Not talking the rider fit for size of the pony.
Adults showing ponies in general.
Is it considered a should-not-be?
Would you show the made pony over the semi-green horse to show?
Do you feel an adult riding a pony against a ring full of WB’s and other breeds is a no win situation?
I have a tres petite adult who has a large pony. She rides at open/non-rated shows in divisions appropriate for her skill level.
Hasn’t been a problem thus far - she’s pretty much pinned right where she should be at the shows we’ve gone to.
My ponies often beat the horses whether it be hunters, jumpers, or dressage…and they’ve beaten some nice horses.
There should never be a no-no, if the horse, or pony ;), suits the job and the rider, then it will be competitive.
It would really depend on a few factors. One, can the pony make the strides? And can the pony make the strides without having to go at mach ten?
In and of itself, as long as it’s a class where adults are eligible to show ponies, it is not necessarily a “no” but it would really depend what your competition is like, and the ability of your pony. If your pony performs to the same level as a larger horse, why not?
I’m an adult on a pony. I’m petite, and size wise, she is a perfect fit for me. We compete at 2’ and 2’6", where there is a mix of of horses and ponies, and I don’t feel like we have been penalized at all. We do pony strides at all the shows, although she is a large pony and has a large stride, so we could get horse strides without her flying around.
Like I said, right now, at lower levels, there is a mix of horses and ponies and it’s fine - it is mostly kids on large ponies not ready for the 2’9" pony class or other beginner adults. At some point, I think we will move up to 2’9" and I may feel like we are at more of a disadvantage there as I think we will be the only adult/pony combination in that class. If you’re in a class where there are other ponies, then I think you would be at less of a disadvantage.
The question about made pony vs green horse really depends on the rider.
Being an adult is a drawback to competing h/j on a pony, but I was aware of this disadvantage when I bought her. I just don’t show enough to really care, especially when I consider this horse an otherwise perfect match.
Depends on the division, I think.
In the lower divisions or at unrated shows? Why not?
However, if you are talking about rated shows (where the courses tend to be set on longer strides) in the adult hunters or eq (or higher) then unless the pony is pretty exceptional, I think it would be hard to be competitive on a pony.
I have a pony and I am 5’1",110 lbs, and 24 years old. I need a 16.5" seat close contact saddle. I have a 16.5" seat all purpose saddle and I just don’t feel like it does anything productive and I’m confused about where the sweet spot is in the seat. I can’t feel it well. I’m also not convinced it fits my mare. She is 13.1hh and 8 yrs. old and has short withers, making it necessary for her to have a bit of a wider gullet. What would you suggest for us? I’m confused about pony saddles. They all seem to be for children? Any good brands or good sizing guides or anything?
[QUOTE=Ozone;4990996]
Do you feel an adult riding a pony against a ring full of WB’s and other breeds is a no win situation?[/QUOTE]
As an adult who has regularly shown ponies in hunters and dressage over the last 20 years, my answer is no! 
As long as my ponies have been suitable and laid down a good trip, I’ve had no problems beating the full sized warmbloods and TBs in both disciplines. FYI, in the hunters, I have always asked my ponies to add a stride in the “horse stride” lines. Obviously, as others have already mentioned, suitability is important.
As a judge, I’m also more than happy to see an adult riding a pony in the lower level classes. Again, suitability is important, and as long as the performance is on par with the rest of the competition, I make no bias for short statured equines!
happens all over… no prob with adults riding ponies at all iam one and my pony won heaps against all sorts in mixed events from sj to ht to dressage, to riding club activities showing you name it shes done it and won… as wins lol abd at 23 she can still pull it out of her hat and beat them
Someone has pulled out this 5 year old thread to ask a question that is only very slightly related.
Earthsister, you may do better to start a new thread with your question.
[QUOTE=furlong47;8457397]
Someone has pulled out this 5 year old thread to ask a question that is only very slightly related.
Earthsister, you may do better to start a new thread with your question.[/QUOTE]
lol Didn’t even realize. I was answering the original OPs post…apparently from many years ago. I agree the post about the saddle doesn’t really fit in here and would do better as it’s own thread.
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