Adults riding ponies - what size?

[TataClaire]

Im 5'3 and usually weigh between 6.5 -7 stone and my inside leg is 30 inches. Am thinking of going down to a wee pony but the question is how low can I go?!
I havent ridden ponies for ages as I've been on horses, but would like something suitable for kids to share as we're planning to adopt school age kids (and if they're matched with us they'll have to like animals!) so want something suitable for our potential future situation. Any tips/size guides?

How about an exmoor pony? My first pony (I was adult? Was an exmoor. 12.1, built like a tank. I'm 5ft 7 and she took my leg up. I actually felt better on her than the 14.2 jumping ponies I exercised.

I am an inch shorter than you and similar weight and have a 14.1 Connemara. I personally wouldn't want to go any smaller as I don't like short choppy pony strides. I occasionally hack a friends tiny welsh that is probably 11hh to give him a good blast and I have to canter in two point, I find his canter so uncomfortable to sit to!

I think the one of the main issues is that you need to think about where they will be living and how much you want to spend in time and fodder. We keep ponies but find that they need to be stabled Summer and winter to keep weight under control unless you live on a hill. The youngstock are ok but you really have to take care.

I've trekked on the Exmoor ponies owned by The Royal Dick Vet School in Edinburgh and I'm 5'6/5'7, I was probably about 9 and a half stone at the time.
My dream pony would be a Highland but I must admit that the lovely Fell pony that the Queen rides has caught my eye.

I chose a Fell pony when I was a child. I had saved for ages. She was a fabulous mare, went anywhere safely, never stopped at any fence and she and I nannied newcomers to the hunting field. I was 12 at the time, so pre-ban. I'm 75 now, 5'8" 8st and ride an "exuberant" 16hh Purebred Crabbet Arabian! He's 28 but thinks he's still 4!

Looking at a potential mother-daughter pony this week. I’m 5ft 8 and 10 1/2 stone. Would I be too heavy for a 14.1hh cob? She is solid and 9 years old...Thanks

My retired pony is 14.1hh, and I competed him to a decent level in Endurance. I'm 5'5.5". I never looked large on him. My current mare is 15hh and perfect, and my companion pony is 13.2hh and mainly ridden by my 5'3" friend, though I'd happily pop a bigger rider on her for a hack. @Chocolatecakeandcoffee, assuming your cob is fit and healthy, I would think you'd be just fine!

I’m quite surprised no one has mentioned the “guideline” of your weight including tack, boots etc being no more than 10-20% of the horses body weight. 20% being an absolute maximum and subject to the horse’s fitness. Even some tiny adult riders will exceed this where you are talking about 12.2 hh and below.

Also, to all those opining that an inability to control a large horse is down to short legs or low weight, I suggest you tell Ros Canter, who is 5’2”, that she’s completely wrong about being able to event big horses and win. Her results are clearly illusory.

@Callisto

I'm 5'7" and I'm planning on riding DD's next pony who will probably be around the 14hh mark. I have absolutely no interest in riding the biggest possible horse available - people who completely over-horse themselves are either very insecure about their ability or have a superiority complex. I much prefer horses around the 15hh mark and if I ever get my own it will be a native type of this size.

Saggy - love that your 10hh had a 5'3" rug - DD's 12hh Welshie needs a 4'9" and the 11hh Sheltie devil wears 4'3".

Over horsing yourself isn't just about size 😂😂😂

Many people ride ponies that they are incompetent to ride

If you look at Kizzy and Etties mother on Instagram she only ever rides small ponies and she's 5'2 .. they are 13hh Max and she looks great !

It's about finding a complimentary build!

https://instagram.com/kizzyanddettiesponies?igshid=1el5tkkti6u9p

I'm 5'8and can easily ride 13.2 up although I feel more comfortable on 14h. Depends on a lot like how narrow the pony is and their gait. You might feel a bit wobbly or they might feel choppy if very small, short strided or narrow Just whatever you feel comfortable on really as all but the finest smallest ponies will carry you