Riding your child's pony

[Amandine29]

I'm thinking ahead slightly but we're looking at getting a pony and I was hoping to find something I would be able to ride too. I have no experience of this because my parents never rode my childhood ponies (both too big) although my mum's (tiny) friend sometimes did. Anyway, at 5'8'' and around 10st, am I too big? Would be looking for a section d unless advised otherwise - I'm thinking because of my height at least I wouldn't want anything smaller.

Thanks for any advice

[snowpo]

How old/experienced are your kids? Sec D's can be quite fiesty.

[Amandine29]

Certainly they're too young at the minute. Was thinking of this as a second pony for a few years time. Probably around 10 yrs old. I had mine around that age but obviously I'll see how it goes and decide nearer the time.

[Lovesswimming]

How old and big are your children? If you have a chunky horse about 14.2 you may be ok. But if your child is young they would be over horses? My daughter is 5'8 and rides our 14.2/3 gypsy cob fine. I'm only 5'4! The share works fine but she was 13 when we bought him

[Amandine29]

Meant to write 12 where I wrote 10, sorry.

[Lovesswimming]

Over horsed* (not over horses!)

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

You could easily ride any thing nativey over about 12.2hh.
Generally its a stone per hand in a native, but being a bit taller, a 11 hander would mean your legs might hit the floor!
I have a full up traditional Shetland and she takes 12 stone quite happily! What about an Exmoor? They are lovely ponies.

[SaggyOldClothCatPuss]

I would buy the pony your DCs need and don't worry about looking a bit leggy, rather than put them on something bigger.

[Mirage]

I'm exactly the same height and weight as you and have ridden both our 13hh and 13.3 ponies with no problems.Admittedly I don't go fast or jump,but do hack over the fields or on the road with no issues.

[BurberryFucker]

you would be fine on a Section D - Exmoors are superb ponies as well.

[pipsy76]

I bought a lovely section d in January, he was 14.1 and great for me, but wayyyy too much horse for my 8 yr old so depends on the age of your kids, he's now a 13 yr olds jumping pony!

[PrimalLass]

My pony was 13.2 but was on loan from my mum's friend who rode her in local derbies.

[Elansofar]

I have a fell pony and an exmoor to ride. Im similar build to you but bit heavier post baby. The fell is full up breed height and will take 14st easily all day. The exmoor is 12hh and vet says is fine up to 13st. I'm not that heavy but cripes it's like a rocket! Both these breeds are well known as being able to carry adults. All I can say is get on to the fell pony Facebook site or the Exmoor pony web forum and do research..

[Winniefred]

Hi, I was in the same position in that with space constraints I could only home two equines but needed two ponies and one horse. So at 5.8" and 12st myself I looked around and found a 7yr old Exmoor X at 13.3hh suitable for my 8yr old ASD DD and a 6 yr old 14.3hh Irish Sport Horse for my 13yr old DD. Both ponies are gentle natured and steady going for the children yet upbeat and forward going for me. Having had three wonderful Section Ds in my time they can be strong, flighty and very forward going, not really suitable for very young or inexperienced riders.

[Butkin]

I think it would be best if you bought the right pony for your DCs and then rode them occasionally yourself. I'd rather go for a Connemara (or Connie cross) than a Section D for a 12yo -Section Ds can be feisty.

Our 10yo DD rides up to 13 handers at the moment. I wouldn't want her riding anything bigger for the next couple of years (well maybe a 13.2 show pony this time next year).

[Pixel]

My sister has always has welshies but has decided to go for something 'sensible' this time. A friend has the most gorgeous section D for sale but he is very lively so she's trying hard to resist! (I hope she does, I want her to get something I can put ds on, and that ain't it!).

[sadsometimes]

We used to have a 13.2 new forest for my 11 year old. He did nicely until she got to 13. I rode him every week and I'm 5' 7

[BlessThisMess]

I seem to recall reading the results of a study showing that ponies generally were happy carrying up to 20% of their own weight. Our 14.2hh Connemara cross is about 450-470kg so can carry about 90-94 kg or up to 14 st 11 lb.

[LucyLui25]

We got a 14'2 gypsy cob when I was 13 and my sister was 9, my mum was told by everyone that we(particularly my sister) was over horses, however 20 years later we still have her as mum knew we would never ever part with her once we got her! I'm 6'3 now and look a bit ridiculous but never the less it seemed to be the right decision