I totally agree with melinda and Sandy. Most pony breeders would prefer to use a small adult to start their ponies. The obvious advantage being more experience. The less obvious being usually more reliable, as it is a job to them. They can ride during the day because they are not in school. They have their own cars and don’t have to depend on mommy to get them to work. They don’t cancel because of a date or homework. There are plenty of local shows where adults can ride ponies. The younger ponies are not usually ready to go to the recognized shows anyway. And when they get to that level in their training it is easy to find a jr. to ride them at the shows.
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I too am 5’1 and 110lbs. I school smalls, mediums, and larges without a problem.
That’s what I thought. You are smaller than a lot of gals I know that put the tune on the ponies. Remember, you don’t have to “look” appropriate for the ring. You just have to get the job done.
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[QUOTE=findeight;4620101]
Well, how good are you? Have you been regularly riding and jumping? Or has it been awhile…and how long?
Can be you may make 5 to 10 a ride. Could also be you need to pay for lessons to get back up to speed.
And what is your background as a rider? Everybody claims they can ride the tough ones but breeders and good barns don’t have those, they have good ones that require a more tactful ride. Or youngsters that require confidence and a patient, subtle approach.
So what are you offering besides your height and weight? Think it out now and it will help you when you talk to them and ask for rides.[/QUOTE]
These are all good questions, and they are pretty much spot-on for all the questions I’ve been asking myself.
I was a very good rider back in the day. I haven’t ridden for two years, so I’d definitely have to get some hours in the saddle before I could even consider marketing my skills for any sort of compensation.
I didn’t grow-up riding in the area where I live now, but I have a lot of contacts in the area where I took lessons and showed as a junior. So, I’d be able to provide some references, which I’d expect would be important.
I agree with chunky munky’s points. As an adult, I would consider this to be my dream job. I am in the lucky position to not need to make a living from this. I would do it for the sheer love of working with young ponies…watching them go off to new homes where they will do their jobs for the kids that love them.
I have talked to my trainer i am 5’5’’ and 125lbs and i ride a small pony (NOT ALL the time!) My trainer says ponies can hold about 20%-25% of their body weight so don’t worry you will definitely be fine!
I am 5’4 and um…bigger than you are…and I ride a 14hh pony. She’s stout and strong though. We event though, so as long as its comfortable, its good! We’re not as pretty, but we fit well and do well!
[QUOTE=AdultAmmy;4620864]
I too am 5’1 and 110lbs. I school smalls, mediums, and larges without a problem.[/QUOTE]
I am exactly the same size and also school smalls, mediums, and larges of all ages regularly.
I don’t think you’ll have a problem at all I’m 5’7" and 125, and can ride around on smalls just fine on the flat just fine. Over fences I prefer stockier mediums and larges, but thats just personal prefernce.
UPDATE: to this 10-year-old post.
So, I’m now 50 years old…same height, but a few pounds heavier. :lol:
My oldest is in college. And my youngest will be getting his license soon and won’t need me to schlep him around.
So, I’ve decided now is the time to PURCHASE a young pony project. I am super-excited, but looking for recommendations of where I might find said project. I know a couple of you that chimed in on this original post were pony breeders, so I’d love any input or advice.
Ideally, I want something no younger than 4 years old. I’d rather pay for quality than mileage. Started slowly is ideal, since I want to take my time to bring them along. I am working with a trainer friend of mine who has a talented daughter who can take over the reins for showing when that time comes.
Ideally, I’d sell or lease the pony out after a couple of years. And then do it all over again. Any advice for me?
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I’m 5’2 and have ranged from 145-155 lbs over the last few years and was on a large pony/small hony to do the 3’ jumpers for a few years and now am on a 15.2 hony for the hunters. When I was smaller in college at like 120 lbs I schooled quite a few smalls regularly. I have a photo somewhere of my leg perfectly fitting a chunky 11.2h pony lol. It is a gem and I treasure it. I see no reason for you to not be able to ride smalls also at your weight.
Wow, time flies! Did you ever become a pony jock and trainer like you were hoping ten years ago?
Unfortunately, I didn’t. A couple personal things came up that made the timing not right.
But I did find a way to keep involved with horses that was a great fit for me. I began schooling horses for a therapeutic riding center near me. I helped source new horses for them. And I helped with their fundraising efforts, eventually leading to a Board position there. It was very fulfilling…but, of course I always come back to the ponies. So ready for the next adventure!
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I just got my daughter a small, if she decides she doesn’t want to ride some day, I am totally stealing her pony. I’m 5’3" 114 lbs, so riding a 12.1 hand pony is not a problem.
Try Fenway Farms in Northern Virginia, her ponies are FABULOUS! She’s on Facebook.
Sounds like a great decade!
I’m around the same height, weight, and age as you, and I ride (and prefer to ride) ponies. I don’t do it for spare cash, but I agree with people who have noted that for schooling, an adult may be preferable because of reliability. Also, quite often (not always, but often), an adult is more willing and patient schooling basic flatwork that’s helpful in getting a young animal fit. But for an older animal getting miles in the hunter show ring, also for the reasons noted, however, older, slight juniors may be preferred because of eligibility regarding showing.
Some ponies take up a great deal of leg. In fact, some of the draftier larges can at least visually take up as much as a narrow 16h horse. The pony’s fitness, pony age, and pony build, and the skill of the rider are all major determinants of what’s suitable for a regular mount. Once you get saddle fit, I don’t think there would be any problem for you to even school a small regularly.
Kristi Willwerth at Picturesque Farm. Super nice ponies, and she starts them beautifully with the BEST manners. Call her, she also sells other prospects in addition to the ones she breeds. Some of the best ones never get listed online so it’s definitely smart to get in touch directly.
