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Post by tinuviel on Apr 24, 2009 5:21:40 GMT 1
Hi guys.
Im thinking of taking the plunge and becoming a horse owner again ;D. I have not had a horse for about 6 years and it's getting depressing realy.
So my question is....What is the smallest size horse i can get away with?. Im pretty small,about 153cm tall and 50kg on a bad day (normaly around 47-48kg). I just want a smallish pony to start with especialy as the kids will be wanting to learn to ride. I wont be jumping at all (im to chickin,the kids might though lol) mainly just hacking about, novice dressage and ground work.
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Post by zoe on Apr 24, 2009 9:30:37 GMT 1
I don't do cm and kg but I'm 5'2 and weigh between 8 and 8.5 stone and I ride Daisy who is 11.2 (stocky welsh). She doesn't struggle at all but I do look a bit big - she is my daughter's pony really but I have to school her and we do pop a small jump sometimes. I think we are a similar size ( ??) there is a pic of me on Daisy in the members section in the before and after pics if that's any help. I'd hazard a guess at 13.2 being a good size though it would depend on the build
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Post by Claire on Apr 24, 2009 10:13:27 GMT 1
omg you guys make me feel like Gulliver in the land of Lilliput! I could put an 11.2 pony on each foot and use them as roller skates ;D Lucky you tinuveil getting a pony! I would agree with zoe that 13.2 is a good size. Depends on how old your kids are tho, as it may be a little big for them if they are very small. As zoe says I think build may be as important if not more important than actual size. You could maybe get away with a fairly stocky 12.2 which would maybe be better than a 13.2 'miniature blood weed' type. Also depends on your build. If you have long legs for your size for example then you may need something slightly bigger. Try a few and see what you feel most comfortable with. I think everyone has a 'comfort size' on a horse. For me anything less than 15hh and I feel like my legs are trailing the ground! Good luck
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Post by tinuviel on Apr 24, 2009 14:40:21 GMT 1
Thanks . I was thinking about 13.2,i have been riding a pony this size and felt great but I'm just not sure about the constant use thing (horses comfort first and all) my legs are really short (short and stubby blah,have no idea how my girls got long hot model legs) lol...anyway,im looking for a rescue pony and have found a beautiful 13.1 welshxarab quiet but just needs schooling....im seeing him tomorrow,just am warey of so called ''rescue horses''...realy rescue or dealers trying to make a buck .
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Post by kunuma on Apr 24, 2009 15:22:30 GMT 1
Another liliputian here! Even Zoe is taller than me - I reckon I am about 5' 1'!! :-[You'll have to translate all that metric stuff for us Tinuveil! I weigh about 8 and a half stone now I am not so active - but even so I would not worry at all about riding the smallest pony! They are tough. The one I am taking on is a 13hh Welsh - (need Zoe to come down and help me break her in though) - but if she was rideable I would def ride her!
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Post by tinuviel on Apr 24, 2009 15:47:10 GMT 1
Agggh...what do you all call it lol. Pound?.
50 kg=114.64 pound.
Pound sounds s much fatter lol.
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Post by sarah on Apr 24, 2009 18:53:06 GMT 1
Oh - lucky you. Still my dream to have a horse (or pony preferably). I'd agree with 13.2 - that's how big the pony I took on the sponsored ride was and although I'm 5ft6 (she's cobby) - I've seen her with quite small children on in the school.
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Post by zoe on Apr 24, 2009 20:30:05 GMT 1
kunuma I wish I lived closer then I would come and help though you'd prob be disappointed - I'm not that good (don't think I've ever had a proper lesson).A holiday down by you would be nice though - I'll start the bus up now and see you in about 8 hours!!!
tinuveil you don't weigh anything - a little pony would manage you easily. Good luck with your pony hunting!
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Post by Buster on Apr 24, 2009 20:49:52 GMT 1
Hmm well im about 5'3 and my pony is 13.2, but im having to look for something bigger cos im too big. I wouldnt say im too heavy but suddenly my legs started to grow and I just look a bit daft now! I suppose its all good if you dont want to compete, because here there is a age limit on some of the bigger shows for certain heights! So i wont just be too tall but also too old so id say something like 14.2 really, or maybe a small horse, its not really the hight that counts, if you get a good tempered horse that you can trust with your kids thats what counts The 13.1 that youve found sounds sweet and ill bet you get a lot of fun! Im very excited for you
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Post by garej on Apr 24, 2009 20:54:14 GMT 1
153 cm is just over 5ft (could not get an exact figure).
I agree a 13hh - 13.2hh would be ideal. I, at 5ft 6 have ridden an 13hh, but she was so stocky I looked the same as if I was riding a hand higher. Also with the type of riding you are saying you are doing, then you could get away with a 13hh (I would suggest a bigger pony if you were doing cross country for example.)
50 kg is about 7 1/2 stone (again, could not get an exact figure) so anything goes really, though I would suggest something a little bit more stocky (any of the British pony native breeds will do or the Australian pony) because like you said, your children will be using it too. But make sure you don't get anything too wide, because it will be uncomfortable for both you and your children though (especially if your children are smaller than you.)
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Post by exmoorfan on Apr 25, 2009 20:08:07 GMT 1
I agree that 13.2 is ideal. I look ok on 14.2hh I am 5ft 4inch. I normally weigh about 8 1/2 to 9 stone but am a bit heavier at the moment. But I regularly rode 12,2 hh and a 13,2hh would be good too. it depends on the build of the pony. I used to ride Pointers and hunters and it probably why i am suffering now as they were too strong for me.. but i much prefered the smallies . Not so far to fall and getting on and off is easier too. If i were to look for something for myself now it would be about 14 hands. A native of course. ;D
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 25, 2009 20:10:14 GMT 1
My haffy is only 13.2...my OH who is about 5ft 8 rides him without looking silly and this is me on him (I'm 5ft 6)
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Post by exmoorfan on Apr 25, 2009 20:14:40 GMT 1
Lovely pic haffy.. You are very slim though which helps i used to find with the exmoor ponies. Lots of tall slim people look ok on them and they are only 12,3 ish..
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Post by Claire on Apr 25, 2009 22:40:20 GMT 1
Great pic. Still reeling at the thought that someone has an OH who can ride!
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Post by sarah on Apr 25, 2009 22:47:51 GMT 1
Harry is lovely - what a great mane.
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Post by tinuviel on Apr 26, 2009 0:52:05 GMT 1
Oooh he is lovely Haffy . Went to look at a pony....ummm,generaly quiet means it dosn't bite everytime you go near them and buck like a bronco??? That was my thought anyway lol,and i got the whole ''he has NEVER done that before'' speech .
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:40:53 GMT 1
Sounds about right Tinuveil Why do people feel compelled to lie about their horses compulsively, it's so frustrating. Big Trot: can't canter within a 2 mile straightaway Nicely Started: we can lunge him, but we don't have enough insurance to ride him yet Top Show Horse: won a reserve championship 5 years ago at a show with unusual low entries due to a hurricane Home Bred: knows nothing except being raised on the front porch Recently Vetted: someone else found something badly wrong with the horse Big Boned: good thing horse has mane & tail or he would be mistaken for a cow Doing Courses: when tranqualized to the eyeballs & lunged 6 hrs straight before hand Well Mannered: hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week Professionally Trained: hasn't stepped, bitten, or kicked anyone for a month Should Mature 16 hands: currently 13h, dam is 14.3hh, sire is 15hh, every horse in pedigree back 18 generations is under 15h but this horse will definitely defy his DNA To Good Home Only: not really for sale unless you can 1) pay twice what he is worth, 2) allow current owner to tuck in beddy - bye every night, 3) are willing to sign a 10 page legal document Bold: runaway Athletic: He's a runaway, but he looks good doing it Needs intermediate Rider: runaway Needs Experienced Rider: "dead" runaway Dead Quiet: just dead No Vices: especially when he wears his muzzle Light Cribber: we can't afford to build any more barns & fences for the buzz saw No Time For Him: he's lucky to be fed Excellent Disposition: never been out of his stall Clips, hauls, and Loads: Clippity, clippity is the sound his hooves make when he hauls a$$ across the parking lot when you try to load him Great Halter Prospect: Bred for beauty, not for brains Selling due to divorce: My spouse certaintly couldn't stand him... Bomb Proof: So dumb you could set off a bomb under his tail and he wouldn't blink. Good Mother: She's too dumb to do anything else. He Can Do It All: bite, kick, buck, rear... Flasy: nice looking... forget about him being rideable Stunning: you'll be stunned at his kicking power Very Brave: even a whip can't force him back Slight Case Of Navicular: better buy him before he's too lame to walk Proven Sire: The mare we bred him to had a baby Lots of Potential: Under the right circumstances, you migh be able to ride him Great Bloodlines: He can't do anything, but that's okay becuase some horse 20 generations back did something Already Broke: two fences, one arm, six buckets Unregistered: probably stolen Protective Mother: don't even think about going near the foal Lady's Horse: Perfectly sweet with women, but will kill men Good Disposition: The only good thing about him Selling Due to Retirement: he's making us old Started Good: we quit while we were ahead Started: we quit while we were still alive Really Broke: literally Slight Nervouse Habit: he shakes and has muscles ticks anytime anyone asks him to think Great Stud: breeding is the only thing he's good at Anyone Can Ride: as long as they have the right protective gear, they will survive Smooth: you won't notice he's bucking until you're on the ground! Event Prospect: Big, Fast Horse Dressage Prospect: Big, Slow Horse Hack Prospect: Pretty Color Endurance Prospect: Fast Horse which will turn sometimes To Loving Home Only: Expensive To Show Home Only: Very Expensive Needs Experienced Rider: Potentially Lethal Elegant: Thin Free Moving: Bolts Quiet: Lame in Both Front Legs Dead Quiet: Lame in All Four Legs Loves Children: Kicks and Bites Pony Type: Small and Hairy Arab Type:Looks startled TB Type: Looks Terrified Draught Type: Big and Exceedingly Hairy All Offers Considered: I am in Traction for 6 months Good Jumper prospect: Looks great jumping over the pasture fence, if you can ever catch'im, you might just have yourself a great jumper!
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 26, 2009 8:42:44 GMT 1
Great pic. Still reeling at the thought that someone has an OH who can ride! I shall rephrase that My OH who is 5ft 8 sits on Harry, and Harry looks after him and makes sure he gets round safely, and dosen't look too big on him.
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Post by tinuviel on Apr 26, 2009 9:39:55 GMT 1
;D I will definitely print that list out for a reference guide Haffy lol. I think i will need it. A few replies to my wanted add for amusement: My add Wanted quiet family pony or horse 13.2h upwards,looks,age and education not important-no super expensive horses please,I'm not looking for the next national champion....Just a nice family plodder to love and cherish. 1)16hh 10yo TbX loves to go,beautiful to look at will make perfect show hack when broken in,$4000!. 2) 9hh Shetland 25yo lovely nature $2000 3)14.2hh Arab could be 10 or 24 according to our vet very flashy $8000. 4)15hh Arab realy quiet can do anything with her,cant be ridden due to injury $2000. Also looked at some ''rescue horses''.....ummm $4-$8 grand each!! Are people mad or just dumb .
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Post by Claire on Apr 26, 2009 11:08:28 GMT 1
I thought horses were cheap in Australia! Haffy re your OH that is a relief I thought I had somehow wandered into a parralel universe! ;D Love the list BTW
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Post by Claire on Apr 26, 2009 19:28:26 GMT 1
Haffy, your list of the reality behind the advertisement reminded me of this from one of my favourite funny horse books (The Horsemans Handbook to End All Handbooks) The same thing applies to looking for a job with horses.... The advert: EXCEPTIONAL & ADAPTABLE GIRL GROOM REQUIRED to assist in running a lovely country home. If you are: 1) A country lover 2) A dog lover 3) An occaisional simple cook 4) Under 30 5) A good driver 6) An efficient organiser Then there is a permanant job for you commencing late January. regret no horse or dogs could be brought. the reality: EXCEPTIONAL & ADAPTABLE GIRL GROOM REQUIRED to assist in running a neglected run-down seedy divorce's crumbling house. If you are: 1) A proficient lover 2) Able to cope with a dozen assorted mastiffs. lurchers and 2 snappy terriers 3) Willing to cook 3 times a day and do the washing 4) Tolerably good-looking if required to serve drinks on a Sunday morning 5) Not averse to driving the master at all times of the day or night because he has lost his license 6) A nutcase Then there is a permanant job for you commencing in the depths of winter. Regret no horses or dogs can be brought because all your time will be cut out in dealing with the dogs mentioned and four large hunters not mentioned.... Apologies for getting off the subject
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Post by sarah on Apr 26, 2009 22:58:31 GMT 1
Hehehe
I knew someone who advertised their horse as 'seen hounds' - what they meant was that we had a couple of hound puppies at the farm for puppy walking!!!
The fact that the horse bolted in the opposite direction when he saw them wasn't mentioned!
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Post by trixiepony on Apr 27, 2009 1:51:25 GMT 1
Oh dear anything to sale a horse or pony well anything really.
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Post by zoe on Apr 27, 2009 10:49:41 GMT 1
Those lists are so true!- cheered me up no end. my mum went to see a horse, she's after a nice safe plod and when she spoke to the owner on the phone it sounded ideal. When she got there to try it, they tacked it up and just as mum was about to get on the owner piped up it might rear a couple of times as she got started!!!?! Needless to say mum didn't try it so it was a wasted journey. When I sold Leo I was totally honest about his bucking etc and still sold him easily although I could have fibbed and asked more money for him but I couldn't have lived with the guilt (I'd never make it as a dealer!!)
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Post by snowfilly on Apr 27, 2009 13:13:00 GMT 1
God, I HATE people that do that. Me and Mum do deal, but the hassle you get trying to buy ponies is just unbelivable. I remember a 12.3 chestnut gleding that reared (that was advertised as a first pony) and a very lame 7 year old Arab being sold as an endurance ride. A while later, it was found to have a damaged spine.
Luckily, the people who sold me Rob, my current pony, were honest. His ad was something like 'will hack and hunt all day, race round a gymkhana course, but don't even think about dressege unless you like flying lessons when he gets bored. PS, he opens his own gates and doors and can undo every knot in existence.'
Haffy, that list is brilliant!!
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Post by kunuma on Apr 27, 2009 15:37:16 GMT 1
He looks the epitome of mischief! What a glint in his eyes! I never noticed before the toad eyes and mealy muzzle so like the Exmoors - is that typical of all Haflingers haffy? Like the Exmoors and the Fjord types, almost a prehistoric look. Aren't we a slim bunch! Must be all that running round after horses, dogs, cats etc etc! Mind you - you can see why haffy is so slim - must be hard to eat with no head! Bet she carries it under her arm at midnight, shades of Johnny Dieppe and the Headless Horseman! ;D ;D
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Post by haffyfan on Apr 28, 2009 21:16:27 GMT 1
Thanks for your kind commenbts about Harry.
Large lively dark eyes are part of the desirable breed specifications and I had never thought about it but yes they do all seem have to have the mearly muzzle too.
My OH has always said he looks prehistoric too!
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Post by zoe on Apr 28, 2009 21:23:43 GMT 1
I've got serious "I want"s looking at his pic he is gorgeous!
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Post by kunuma on Apr 30, 2009 10:46:08 GMT 1
Haffy, your list of the reality behind the advertisement reminded me of this from one of my favourite funny horse books (The Horsemans Handbook to End All Handbooks) The same thing applies to looking for a job with horses.... The advert: EXCEPTIONAL & ADAPTABLE GIRL GROOM REQUIRED to assist in running a lovely country home. If you are: 1) A country lover 2) A dog lover 3) An occaisional simple cook 4) Under 30 5) A good driver 6) An efficient organiser Then there is a permanant job for you commencing late January. regret no horse or dogs could be brought. the reality: EXCEPTIONAL & ADAPTABLE GIRL GROOM REQUIRED to assist in running a neglected run-down seedy divorce's crumbling house. If you are: 1) A proficient lover 2) Able to cope with a dozen assorted mastiffs. lurchers and 2 snappy terriers 3) Willing to cook 3 times a day and do the washing 4) Tolerably good-looking if required to serve drinks on a Sunday morning 5) Not averse to driving the master at all times of the day or night because he has lost his license 6) A nutcase Then there is a permanant job for you commencing in the depths of winter. Regret no horses or dogs can be brought because all your time will be cut out in dealing with the dogs mentioned and four large hunters not mentioned.... Apologies for getting off the subject Claire - I DID that job - I went to look after horses and children - neither of which appeared, but after a week the ex girlfriend appeared and i got sent packing, apparently having achieved the boss's aim by getting her to come back!! ;D
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