If you’re an equestrian who has been blessed with the ‘short’ gene and don’t appear to have grown in height or width since your 11th birthday, it is quite possible that your mount of choice is a pony.
For the small riders out there, a pony can be much more appealing than a sizeable 16.2hh that tows you around on the end of the lead rope (plus, your legs don’t even reach the bottom of the saddle on something over 15hh).
While most can see the positives of having a pint-sized companion (cheaper to run and equally as fun) there are something adult pony owners are fed up of hearing…
Which of these seven phrases are you constantly being thrown?
1. Don’t you want a proper horse?
Maybe not intended to be offensive, but you can be sure that pony owners will take offence. Just because he lacks a little height does not mean we can’t do all the same events as you. Spread the love of all shapes and sizes.
2. Your pony is SO cute
Of course he’s cute, but he’s also an absolute machine across country and will hands down out-trot any other horse on the yard. He’s not just a pretty face.
3. And you look SO cute on him!
Jodhpur boots are so on trend right now.
4. Ponies are so much easier to keep than horses
Wrong! We all know that a pony’s brain works a lot faster than a horse’s. They are renowned for their cheeky and characterful natures. The probability that my ride will run out at the second part of a double at the last-minute is a lot higher than yours. My pony is more likely to do a Houdini and escape from the field at an inconvenient time. And let’s not get started on the stress of feeding him for the competition season when he puts on a gut just looking at a bag of feed.
5. It’s not fair, you get to compete against children
Maybe, but who gets the ponies going well for the children so they can succeed — us!
6. It’s not fair, I wish I could ride a pony
It’s also not fair that I’m so short I can’t consider owing something over 14.2hh as I would look like a pea on a drum.
7. Do you share him with your child?
Nope. And please don’t assume I have a child just because I have a pony.
You may also be interested in:
8 struggles only short riders will understand
Are you a petite rider? Experts give their top tips for success in the saddle
Riders across the disciplines are proving that size is no barrier when it comes to getting the most out of
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
