13 things you need to know before you move from ponies onto horses
It can be notoriously difficult to make the transition from ponies to horses – but if your legs (or your child’s) are practically touching the ground, or you want to compete seriously, you might be wondering if the time has come to kiss little Snowy goodbye and look for a larger steed. Here’s what you need to know to make that transition go as smoothly as possible.
1. There’s no rush
Make sure that you really want to move up to horses. If you’re happy, and the pony isn’t actually being squashed flat, then why not just enjoy each other’s company for as long as you can?
2. Don’t be tempted to get a ‘project’ as your first horse
Yes, you’ve learnt a lot from your pony – but does this mean you’re experienced enough to bring on a four-year old Warmblood with attitude?
3. ‘A pony will get you out of trouble, a horse will get you into it,’ as they say
Ponies ping over jumps and often find that elusive ‘fifth leg’ to take off or land on a dodgy stride. Try the same thing on a horse and chances are you’ll find yourself exiting via the front door.
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4. Horses take more riding than ponies
Ponies will do the thinking for you, horses won’t. Although the pony brain can be both a blessing and a curse…
5. You’re going to have to start counting strides between jumps and all that malarkey
No more pointing and shooting.
6. Gates!
So easy on ponies, you can jump off and on if need be. Not quite so easy on a larger steed.
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7. Ditto coming off
The higher up you are, the further you’ve got to fall. But you knew that.
8. Get ready for big muscles
It can be a challenge holding a big-moving 16.2hh between hand and leg – forewarned is forearmed.
9. If you’re the one paying the feed bill, you’re about to get a bit of a shock
Most ponies can live off thin air. The same can’t be said for their bigger, bulkier brethren.
10. You can’t get as many funky rugs and bright-coloured accessories for horses as you can for ponies
This is a travesty and horse stuff manufacturers need to address it immediately.
11. On the plus side…
…horses aren’t so prone to ballooning just at the sight of grass, and can be easier to manage.
12. They’re often a lot more chilled out and straightforward than ponies
They don’t have that devious pony brain, after all.
13. You might not be dumped on the floor quite so often
(But it’ll be from a greater height when you are.)
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Amanda Vlietstra is a freelance writer and editor who’s worked for a number of national magazines and websites. Having thrown herself back rural living with gusto since moving from London to Buckinghamshire in 2012, she juggles her horsey life with work and two small children. She claims to do dressage, but really just potters about having fun on her 14.2hh Belgian Warmblood mare, Roxy. She also enjoys a good gossip over a coffee in the tackroom!