Getting back into riding / what size pony can I ride?

[Bella1982]

Hi
I'm hoping to get back into riding now I have moved to the countryside.

I used to ride, but that was a good 15 years ago.... I was never an expert but I could walk, trot, canter and do small jumps confidently enough and rode a range of horses, not just riding school plodders :o) I helped at the stables too so know all the basics of horse care as well.

I've had a couple of lessons to get back into it - I think the main thing is just getting my confidence back. Any tips?

I'm hoping eventually to be able to part share a horse or pony as I don't feel that I have the experience to just go out and buy my own. I am being very realistic about my knowledge and ability. I would be looking for something very safe and steady - what you call a confidence giver. I'm not looking to do anything too advanced, just gentle hacks and maybe a bit of gentle schooling so thought an older horse might suit me. Do you think it would be easy enough to find a horse like this I could ride say once a week? Obviously I'm happy to contribute towards it's keep and help with stable duties. Will the fact I'm not an expert put people of letting me share their horse?

I have seen some ponies for share which look suitable, but I wonder if they are too small for me. I am 5 foot 7 inches and skinny (weight about 9 stone last time I checked). I know it depends on breed of pony and how much 'bone' they have but what would you say would be the smallest I could ride, on the basis I would only be riding it once a week or so for gentle work.

Thanks

My mum has your stats and was able to ride 12.2hh Welsh A's. At your weight virtually nothing will be off limits! Congrats on returning to the sport.

You're about my height, but much lighter.

In my riding day,s I always preferred riding ponies, and (depending on your inside leg!) I'd go for the 14:2 to 15:1 range, but you could easily go a hand in either direction.

ive just booked lessons and im 10st 5lb, im 5ft 4 and the school asked me my stats to select a suitable horse.

they are putting me on a horse of 14h 1.

Maybe consider looking to share a horse where the owner can with provide plen of support, or one that's on full or part livery. The latter two may end costing a bit more, but usually mean there's someone on hand to give help and support is needed (even just double checking things).

We looked for a sharer for our horse earlier this year and we didn't necessarily want someone really experienced. It was more important for us to find someone who was aware of their limitations, keen to learn and clearly willing to put the needs of the horse first. In fact, we had plenty of people contact us who claimed to be very experienced, but struggled to put a bridle on or get the horse to the edges of the school. In the end, we took on a woman who admitted she didn't have much experience but showed a real enthusiasm to learn. We made sure we were about for the first couple of weeks and she then rode when she knew someone else would be there is she needed anything. We agreed that she wouldn't hack until more confident on the horse and she booked lessons. Knowing that she would tell us if there were problems, ask if she was unsure and work within her capabilities was far more imporatant that finding an expert (which, BTW, proved elusive, despite several people claiming to be very advanced and experienced!).

Go for it, but just be honest and show how keen you are.