How big a person would you put on a large? Height wise more than weight. And are the larges capable of hanging out n’ putzin’ around at local shows, maybe max height of 2’6?
Thanks
I have heard a top trainer say that he puts up to 125 lbs on a small. Going by that, I would probably put up to 145 lb on a large as long as they fit appropriately in height.
A big, well built large pony can carry a decent-sized adult-- it really depends on how the person is built as well, but certainly many women up to 5’6 or so and 170-180 pounds. It certainly should be able to jump a 2’6 course at a small local show as long as it can comfortably handle the striding (or adjust and add).
General rule is a horse shouldn’t carry over 20% of its weight. That being said, a heavier person who is light on their seat and balanced in the saddle is easier for the horse to carry than a heavier beginner who hits the horse in the back.
I’m 5’8" and have no problem jumping larges around a 2’9" course as long as I put my stirrups up two holes.
I’m 5’8" and have taken my large 3’+ with no issues. As long as the pony is fit and the rider isn’t overly heavy I don’t think height really matters.
Hardest part is making sure you aren’t getting too far up their neck over the fences.
5’6" and 135 and I’m fine LOOKING on a large, but I definitely have problems with there not being any neck over jumps, so I have to sit back and watch my position.
I’m 5’10 and showed a 13.3 greenie in the jumpers for her first few shows to get her used to going out…the mare handled it fine (IIRC I was around 175 at the time).
^ ponies 2nd show…you can see she wasn’t really struggling! lol.
Now “I” looked absolutely ridiculous on her, standing still especially…
Now want to see something completely and utterly stupid…when I had to hop on and school the 13.1 pony through a naughty moment.
I could practically touch my legs under her belly
But she handled the jumping fine too 
You just learn to be VERY careful with your upper body (hmmm wonder if that would fix my recently acquired diving habit…).
Here is my pony = ) This is (supposed) to be 2’9" and she had no problem at all.
OP are you asking more about suitability, meaning what will look OK to the judge on a pony? I interpreted your question that way, since in some pony hunter classes suitability counts.
I think to some degree it depends on the rider’s proportion of leg to torso. I know one kid that is about 5’6" or 5’7" but has long legs/ short torso, and she can get away with showing a round tummied medium in the green ponies (local trainers often use this kid to have green ponies qualified for PFs). Someone of that height with a longer torso/ shorter legs may look to tall on a pony because their upper body may not look balanced.
Thanks everyone! =] I just really wanted to see what people’s thoughts were. I’m about 5’4 and (on bad days 
) about 130 pounds. Looking for a horse to buy or lease, but not really finding anything. Plus, I love ponies! But BM would probably kill me if I brought a large home…
I have a large coming 3 year large pony and I ride him around lightly, plan to show him as well until he is more finished and ready to be leased. I showed a 14.3 3/4 mare (who I had hoped would finish as a large but didnt) in the 3’ amateurs just fine with no problem.
I’m 5’4" and about 130…
I think the key is the different between a larger person with good balance is ok but a larger person bouncing around or falling on the pony isnt going to help the pony with balance and safety.
I am just a hair under 5’7 and about 135 and used to ride smalls all the time for my trainer. I have short legs and a long torso, so looked tall, but my legs never went bellow their stomach. For actual suitability I look perfectly matched on a large and have gone to schooling shows with them…it really looks like I was riding a well matched horse if you didn’t know. When I did IHSA, I was the one jumping for joy at drawing the “honys.” Why I bought a 17hh horse is beyond me, even 8 years later!
I’m a little over 5’7 and 135 and I use to ride and jump my DDs pony thats 13.2 around at times. Also had a friend that showed him in a dressage show the first few times before my dd at 7 did. She is 5’4 and a bigger girl. Not going to say her weight but the judge commented they were a nice pair lol. My dd now rides a 14.1 welsh pony at hunter shows and she is 5’5 and about 105lbs and she does very well on her. Judges seem to like them. She is getting a little long and after this year probably won’t be showing the mare anymore because dd is growing like a weed.
So much of it depends on rider/pony proportions and how they work together. I’m just under 5’5’’ and usually between 120-125 lbs. My main ride is a medium (13.1 hand) pony and we look just fine together because (a) he’s got a well sprung barrel, (b) he is built “uphill” so I’ve always got something in front of me and © I’m all legs with a very short torso so even if I do have a slight miss every now and then it is not enough to throw him off. That said, I have friends that are the same height as I am who look absolutely ridiculous on similarly sized ponies because they have super long torsos. Due to my naturally “bottom heavy” build, I can get away with riding just about any size pony that is sturdy enough to carry me.
In terms of suitability in the hunter ring, the trend is very much to be on larger horses. However, if you are looking at showing locally in the 2’6’’, the focus should be more on suitability for you - is the horse carrying you competently and safely? For this job, I wouldn’t rule out horses of any size as long as the proportions and balance look and feel comfortable to you and your trainer.
I’m 5’6", 135-140ish and with short legs. I do just fine on a large (possibly a hony on a long-hoofed day) and showed one a few times in low low level hunters at a local show. We looked just fine.
This horse that I know is so cute - a medium, but her proportions make her look like a horse with pony legs. I love her! An adult can ride her. (and I’m not trying to advertise here- not my horse or farm, but just wanted to show her photos) http://gowithitfarm.com/horses-for-sale-or-lease/scarlett/
