Does It Matter?

[Cameraine]

Here is the crux of the matter. I have a small pony 12.1 hands. I am only 5’3 and weigh around 115. The pony who was supposed to be my daughter’s first pony is absolutely not a beginner’s ride. She’s greener than I anticipated and very insecure and a bit spooky. For me this is not an issue, I’m used to big, green OTTB’s that see demons in every bush and leaf. I can keep the pony from losing her mind when we are out riding. However because I want the pony to have her best life I am going to be marketing her soon so she can find her person and purpose.

I do want to get her out and showing for some experience but there aren’t a lot of H/J shows I can take her to because of the rules for adults riding ponies. As far as I know dressage and eventing doesn’t carry that same rule. So here is my question. Would you, given my height and the pony’s height, feel comfortable and like you were going to get a fair eye from the judge if you were taking a small pony down centerline and on a starter level course?

Anyone been in this position?

[OverandOnward]

Lower level eventer, here. Event your pony and enjoy.

Especially at the lower levels, the variety of horses and riders of all shapes, sizes and types is part of the fun. Around here, it is not unusual at horse trials to see a few small adults on ponies, even rather short ponies of the Welsh A and B variety. It doesn’t affect anything. Plus, you may be starting below the recognized divisions in things like “Green As Grass”, where the ‘open’ section does have adults schooling smaller horses and ponies.

I don’t know about pure Dressage with a capital “D” as much. But this weekend I said hi to two smaller adults at a ride-a-test for a score day, one on a small vanner and one on a haflinger. I’m thinking both of those ponies are in the size range of yours. The vanner is a keen eventer, I had no idea they could have such a good gallop. I’ve also known a of a couple of adult sisters who evented Fjords with matching mane cuts. They were a cool sight riding together to warm-up.

If you would feel more comfortable, drop in on a local event or dressage show on a day where the lowest level divisions and classes are running and take a look.

[trubandloki]

I would think that you and your pony would not have an issue at an event.

Go, have fun.

[chocolate_chip_in]

I’m a new eventer in my second season, and even I have already seen adults out on small/medium ponies. Nobody bats an eye. And at my most recent show, let’s just say I think we were all glad there was an adult on board one particularly adorable and particularly sassy pony instead of a kid lol. Like you said about yours, not behavior that was an issue for an experienced adult, but I don’t think there are a ton of kids who could have successfully piloted that little fireball around. Ponies have to get miles somehow and not all of them are born kid safe.

I do second @OverandOnward’s advice to observe a local event if you’re at all concerned. I was anxious about different things before I started competing, but seeing folks of variable skill levels on every kind of horse imaginable was really reassuring.

[Snow_Mass]

Many dressage shows offer classes and high point programs specific for ponies and most are ridden by adults. Check out https://dressageponycup.com/ - it’s the small horse and pony dressage national championship organization.
Go have fun!

[CBoylen]

Are you sure you are reading your h/j show prizelists correctly? Usually even for rated shows adults are only prohibited from showing ponies that are also showing at that show with juniors. There are some classes that are restricted to horses only, but I don’t think they are ones you’d want to be doing on a small green. Usually most shows have plenty of unrated divisions that you could take the pony in, or at local shows you can show in anything other than the pony classes. It may be different in your area, but it would be odd.

[OverandOnward]

Fwiw, was at a schooling show over the weekend, and noticed at least 4 adults on ponies that appeared to me to be under 14 hh, in unrated h/j classes. The adults fit them well enough, stirrups pulled up of course.

[rockonxox]

We have quite a few adults who ride 14.2hh and under equines (ponies, mustangs, morgans, etc) in dressage and hunters. I’d double check the show bills or contact the manager/office.