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I've been trying to find some information online about how much weight a pony can carry safely, and the answers are so wildly different on all accounts.
What is the most amount of weight you would put on a 10.0hh pony, 11.0hh pony, etc. etc? Does the pony need to be extra stocky?
This is something I've been curious on for a while, I want to know what's the smallest size pony I can safely ride. I'm 5'7 and 135lbs.
ALSO, I kind of understand the differences between Miniatures and Shetlands, but if anyone has more information and would care to explain the differences between them, that would be awesome.
No I don't own a pony, I'm just wondering :) Any answers are appreciated! |
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I think you could flat a small pony like that in the same height and weight and train ponies that size. Just wouldn't jump or anything to crazy on them |
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The difference between a Shetland Pony and a Miniature Pony is a Shetland is a more stocky type pony in other works a more heavy weight pony. As a Miniature is a smaller type pony mainly from what I know used for Showing and Mini Horse racing. If this helped your welcome. |
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12 hands I think. A good size...not too big, not too little. |
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You could ride a 10.2hh shetland easily, the lady who breaks mine in is 75kgs which is about 150lbs I think. People often underestimate the strengths of ponies, I found this photo online of a heavier adult rider riding a maximum height shetland, and that pony is not struggling at all. If I can get my fat butt down to 85kgs I will be getting a 10.2 shetty for myself to ride, I am your height. It really depends, some welsh ponies and arabians would out-haul a 17hh TB any day.
http://myshetland.co.uk/hammy-charlie-and-andys-turn/
Have a flick through these photos :)
Shetlands are a breed and miniature ponies are a breed derived from shetlands as shetlands do not have a lower height limit to be considered purebred.
This is my shetland mare, she is just under 9.2hh:
https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29542845_409993522779578_5943307733436068435_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=2fb32e47972c9bdbf6a6f04a6aca1e9d&oe=5CC1B3F4
This is my miniature pony who is around 8.2hh:
https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46106657_547499819028947_8449717997278330880_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=0d66d3d1cfe1239ccca98ba9cab0891b&oe=5C8AECC1
And a miniature horse, which I believe originally derived from falabellas, they are very petite and have long necks and legs:
https://media.mnn.com/assets/images/2015/10/mini-horses-show.jpg.838x0_q80.jpg |
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Legacy Run Eventers said:
I think you could flat a small pony like that in the same height and weight and train ponies that size. Just wouldn't jump or anything to crazy on them
I agree, I don't like jumping much anyway :) thanks for the response! |
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Snowmass Horses said:
The difference between a Shetland Pony and a Miniature Pony is a Shetland is a more stocky type pony in other works a more heavy weight pony. As a Miniature is a smaller type pony mainly from what I know used for Showing and Mini Horse racing. If this helped your welcome.
Thank you! I've heard Shetlands are quite a bit stockier |
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Skye's Paradise said:
12 hands I think. A good size...not too big, not too little.
Thank you! That sounds like a good size to me. I dont know if I'd want to ride anything smaller...even if it could carry my weight, I'd look ridiculous! |
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Summer said:
You could ride a 10.2hh shetland easily, the lady who breaks mine in is 75kgs which is about 150lbs I think. People often underestimate the strengths of ponies, I found this photo online of a heavier adult rider riding a maximum height shetland, and that pony is not struggling at all. If I can get my fat butt down to 85kgs I will be getting a 10.2 shetty for myself to ride, I am your height. It really depends, some welsh ponies and arabians woould out-haul a 17hh TB any day.
http://myshetland.co.uk/hammy-charlie-and-andys-turn/
Have a flick through these photos :)
Lovely! Thank you! I would burden the pony with saddle weight, but I think it would be nice to train the pony for kids, to where I could trust it. I've always heard that Shetlands are very strong for their size, and are built very heartily! |
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A Horse or pony can carry a 1/3rd his weight, but you dont just count the rider you also need to count the saddle and other tack to your weight including helmet and full riding gear!
So basicly yes the build of the pony matters, a bulky build pony weighs more then a thin build pony.
So to answere your question what size of a pony you can ride is ...it all depence on how much that said pony weighs itself.
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Now to your other question
Well, miniature horses are ponies, but ponies aren't miniature horses. It gets a little confusing and controversial in the horse world. But here's the basic run down: Any horse that is shorter than 14.2 hands, or 58 inches tall at the withers, is considered a pony. Miniature horses are usually 34–38 inches tall, which puts them squarely in the pony category.
However, miniature horses are considered by many enthusiasts to be a distinct breed of horse — like the Falabella, for instance — and one that keeps more of the horse body type and proportions. On the other hand, ponies have shorter legs, longer bodies and an overall stockier build than horses. The Shetland pony, Icelandic pony and Dartmoor pony are all examples of the typical pony build.
So can you call a miniature horse a pony? Yes, to some people anyway. There will likely be miniature horse registry officials giving you the side-eye if you do, but technically you're correct. But you can't call any pony a miniature horse, because there are breed factors that come into play in miniature horses.
The roles ponies and minis have played in history have contributed to their current size, appearance, and temperament. The earliest appearance of miniature horses is recorded to have been in 1650 at the Palace of Versailles where King Louis XIV kept a zoo with unusual animals, including tiny horses. Miniature horses were originally brought to the United States to work in coal mines, as their small size enabled them to access underground tunnels. They have also been bred in South America over time to develop the current petite and proportional ideal standard, epitomized by the tiny Falabella.Ponies are stockier and hardier than most horses; they had to survive in harsh climates and on rugged terrain. They first appeared as domesticated stock in the United States the 1800’s to be used in coal mines and for agricultural work and driving. However, they have been in the wild in the U.S. since at least the 1600’s on Assateague Island, off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia.
According to the AMHA, “today’s American Miniature Horse is among the fastest growing and most beloved of equine breeds.” Miniature horses shouldn’t be ridden because of their small stature, but they are popular for driving and in-hand classes. The AMHA says, “Miniature Horse owners come from all walks of life. Some Miniature Horses are owned as companions by families with small children or by retired adults with a passion to enjoy life, while others are purchased solely as investments.” Minis have also become increasingly popular therapy animals. Ponies come in a wide variety of breeds, and they are especially popular children’s mounts, competing in just about any type of equestrian sport, whether it be jumping, eventing, driving, and more. In some communities, ponies are still used for farm work because their strength enables them to pull heavy equipment.
I hope that helps you!
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