is correct is probably based purely on seeing TV heroes and heroines riding around on "big horses" because that's what people do in the movies. 5'2" is titchy, I'm 5'7" and a 13.2 NF carried me until I was 21. Unlike you, my legs dangled a bit (!) but she was well up to the weight.
 
Thank you so much everyone. It’s funny how everyone who knows horses says I look ok on him but all non horsey people say I look too big, I know who’s opinions I will value the most. He’s currently in a 16in saddle but a saddle fitter who was at the yard when I viewed him said he could easily take a 16.5in or even 17in so something I could consider if needed. I think he is the boy for us so now time to get a vetting arranged.
 
Lb1105 said:
Hi all so yesterday i went and tried a 13.2hh 15 year old NF gelding. He was sweet, safe and I felt find riding him. I left a deposit and come home feeling very happy that my girls and I will have a love gentleman to look after us all and in turn we will give him a forever home. The owner took a photo of me on him and after showing some non horsey family they’ve all said he’s far too small for me, my husband come to the viewing and said we looked great together. The picture hasn’t been taken at a great angle and in context I’m 5ft2 and 8st and within is the 15% body weight rule. Now I’m contemplating whether I’ve made a mistake 😢
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The pony is a perfect size for you. Good luck with the vetting
 
Lb1105 said:
Thank you everyone 😊 you’ve definitely made me feel better about him. I’m looking at the bigger picture and my petite 8 year old who’s a beginner wants to ride and help and the last thing I would want to do is over horse her. I just want to enjoy some clinics (non jumping), hacking a few times a week and enjoy having my first pony at 40 🥰.
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He looks perfect for that.
.
 
I know this thread is a little old, but I'm so pleased for you! Having just read your thread and being 44 myself and still dreaming of my own pony it brought a tear to my eye. My daughter has just got the bug this summer and so I'd love to get something I can ride and she can learn on. I hope you've all had a wonderful summer getting to know each other xx
 
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