Will I be pony squashing?

[StephanieAnn]

I've been looking for a loan pony and someone on preloved has given me the chance to ride their 12.2hh, the pony is local to me and sounds like just what I'm looking for. The problem is my dad seems to think I'm far too big and now I'm worried about pony squashing...generally speaking, could a 12.2hh pony carry a 4'11 rider of 7.5 stones? I have been riding for 6 years and I would say that my balance is good so I won't be bouncing around on its back. Owner says I will be fine but I'm not so sure, what do you all think? Thanks

 

[Tonty Tont]

It depends on the build of the pony. If he is chunky, you should have no problems at all

Just so you can see, I'm 5'3 and weigh 7 stone. My pony is 13 hands, and has no trouble carrying me at all

 

[TelH]

As long as it's not a very fine type you should be ok.

 

[mulledwhine]

Our chunky sec a is ridden by a 5'2 girl ego weighs about 8 stone, and he does just fine

 

[Tickles]

Perhaps get your Dad (or whoever) to take some pics at any trial you have so you can judge for yourself... also, depending on your age, you may be about to grow quite a lot quite fast... you don't want to have to send it back after only a few months!

 

[Wagtail]

I would say that you would be the absolute maximum weight for the pony to carry and would urge you to look for something bigger. You may put on weight too.

 

[Gilbey]

Not at all too big or heavy at present. BUT you will grow so what will you do then? You could just enjoy this pony for the winter and spring though.....

 

[rhino]

Horses and ponies of the same height can vary tremendously in how much weight they can happily carry. I think you would probably feel 'big' on a 12.2 show pony type but on anything chunkier I don't see it being a problem.

I am a few inches taller than you but have worked at a Dartmoor stud as the breaker/rider and have exercised/schooled a number of 128 JA ponies.

I would go and see the pony and use your common sense

 

[StephanieAnn]

Thank you very much everyone, I'm 18 years old and finished growing years ago, I'm sure I've not gotten any taller since I was about 13! Regarding my weight, I do usually weigh around 7 stone and have put a bit on recently due to over indulgence and not enough exercise (I blame xmas lol) hence why I am now 7.5 stones, currently on a diet to shift the pounds.

 

[pennyturner]

I have a herd of ponies of various heights. They're ridden by my children, but also by myself. I'm nearly 11st (if I'm honest) and 5'6". I regularly ride a 12.2 Dartmoor stallion (built like a tank) and a 12.3 sec. a (stocky and very short back). Both will happily carry me all day. I do not ride my other 12.2 dartmoor gelding, as he is a little slighter, and getting on a bit, although I used to pop on him for 10 minutes to school him when he was younger and naughtier. I wouldn't ride a fine 14h, or anything which seemed uncomfortable carrying me.

Clearly I am too big for them, and would look ridiculous in a show ring, but we do enjoy our hacking, and I think it does them good to be ridden by mum from time to time.

 

[muddygreymare]

You'll be fine. I'm 5'7 and weigh about 7st ish, I've ridden my friend's 12.2hh loads of times and although my feet nearly touch the ground, she carries me fine

 

[Lwhite]

I must be a pony squisher supreme, being in my mid 50's and having ridden nothing but ponies all my life, much more fun.
I am 5'4",just under 10st and my last pony who sadly passed away last spring was 13.3 and I had owned her for 17 wonderfull years. She allways worked really well for me and was more than capable of carrying me despite being a registered show pony. Judges didn't think I looked out of place as we allways came in the first 3 and our last outing with her aged 23 we were reserve vetran ridden champion. So if your pony is happy with you on board then go for it. Currently looking to buy a lovely 13.2 Welsh sec C. mare to keep my 2 shetlands company.

 

[RolyPolyPony]

I think you would be fine as long as it is not a fine build. I have recently been schooling another livery's 10.2hh section a x shetland (I'm 5ft7 and weigh 10.5st) and she carries me fine (still manages to tank off with me!) She's quite a stocky pony though.

 

[Phoebe+Sophie]

I'm 5'4" or 5'5" and I weigh 8 stone. My pony is 12.3hh and half inch and a stocky Welsh section C x Exmoor and has always coped fine with me.
This is me and her last winter.

 

[tallyho!]

Ah go on! Ponies love a bit of squashing as long as you know when he gets tired or isn't coping - just don't force the issue.

 

[StephanieAnn]

Owner has just messaged me back and pony up for loan is a bay Welsh Section C mare; they're quite a stocky breed aren't they and not as finely built as Section B's?

 

[rhino]

Owner has just messaged me back and pony up for loan is a bay Welsh Section C mare; they're quite a stocky breed aren't they and not as finely built as Section B's?

Yes, Welsh C's are also called 'Welsh ponies of cob type' so if she is a decent Welsh C you will be fine. I used to ride a fantastic little bay 'C' gelding, very forward going, fun, talented ride

 

[Stilldreamin']

Yes, Welsh C's are also called 'Welsh ponies of cob type' so if she is a decent Welsh C you will be fine. I used to ride a fantastic little bay 'C' gelding, very forward going, fun, talented ride

Heavens yes you'll be fine with that one.

I'm 5'4 and 8 stone and looking to back a little welshie next year for the first time so hope will be ok!

 

[pixiebee]

My god I can't believe you are questioning! I broke in a 12.3 chunky pony and I'm also 4.11 but weigh 8.5 stone. He certainly had no issues and I didn't look bug on him at all. 7.5 stone is nothing! Lots of kids weigh more than that on smaller ponies! People seriously underestimate the weight a horse will carry!

 

[teagreen]

My god I can't believe you are questioning! I broke in a 12.3 chunky pony and I'm also 4.11 but weigh 8.5 stone. He certainly had no issues and I didn't look bug on him at all. 7.5 stone is nothing! Lots of kids weigh more than that on smaller ponies! People seriously underestimate the weight a horse will carry!

Exacty this. You will be absolutely fine and you are nowhere near the "absolute maximum" this pony can carry. If at any point you thought it was struggling, I'm sure you'd know, but it won't be. I am 5'4", weigh about 9 - 9.5 stone and show Welsh ponies in the showring, including jumping, with absolutely no problems. Enjoy!