Hi I am looking at a indian pony for light riding. She is three years old and 13 hands in height. I am 119 pounds but rather tall at 5′6 is she going to be too little for me. I am looking for a horse just to ride around the property and help in training the other horses I have down the road after her training is finished. I don’t plan to use a saddle but maybe a ******** pad from time to time.
CAROL
Comments
It’s more weight than height, height is all preference. I don’t think the pony will be too small for you.
Hollyfage: It does not sound like your going to do a lot of hard work, but even if you did, your chosen breed is very sturdy.the Cayuse,or Indian Pony, is a tough fellow recognised since the 1800’s for its smooth gait (should be nice bareback) and its enurance. Not normally large, these big ponies are tough and loyal.
If your legs are comfortable on this mare,who might at 3 grow just a little more,then it sounds like you found a lovely friend and work partner.
You need a horse about 15 hands. Must ponies are hard to handle.I had a pony that would kick at horses. I would get a horse.
you sound really tall. i would get a horse for you.
Perferably, Dont do it. It is to young for a kid. For a ******** pad? Dont even try! At least a 15 year old horse hat has done it all.
Your weight should be absolutely no more than 20% of her weight. (ie if she weighs 1000 lbs, she should only carry people weight less than 200 lbs.) But this is a Maximum load. Ideally, look at a 15% difference.
This provides the least pressure on the horse’s back and joints and is most fair to the animal. (just like humans. You may be able to lift 100 lbs, but how far can you carry it before it HURTS?)
If your weight works, just make sure your legs aren’t too long for the horse. I am 5′5 and I ride a 15.2 hand horse. He’s JUST barely my size. My legs are almost too long for him. I would say that if you’re 5′6 then you’re going to really be too long-legged for this horse.
Your toes will only be a few inches off the ground when you ride and that’s a safety issue– saddle or not!!
Try to find a horse that is at least 14.2. That’s the smallest I go and I’m an inch shorter than you.
Our litte POA is 12.2 and doesn’t look too bad witha 5′7″ rider. They are generally very srong and hardy like said. OUrs can hual 230 lbs for a 5 hour ride and still have plenty of go at the end. The 20% rule doesn’t follow through well or nobody’d be able to ride double and nobody over 180 lbs would be able to ride in a heavy western saddle. Go tell some big 6′4″ 230 lb cowboy he’ll have to give up his stocky foundation quarter horse and rope off a draft horse! If she’s what you want go for it.
