What height for my next pony?

[bayxpony]

Hi, i am in the process of looking for another pony to do more jumping and xc with, and have been looking for ponies around the 14.2 mark. But have recently had a growth spurt and am around 5’5 and a bit/5’6. My current pony is a 14.2 connie and i feel that i look just right on her, but i don’t want to buy something only to sell it in 12 months. I don’t plan to do much bsj, so should i be looking for something bigger?

 

[Gloi]

How old are you. If you are young enough to compete in 14.2 classes, make the most of it before you are too old.

 

[[153312]]

It very much depends on what you what to do. If you're competitive get something that would enable you to do 148cm classes. If you're not and just want a fun all rounder up to 15.2 wouldn't be unrealistic. As I always say with these threads though it's worth keeping an open mind when horse shopping, but at the same time a list of what you want/require in a mount and your general criteria would be a really good idea

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

Is your current pony just not sporty enough for what you're wanting to do? I'd be very wary of buying something sportier and ALSO a hand taller than you're used to. It's tempting to buy a horse that will "last" you for 10 years, but it's completely counter productive to overhorse yourself and find that still can't do everything you want to be able to.

While you're thinking, try and get some rides on a variety of different ponies/horses. Not necessarily lessons on school horses because that can give you a false sense of confidence! But see if you can beg (well, probably pay for!) "real life" rides on bigger horses on your yard.

In general, buy what you want/need right now.

 

[J&S]

Adults of your height can ride 14.2 ponies all their lives.

 

[teddypops]

How old are you? Do you have much growing left to do? I’m a 5’5” adult and only have ponies 14 - 14.2hh which are fine for me. What is wrong with your current pony that you are looking to buy another?

 

[oldie48]

I think there's a lot more to it than just height, Your body type and the pony's conformation are just as important as is what sort of heights etc do you want to compete at. Some ponies will take up the leg but if they are short backed and you are long from hip to knee, you could find it difficult to find a saddle that will fit you both. If you are long bodied and want to do serious jumping you might find it more difficult to find your balance over big jumps. You are certainly not too tall for a 148cm but if you still have a lot of growing to do you might outgrow the pony quite quickly. So unless you need a 148cm to stay in under 16 classes, I'd be open minded. fwiw my daughter who was taller than you competed a 148 competition pony alongside a 16.1 WB and looked fine on both.

 

[bayxpony]

I’m 14 and still have quite a lot of growing to do. I’m really not heavy at all so weight will not be an issue. My current pony is great, but really just isn’t keen on jumping. So i’m not necessarily looking for something ‘sportier’ just something to have some fun with that also enjoys their jumping.

 

[oldie48]

I'd be open minded about size, just look for something with the right temperament that is already doing the job that you want and that you can afford, size is, IMHO, a lot less important than suitability especially if you are not looking at doing age related classes.