What is the recommended size for horse and rider??

Question

Like how much can a horse carry/ pony and what is the ideal weight for both and also height because i am tallish 5'4 but pretty small in size 93lbs.

I am riding a very stocky 13.2hh pony, and i'm looking into buying a large 14.2hh pony but (i'm 14) if i have dreams of competing in the usef medal or mini medal in 2 to 3 years is investing in a pony a bad idea? Are there pony divisions for large shows like the medal or Maclay?

Is there ever in any sized show (not short stirrup) an age limit on pony riders?

thank you!!

Answer 1

A 93 lb advanced rider should be just fine on a 14.2 hh pony.  You should also be able to handle a taller horse if you wish.   Don't feel like you absolutely must ride a pony.

I don't know your answers on the pony show question.

Answer 2

Unfortunately at 5'4" you're going to look a bit big on even a 14.2 hh pony.  I am only 5'3" and just height wise would look a bit bizzare siting on anything smaller than 15 hands.  I'm talking about WHERE your legs will hang in proportion to the horse.  

IF the pony is BIG bodied you MIGHT get away with it, BUT if your legs hang below his barrel without your irons (Toes up, heels down) then you may want to rethink the size.  You should have at LEAST 3-4" of barrel beyond your feet too not look out of proportion on your horse.  (Good rule of thumb here.).

Answer 3

The total weight of rider and tack should be no more than 1/5th or 20% of the weight of the horse.

The pony Theodore O'Connor (R.I.P.) was a Shetland/TB cross and was no more than 14.2.  He was on the U.S. Olympic string.

Answer 4

Generally speaking, you shouldn't ask a horse to carry more than 10-15% of it's body weight.  A typical 15 hand Quarter Horse then of about 1100 lbs should carry a person between 110 and 165 lbs.

So since you are young and light, I wouldn't worry about being too large for any such horse as you describe.

However, I would suggest that at 14 you will quickly grow to maturity and you may find a nice pony that you'll soon outgrow.

How about bumping up to a larger horse that will suit you for a long time?  If you are an accomplished rider, a larger horse shouldn't worry you - in fact, many larger horses are more docile than smaller ones.

I think you could find a larger horse for a good price that would suit you for a number of years.  When you are both topped out in experience and your equine friend is now older, it'll be time to find one that challenges you more and maybe you'll be at an age where you can afford to purchase a highly valuable one yourself?

Purchase a horse that will take you to the next level though - regardless of size.  If you're purchasing something that is just meeting your abilities now that you'll quickly outgrow, you aren't learning fast enough.  Get a little bit of challenge that's within your capabilities.

I look forward to seeing you ride in competition - maybe I'll see you on TV in the Olympics one day!

Answer 5

i'm 5'6'' and i ride my freinds 13 hand pony and i'm not to tall for him suprisingly.. yeah i'm taller than him standing but when i ride him i don't look too big i weigh about 110lbs and he's fine

ponies are really hardy

but my horse he's a 17.2 TB i LOVE tall horses lol i get to peer down at everyone else hah.. i dunno it's the person perefrence i think you like ponies i like Tall horses

ride what you like!

and do you think you will get much taller? i'm buying a 14.2 QH mare and i'm 5'6'' and she's a good size! i'm older than you too so as long as you don't become like GIANT investing in the larger pony can't hurt!

Answer 6

If you get a pony that is almost 14.2, you can ride him as a pony until you are 18, then just tell people he's just over 14.2 when you are over 18!  Hunter shows generally say only those under 18 can ride ponies except in pony pleasure classes.  However, they do not measure adult's horses to see if they are actually over 14.2.  If you switch disciplines to eventing or dressage, there are no rider age restrictions.  I once evented a 12.3 hand pony when I was about 22, and won the division against all adults on horses.

Answer 7

General rule of thumb is a horse shouldn't be asked to carry more than 1/6th of their body weight.  So eg my horse weighs 600kgs so the most he should be asked to carry is 100kgs but that includes the weight of your saddle/saddle bags/riding clothes etc.  

Can't help with the other questions sry :)