When to move from horse to pony?

Question

at what point should a kid switch from riding a pony to a horse? does it have to do with weight or height more?

in other words, when do you know if you've outgrown ponies>?

Answer 1

Some people never outgrow ponies. ;)

And some people go from a horse back to a pony.  Like me.  I had a 15.3 hand Thoroughbred gelding as a teen, and here I am as a young adult with a 14.1 hand Haflinger gelding.

It's not really a matter of height or weight; some smaller horses are very stout and built like tanks, which helps them when it comes to carrying larger people better than a taller skinnier horse does.  And I know with my Haffie, his barrel is very broad, so he takes up my leg so I never feel like I'm too big for him.  It's more a matter of personal preference, I think, and what the rider intends to do.  Showing might be a factor, since the preferences there in some disciplines are for larger horses that make the rider look more proportionate, so to speak.  But for casual riding, I don't see why an adult couldn't ride a pony as long as the pony was up to the rider's weight, and took up their leg well.  For one thing, they're a lot closer to the ground, which I've found as a definite plus since I've taken up trail riding.

Answer 2

Really, some people never outgrow ponies.  Look at Karen O'Conner---US Equestrian/Olympic Royalty.  If it wasn't for an accident at the O'Conner farm, she'd be riding her pony, Teddy, in the Olympics.  I am 25 and ride a 14.2 hand pony about 1/3 of the time.  It is mostly height.  If you are like 5'5"ish +, your legs may be too long for a pony.  If your legs are not too long for the horse, then your weight is probably ok, unless you are obese.

In other words, it is definately possible to never outgrow ponies, depending on your heigh and possibly weight.  It really is a preference thing otherwise.

Answer 3

The size of horse/pony and rider should compliment each other.  If someone tells you you look too big for your pony, you probably are and should ride something taller.  Ponies are strong and can carry your weight but if you have outgrown your pony, it is time to move on to something larger.

Answer 4

i have ridden for 7 years. I swithched from my medium pony  a horse when i was 12.

Answer 5

Well, when your pony is finding it hard to do the work that you ask it,  just about when you feel like it really. If it is a strong pony, about 13hh you will find it hard to grow out of. 14hh Is probably the best hight

Answer 6

Depends. It sounds like you're asking about when your kid should switch. Do you think your kid looks too big for the pony? If so, you should get a taller horse. It also depends on riding ability. If the rider is just starting out, they probably won't be a very good match for a 17 hh horse. The taller the horse, the stronger it is and it will need a stronger rider. This isn't true for every horse, but I've noticed that it is common.

I'm 5'4" and I have a horse that's 14.2 and I don't look huge on him. (its getting there though). I have a friend that's in 10th grade and rides a 13 hh pony in shows. She doesn't look weird on him either. (shes also about 5' though.)

It depends on the person.

Answer 7

It has to do with what they are comfortable with.  My six year old started riding on a full sized horse.  Well actually she started riding in front of me in a snuggly at 7 months of age, then switched to a harness,  Then behind me in a buddy seat, and then to being ponied on a seperate horse behind me.  Last year she started riding alone and now likes to get out front and show she's a big girl.  

It is not the size of the horse.  Any horse can outpower a kid.  The trick is to find a horse that will allow a kid to handle and control them.  A good kid's horse must have no control issues and must be absolutely calm at all times.  If you can find a horse like that then get it.  It's worth a LOT to know you can trust a horse.  I currently know of one other horse like that for sale.  The man said he would consider $1500 for her.  I would get her myself if I had the money.  She is a cadillac to ride as well as being a kids horse.

Answer 8

If your feet drag the ground.

I'm 22 and I still enjoy riding larger ponies, and I think if I were going to buy another big horse I'd be looking at something in the 14-15 hh range.

Unless you're showing in certain events where how you look matters, you don't ever HAVE to stop riding ponies.