Ponies, their size, and kids

[ponysize]

I am 5’1, so when I was about your daughter’s age, I was probably around her height too. I learned to WTC and did my first crossrails on a large pony. I didn’t ride anything smaller until the next year when trainer got in a shetland.

If you were leasing, I’d say look for something smaller, but since you are buying and have found something both you and kid like, VET IT.

[Bicoastal]

[QUOTE=zippyrider;7849093]
Is there any safety argument with having a child on a larger pony? [/QUOTE] If anything, the larger may be safer.

[QUOTE=zippyrider;7849093] In other words, is the 4" difference in height between a 14h and 13h pony, for example, a safety concern (in the event of a fall)?[/QUOTE] Nope. That is a myth. 4" is not going to dramatically increase the impact of a fall. With the right pony, regardless of height, kiddo will have fewer falls.

As others have mentioned, a larger pony usually has smoother strides which might mean less bouncing off. An adult can hop on a larger pony if “pony tude” rears its head. That is a safety benefit.

[QUOTE=zippyrider;7849093] Is there any legitimate argument that it is easier for a child to learn to canter or jump on a smaller pony?
[/QUOTE] Nope. As others have mentioned, larger ponies usually have better gaits. That makes them easier to sit.

[zippyrider]

Thanks everyone for your comments! The pony is coming to our stable to be vetted in a few days!!! Wish us luck!!!

[LaurieB]

[QUOTE=zippyrider;7852182]
Thanks everyone for your comments! The pony is coming to our stable to be vetted in a few days!!! Wish us luck!!![/QUOTE]

Good luck! If all goes well, we need pictures.

[spacytracy]

I say get what is safe and easy to manage/ride.

We just got a 12.3/13 hand pony after our 11h pony passed. It’s so much nicer to have something that an adult can hop on and school. And something she won’t outgrow in a few years.

[DaniW]

She needs to learn to fall anyway and if she were my child she’d be in vaulting classes and gymnastics besides riding. There’s so many variables that the height difference is probably not that significant.

I love the idea of the large pony. My first pony was 11 hands and was already too big for me and the older I get the more I regret selling him and not knowing where he went.