What size horse for me?

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StephanieAnn

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I am hopefully getting my first horse next year and was just wondering whether I should be looking for a pony or whether I would be better suited to getting a horse?

I am 4'11 (always thought I was around the 5'0 or slightly more mark until I measured myself lol) and I weigh 7 stones.

I have been riding a 13hh dartmoor x mare at the riding school and I always feel like I'm too big for her, though everyone says I look fine, my stirrups aren't below her belly and she manages to jump and bomb off with me just fine ;)

I suppose I am just a bit paranoid as I don't want to be a pony squasher!
 
You can probably ride anything other than a miniature.

What you get depends on what you want to do but 14 hands should be plenty.
 
HI,

It's not just the height to factor in, but the stamp (build) of the horse too, a small/narrow 15.2hh TB type may suit you as much as a 13hh section C or something native but wider/flatter in the back.

I'd think about your own build too, conformationally, as this helps finding the right beast shape for you!

Shorter legs on a wide horse = thelwell style and hard for the rider to get their leg around their animal, and so on.

The animals training and 'forwardness' could also make a difference.

Try lots out, and see what you find most suitable, that's probably the best option for you to make a start in your search.

Good luck and how exciting!
 
I think you'd be fine with a pony :) But equally a smallish horse, finely built would be alright too, maybe 15.1hh-ish?

Little sister is about 7 stone, 5'6 and has a very narrowly built 14.2hh

Just try lots and take whatever you feel most comfortable on! I'd love to have a pony still :D
 
Depends on what you want to be doing. If there is any chance that you may want to do a bit of SJ then you need something that is definitely over14.2h otherwise you may struggle to find classes to do as pony classes are often for under 16

Bearing in mind that so many of us never thought we would want to compete when we got our horses do be sure of this

Otherwise its down to how you feel about individual horses/ponies.

personally I wouldn't buy anything bigger than 15h that was chunky and a light weight up to 15.2h. BUT like I say it will be more down to how you feel on each one.

Always get someone to take a photo of you riding any horse you are interested in so you know how you look.
 
lol, ive got a 16.1 wb and im 4ft11 ! i also used to have a 17hhtb but did look small on him! ive got a 13.2hh chunky new forest pony that i dont look out of place on but i do feel quite big on him now, but ive gotten used to riding bigger horses! i think its not so much just height but about how responsive the horse is to ride/rider skill/level/confidence etc HOWEVER i cant get back on if i get off on a hack without finding something to use as a mounting block.lol!!!!
 
I am 4"11 and weight about 7.5 stone so am pretty similar to you.

My horse is 15"2, however he can be a bit of a nutter but I have ridden since I was about 5 (I am now 21) so I can handle him.

When I used to have lessons at the local stables I used to ride a 16"2 who admittedly I looked tiny on.

I think it more depends on your experience and confidence than your height as realistically we could be put on just about anything. I prefer horses to ponies but luckily if it was the other way around I would have a choice.

But as pixiebee said if I ever have any problems when out hacking then I do have to find a gate or something to get back on at as I can't quite do it from the floor!
 
I agree it depends on your shape too - ie long or short legs etc. I know someone of about 5ft3 who has a 14.2 connie and just looks all wrong - she has very short legs.

I cannot begin to imagine why you feel too big on the pony you ride unless it is a complete twiglet!!

Being able to get on from the ground is very important to me so I never have anythign too tall!
 
You're lucky inasmuch as it doesn't really matter what size you get as long as you feel comfortable on it. As has been pointed out though if you want to compete it is almost impossible to find classes for adults on ponies either jumping or showing, unless you do native showing classes. I found this out when I took on my son's 14.2 and was limited to dressage classes.
 
It really does depend on what you like, I'm 5'11" and have had 16hh and 16.3hh horses in the past, however, I currently have a 15.1(just) cobx (shes not particularly chunky) and I am most comfortable on her... however I have ridden my friends connemara who is a fraction over 14hh and felt completely comfortable on him.

If I were you I would look at the 14-14.2hh and try different shapes- the connie i rode was built like a warmblood so really takes your leg up, however he has little legs himself, so you're just closer to the ground!
 
I don't want anything too chunky with tons of feather and I have always admired arabs, would an arab be a bad choice for a first time horse owner? I also love haflingers, I think they are gorgeous! There's a haffie mare at the RS who has a lovely temperament but she seems to find cantering difficult and jumping is a big no no for her. Are haffies versatile? I would be looking to do a bit of everything, local shows etc. I'm looking for a nice allrounder that can go up a gear when asked.
 
I would probably stay away from both arabs and haffies as first horses - although there may be saints in both of those breeds which go against the stereotype...

New Forest ponies and their crosses are worth a look, I think... Flexible in what they can do, great temperaments and pretty too.

Good luck!

PS: if you look in my album, you can see me on a 13.2hh - the dun - and a 15hh - the coloured. I am your height and weight.
 
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Don't take this the wrong way but I assume you are an adult (you write like one!) and have stopped growing? If you're still a teenager and have some growing to do, it might be worth factoring that in if you're buying a horse you want to keep for a long time.

Although arabs have a reputation for being flighty, as with all breeds there are mad and quiet ones so I wouldn't rule them out if you like them, just be careful (as with any horse) when you go looking. They're a lot more hardy than people give them credit for so can be easy to look after in that sense. What about an Arab cross? I met a beautiful Arab x Connemara the other day, 14.3 middleweight, lives out, quiet to ride and handle but beautiful paces and lots of ability - probably just what you're after!

Also first time owners range a huge amount in their knowledge and ability and you sound like you're going into this with your eyes open and the right attitude so could well be a better owner that someone with more experience but thinking they know a lot more than they do.
 
I'm 17 and finished growing a long time ago, lol I don't think I have grown since I was 13! I just want to learn as much as I can before I take the plunge and I know it sounds a bit snobby but I want a horse that has the wow factor looks and paces wise as I am interested in getting into showing and dressage but also a horse that is reasonably hardy if possible. I am fine with rugging up if needed, the horse will probably be kept on livery at my local RS with daily turnout. :)
 
StephanieAnn said:
I want a horse that has the wow factor looks and paces wise as I am interested in getting into showing and dressage
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I can understand that, but always remember temperament comes first. It's a bit like getting into a relationship with a very good-looking guy...yes, that's nice, but what if he is vain / an arse / mean / shallow? Just something to think about!
 
Arabs are wonderful horses and it would be worth your time trying some
I dont think that if you find the right one it would be unsuitable as a first horse!

Also you could look at some nice arab/cob/pony/tb crosses in your height range.
 
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