Would I be laughed at if I...

madhector

madhector

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...Took a 12.2 pony from work and did some dressage on him?

Pony is going really nicely, and has outstanding movement, I school him for a very young girl who does a bit of pony club and shows on him, but is only 10. I think he would do really well at dressage, and when she is older they could be a great team, but the mother wants him to go out and get some experience now (he is 5) I am only 5ft2 and dont look hugely big on him, just wondered if we would look completly ridiculous
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Your thoughts please!
 
How small is the pony?
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I really think he could go far, he is so easy to train, and cant get over how he moves, (wish i had a bigger version
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Thing is the mother doesnt really do unaffiliated, so we would have to affiliate him, and thats the bit I am not keen on, it is all very well making a fool of yourself at a local unaffil show, but it sounds like it gets a bit serious at BD
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dont worry bout it I'm 5'8 and broke a 13.1 welsh B and schooled it on. Rang up local Dressage and explained the situation they said it would be fine to enter her. All I got was stares and loudly spoken comments from 5'3 12 year olds on their parents 17 hand hunters. Went in and pony did a beautiful test and was rewarded by a rosette and a lovely comment from the judge who said how it was wonderful to see a pony being ridden by an adult! So I say go for it!!
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I did a Novice on my friend's 13.2 Dales x pony a while ago and we won, beating lots of big fancy horses. He was ace and I really enjoyed it. No reason why ponies shouldn't do just as well as horses if their training is correct. The criteria for them is exactly the same. (I'm 5'2 as well by the way and looked a bit big but no one commented).
 
I personally would go for it, stuff the tuts etc, chances are you could come out with a rosette and in control. Some people can not get these big horses correctly working as they do not have the strength in there legs and seat to hold them together. My mate goes dressage on a 13.2hh.
 
I used to ride a 14.2hh in seniors which I was a bit big for, but I rode it in all disiplines for years! Only comments I got where that I shouldnt be hanging onto my pony and should be onto horses (WHY?!), did go onto horses in the end though!

I backed a 13.2hh pony about 3 years ago and took it to a local dressage comp. Nobody said anything as they knew it was one of my 'projects' and we ended up winning both tests! he he.

I really wouldn't worry. If you get any comments, just ignore them or say something clever back! As long as you're not too heavy for the pony I see no problem whatsoever.
 
no go for it!!!! PMSL, reminded me of good times going out on tiddly ponies in the park or in a group lesson and looking absolutely ridiculous - but little ponies are the best - SO much fun!!

Just make sure you take lots, and lots of photos....
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I compete BE on my 14.3hh pony and I'm in my mid-thirties. Not that long ago I used to do XC and SJ on my friends' 13.1hh.

Loads of adults in the showing world ride small ponies including Shetlands, and out hunting it's sensible to get an adult to take your small childs pony out the first few times to make sure it's sensible.

A few people will look down their noses at you, but most people don't.

Go for it.
 
I remember, years ago, watching an adult rider doing dressage to music at advanced level, complete with top hat & tails, on a 13hh welshie - fantastic
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