Adult on a Welsh Pony?

[Lorelei_Welsh]

Welsh ponies are TOTALLY suitable for adults! I have a few of my own. I think it’s silly that some people insist that adults ride horses rather than ponies - ride whatever you want to ride, and have fun!!

As a child I rode ponies, then as a teen was pushed into ‘needing’ to own a horse, so I did… went though 4-5 horses until present-day me finally decided that ponies are AWESOME and why did I EVER decide to give them up!? I love them so much I decided to start breeding Section B Welsh Ponies, and haven’t looked back! Go with your gut, and start having fun on that pony.

[Roxyllsk]

You don’t know until you go give the pony a try ! So basically the answer is ‘it depends’.

I know quite a few adults who ride ponies and love it. Some are built like tanks, and most are built like downsized versions of full sized horses.

I ride the BO’s 13.1 hand Haflinger when he needs a 'tude adjustment - but he’s built like a tank and has a big barrel. I’m 5’7" and 160 on a good day LOL. He has no problem with my riding him. I do not feel silly riding him either because his barrel takes up my very long leg, and I don’t look silly either (I’ve seen the pictures). Now if he were a very refined pony, that would be different. The BO is probably 5’4" or so and a lot lighter than I am.

I’d go take a look, take a friend with a camera or camera phone, and take him for a ride. Then see what you think.

[RiderInTheRain]

I’m an adult (5’ 4’’, ~120 lbs) and I ride a ~13.3 hand (last time he was measured he was a hair under 13.2, but I think he has grown since then) Morgan. He’s a great size for me as I’m all legs with a short upper body, so his big barrel takes up my leg well and the balance is still ok for galloping, jumping and other fun activities.

I don’t think I will ever own a full size horse again!

[candyappy]

@Lee2g

This is an old thread (sorry, I’m a new member), but I’ll just throw out my question and hope someone sees it: I have been offered (free) the 14 h (Morgan?) pictured. I’m 5’6”. I would be trail riding and hunting in 2nd field (no jumping). I’m a balanced rider and rode him on trails for several miles without a problem, but I’m worried that I look too big for him. Thoughts? He’s 13 and a total sweetheart.

If that is you on him then you are just fine. You look good together. Have fun:)

[Nova2000]

@Lee2g

This is an old thread (sorry, I’m a new member), but I’ll just throw out my question and hope someone sees it: I have been offered (free) the 14 h (Morgan?) pictured. I’m 5’6”. I would be trail riding and hunting in 2nd field (no jumping). I’m a balanced rider and rode him on trails for several miles without a problem, but I’m worried that I look too big for him. Thoughts? He’s 13 and a total sweetheart.

You look good on him! I have a small horse, 15.1 and I’m 5’7”. Even though I feel like the trend is for bigger horses, I recently volunteered at a dressage schooling show, and was pleasantly surprised at how many people were on smaller horses. If you like him and enjoy riding him, go for it. But don’t take him just because he is free. As my husband likes to remind me, there is no such thing as a free horse…

[clanter]

you will appreciate 14h when you have to remount out in the field. Cannot tell from the photos but many small Morgans are only small because of shorter cannon bones.

We had a mare who measured 14.1+ but always was thought to be over 15h as she just looked bigger than she was

[KBC]

“Not fair” pouts KBC…

STOP reviving old threads where 90% of the photo links are now broken, and I can’t admire the ponies.

[moonlitoaksranch]

I ride a Mustang. She was taken off the range in Nevada. She is 14 hands and I’m slightly taller and heavier than you. Tough, little mare could carry more, but she prefers her human (which is unworthy me). She has me trained just how she likes me. I’m getting a bit older and I think the ground is harder than it used to be…:lol:

[Ruth0552]

@Lee2g You are way too tall for him. I, however, am only 5’1" and he would just be perfect for me. I’ll PM you my address.

(I’m kidding you look totally fine!).

[Toblersmom]

@Lee2g

This is an old thread (sorry, I’m a new member), but I’ll just throw out my question and hope someone sees it: I have been offered (free) the 14 h (Morgan?) pictured. I’m 5’6”. I would be trail riding and hunting in 2nd field (no jumping). I’m a balanced rider and rode him on trails for several miles without a problem, but I’m worried that I look too big for him. Thoughts? He’s 13 and a total sweetheart.

You look fine on him. If everything else checks out OK and the horse-keeping fits into your budget (the horse BUYING part is the least of it), go for it!

[GraceLikeRain]

If you have any concerns, I’d weight tape the pony and see if the numbers are such that you have a reason for concern.

https://www.equinechronicle.com/study-examines-equine-response-to-rider-weight-increase/

Aesthetically you dont look too tall. If you were planning on riding in a dressage saddle your leg would probably look a little long but in a jump saddle you’re nicely in line with the bottom of his barrel.

[J-Lu]

I would say no!

A professional trainer I knew, Nancy Hinz, was/is about your height and trained many Welsh cobs to FEI, 1 or 2 to GP. German Riding Ponies are also common for dressage riders who want a very maneuverable ride. Heck, I showed a 15.1 hh Trak mare and was very appreciative of the more strides to do something that she afforded me.

Go for it if you like this pony!!

[moonlitoaksranch]

@Moonlitoaks

I ride a Mustang. She was taken off the range in Nevada. She is 14 hands and I’m slightly taller and heavier than you. Tough, little mare could carry more, but she prefers her human (which is unworthy me). She has me trained just how she likes me. I’m getting a bit older and I think the ground is harder than it used to be…:lol:

Hehehe! I was responding to the original OP…

Lee2g, If he feels good when you ride, than he’s the right horse (pony). I am shorter, and a bit lighter, perhaps, but I tested my little Mustang in all gaits and through turns. You can tell if they carry your weight well. If you are worried, just try to keep him in shape. If he goes through a spell where you can’t ride, bring him back into shape slowly. Morgans are tough, little horses. I think he could carry much more than you. For free? Wow! He looks like a nice horse (pony).

[clanter]

@Moonlitoaks

Morgans are tough, little horses. I think he could carry much more than you. For free? Wow! He looks like a nice horse (pony).

many Morgans are small only due to shorter cannon bones and/or lower withers

Bay on right is 14.1, Buckskin on left is 15.2 both are Morgans

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[thatottbgirl]

@EqTrainer

I have a client who just got her second large pony and says she willl never go back to horses. She weighs about ten pounds more than you do. Enjoy your new pony

ummm HELL YEAH! I am 5’3" (130 lbs) and I always felt pressured to ride 16HH + horses to avoid looking too big, which is silly! I never felt as comfortable on something that big. I always felt my most confident on ponies, and dang are they fun!
Once I quit riding hunters and decided to ride for fun, I decided my next purchase will probably be a pony or small horse (13.2HH-15.1HH). They are a blast to ride, and I want to have fun.