adults riding ponies?

[LisaW-B]

Has this topic been “done” here? I tried searching, but didn’t find anything specific.

I’m considering a horse who only grew to be pony-sized… around 13.3h, might finish at 14h, but big-boned. I’m only 5’2" myself, and the horses I usually ride now are also a “pony” of about 14-14.1h and another of 14.3h.

What do people think of an adult on a pony in dressage? I was talking it over with my teacher, and her valid opinion is that it will be harder for a pony do well, i.e., a pony may need to be twice as good as your average-sized horse to earn the same score, so why “buy” a deficit to start out with. I’m not big into showing, but if I bother to pay the money and wear the coat, I’d like to at least try to be competitive. The pony in question could show at breed shows as a “half” or at open shows as AWS/sport pony.

[penhille]

I’m interested in this topic also, as my trainer is going to start showing my 13.2 pony soon. He’s boarded near Paxton Farm and I’m sure we’ll be heading to the KHP also, so it’ll be interesting to see how the various judges at the different shows take to him.

It seems to me that a lot of pony breeds are breaking through into the higher-level showing more and more, from Haflingers to GSP to the smaller Morgans & Arabs. You’re always going to have some judges that only like a certain thing, whatever that is. If you’re not huge into showing anyways, I would go with what you like, ie size, personality, etc., be it horse or pony, and try to learn your judges. Stay away from the ones who won’t like you no matter what and find the ones who give honest feedback. If you plan to show at pony shows, you won’t have a problem there, anyways.

[merrygoround]

Remember Marion Coakes, and Stroller, remember Lendon Gray and Seldom Seen, remember Karen O’Connor and Teddy? If the pony is a good moving well trained pony, he should score well.

[CLB15]

[QUOTE=LisaW-B;3264380]
Has this topic been “done” here? I tried searching, but didn’t find anything specific.
… her valid opinion is that it will be harder for a pony do well, i.e., a pony may need to be twice as good as your average-sized horse to earn the same score, so why “buy” a deficit to start out with. …[/QUOTE]

Dressage doesn’t require your mount to “make” lines with certain numbers of strides or jump obstacles that are bigger then the horse itself, and except for pony tests, there’s no min. or max. age to riders, or limits to what classes that a pony can enter. I personally don’t think that the quote above is a big concern. If a pony does a nice centerline with an imobile halt, there’s no reason they wouldn’t get the same score as a large horse who does a nice centerline with an imobile halt (just an example- could apply to circles, transitions, whatever). But like any horse, some are built or move or have the brain that make them more suitable for dressage then others (whether its a pony or a horse).

I know people with welshs and morgans (around or below pony-size) who can be or are competitive at schooling and recognized shows.

[rileyt]

While I agree with your trainer to a point… in general, I disagree.

I’m sure if you’re sitting in the judge’s box, and a horse like Gifted comes down the center line in his extended trot, you are going to have your socks blown off. Its true that an equally good pony might not have the same effect.

But I don’t think a talented pony needs to be anywhere near “twice as good” as an average horse to be competitive. Especially not for most people. Even at recognized shows, and at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, level, I’ve seen some very nice ponies and small horses that are GREAT, and score very well.

I guess my sense is, its really hard to find the “right” horse. There are so many factors: rideability, movement, temperment, etc. With all those factors, I would not pass over a really good pony just because of his size.

Plus, at 5’2"… you probably won’t fit a 16.3 hand behemoth anyway… so for you, an “appropriate size” may well be 14 - 15.3 hands anyway. Is the pony really giving up so much when compared to a 15.2 hand horse?

[Ajierene]

I am finding out that it is rather common in the UK for adults to ride ponies. Personally, I don’t see the issue with riding a pony, there are some great dressage prospects out there in small packages.

As far as your height goes, you would definitely look much better on a smaller horse or large pony. I look like a dot on the big drafty horse that I ride for my friend - I’m also 5’2" and he’s 16.2 and just about as wide…

My friend - 5’6" and big boned rode a halflinger pony in dressage - she fit that wide little pony very well. So, go for it.

[pintopiaffe]

From the scribe’s seat I’ve seen several good ponies/cobs beat the socks of the competition (of all shapes and sizes.) And at the higher levels, the really big fancy gaits don’t have as many places to ‘blow away’ GOOD/pure gaits, accurate tests and CORRECT MOVEMENTS. I think things even out quite a bit.

From the saddle, some things are easier–fitting in the small court, feed/farrier/trailering etc. But some things are harder. Aids can be magnified, so you’d better be balanced and giving them right… As you already know, a scootn’spin on a leetle horse doesn’t give you the ‘air time’ to recover as quickly as a big horse. On a big horse I feel like I have DAYS to recover…

It’s all about FIT too, more than height. Not all 14h are created equal. I always talk about the Fjord mare I rode, 14h or so, who made me feel skinny, tall and elegant. :lol: She was simply the perfect fit for me. My guy has become easier and easier the more he’s gained uphill balance and muscle, but when he was a greenbean, I couldn’t even walk on him bareback or I’d risk sliding off in any direction. My teacher now–who is a bit taller than me and far leggier–loves riding my guy, but he fills the leg nicely despite being otherwise petite.

I also think the trend is definitely swinging toward ‘suitably sized’ mounts, at all levels. Life is short, ride what pleases you. :yes:

[quietann]

I will second the recommendation of a small horse or large pony for a 5’2" rider. I am 5’1" and my girl is a Morgan with “sporthorse” style movement, 14.3 hands barefoot, who had competed through first level and was schooling second level before I bought her. (We are still getting used to each other and I am still catching up to her, so we are not out competing this year.) I am a little chubby so I like how substantial she is. I’ve ridden a few horses in the 16 to 17 hand range and they are simply too large for me.

(One caveat, the resale value on a “hony” over 14.2 but under 15.3 hands is not as good as the resale value for an equivalently sized large pony. So if you aren’t going to keep them forever, this is something to think about.)

(She’s cute, too… I’m up at http://annsrats.com/horses/feronia/2008-05-16/koutside2.jpg and my trainer at http://annsrats.com/horses/feronia/2008-05-16/joc3.jpg . Not dressage-y photos at all, just as a warning. She has the hackamore on because we’re still waiting for her much needed dental appointment.)

[normandy_shores]

[QUOTE=quietann;3264829]
I am a little chubby so I like how substantial she is.

(She’s cute, too… I’m up at http://annsrats.com/horses/feronia/2008-05-16/koutside2.jpg and my trainer at http://annsrats.com/horses/feronia/2008-05-16/joc3.jpg . Not dressage-y photos at all, just as a warning. She has the hackamore on because we’re still waiting for her much needed dental appointment.)[/QUOTE]

You are NOT chubby, geez!

And lovely horse!

[quietann]

Well, 5’1" and 150 pounds is not thin! Feronia is gorgeous and talented, but also very sensitive, so she’s still adjusting to her new life. I am lucky to have good help in J and her daughter, because we’ve had some, um, adventures.

[TeddyRocks]

pony dressage horse

My friend, 5’7" bought a FANCY morgan pony… just over 14.2… Got a great deal, will be her horse purchase… The mare is 5 yrs old now, and the owner looks fine on the mare. The mare is doing only training level right now, but schooling 1st level. Cute mare. “good” match… My other friend, has this mare’s father, who is a 14.1 Morgan stallion, and she shows him 3rd level… This lady is 5’5"…

[TMPF]

One of the ladies that I ride with has a 14.3 GRP and is scoring in the 70’s in open training level classes. Our Trainer showed him this weekend in the YH classes at Raleigh and he held his own against the bigger horses. (see dressage daily article)

[Dune]

Your trainer is an idiot…well, maybe not :winkgrin: but the comment she made was idiotic. Get yourself an appropriately sized mount and have fun. One thing that must be said, don’t assume that just because it’s small it’s easy to ride and light. They can still be just as difficult/fiery/strong as the big ones…and they’re quick on top of it! :lol:

[sm1]

a judge won’t mark down a pony because it’s a pony.

The only problem might be a large rider, not for the weight but because the rider’s leg and heel has to lie correctly against the pony’s side so aids can be given effectively.

[jcotton]

I have been riding cobs lately and because of their quickness, I have gotten really sticky in the saddle for my other green horses that spook. And that’s a good benefit to have. Yes, ponies or small horses are very quick in their actions compared to a 16-17h lumbering moose, I like riding the compact cob.
Be open minded looking at arab-crosses, welsh cobs, morgans, grp’s. Watch all gaits, the small ones can beat an average moving warmblood anyday and especially if you are dead- on accurate in your test as well as forward moving (but not running off or rushing through the gaits).

[Ambrey]

Wait, don’t ponies under a certain size have to compete in pony classes? Or did I dream that?

eta: never mind, I must have dreamed it. carry on

[Dressage_Diva333]

My trainer is doing Second Level with my 14.1 hand Haflinger gelding. He is just there to be sold, but she is going to start showing him this summer. When I was riding him, he always scored better than the horses, but my trainer is a lot taller than me. So we’ll see.

But I am a big pony advocate, as long as you don’t look to big on the pony, and the pony moves nicely, I don’t see any problem with it.

[Ambrey]

@Dressage_Diva333;3265268

My trainer is doing Second Level with my 14.1 hand Haflinger gelding. He is just there to be sold, but she is going to start showing him this summer. When I was riding him, he always scored better than the horses, but my trainer is a lot taller than me. So we’ll see.

But I am a big pony advocate, as long as you don’t look to big on the pony, and the pony moves nicely, I don’t see any problem with it.

Do you know how many times I drooled over your pony while we were pony shopping? Too bad our price range didn’t seem to cover well trained haflingers unless they were 2000 miles away

[hluing]

Ponies are being seen more and more in dressage…and winning. I breed and ride GRP’s myself, and know many that are cleaning up agaist the big boys. Here are a few stallions that get a lot of press…

Chardonnay-PSG
Lateran-3rd level
Stibby Me -2nd level (I think)
Popeye -2nd level (I think)

Several other GRP mares and geldings all over the country doing great in open dressage. Lots of other great ponies out there competing too likle Forrest Flame and countless others. If a pony has good gaits and it is a good test, you will often see very good scores. I am sure there are a few judges out there that will be prejudice about size…but it is the minority I think.

[LisaW-B]

These are all exceptional ponies that you’ve mentioned… and there is a difference between 14.2-14.3 and 13.3 (a whole hand, in fact! ). My teacher’s point was that a good but not exceptional pony will have a hard time beating a good but not exceptional horse, not as much in dressage although there a bit too, but mainly in the breed show’s rail classes. The trend there is for bigger. I’m probably not going to enter the rail classes, anyway. It’s the same argument that we’ve all heard before about nontraditional breeds versus traditional breeds for open dressage shows. I’m still not sure I entirely agree with her, and I’m glad to hear people don’t think I’d likely look crazy on a right-sized pony. I think she was mainly trying to make me think about not limiting myself that much if there are taller equines out there to choose from. But, if I discover that the perfect one for me is shorter, than that’s the one I’ll get. (Even if I suspect it’d make her a bit sad, LOL.)