Differences between pony and horse riding

[mistymoon]

I know this has probably been said many times but...

....as a beginner, I find I am quite nervous of horses to begin with (the nervousness goes when I am actually on the horse) and have learnt so far on horses which are 16 hands plus.

Can you please tell me why many people choose to ride ponies rather than horses?

Thanks :smile:

 

[popularfurball]

This is not a general rule but for me - they have "pony attitude" (read naughtiness), and I find them fun. It is also much cheaper to keep a small pony than a big horse and less far to fall :redcarded::giggle:

 

[notpoodle]

it's more fun and I always feel safer

it is not without challenge though!! (i really think that those claiming 'its just a pony, how hard can it be?' or imply that it's easier than riding a, say,big warmblood are wrong!!)

- better balance is required as ponies have more, er, rapid movement and more than often not much in the way of a neck in front (don't go overboard on the old light seat!!!)

- aids may need to be adjusted to suit the smaller equine eg. you cant out your 'leg back' for eg canter as you would on a large horse as you may hit the stifle/topple off altogether. use of heels tends not to work if said heels are below the belly line (eg you'd kick your pony in the stomach - they wo not appreciate this!). reins end up much shorter, which can make rein contact interesting also

- pony can just disappear out from underneath you (see 'balance'!)

- pony can be more vigorous with asking of questions, mostly evolving around 'yeah but WHY??'

these points are if you want to ride your pony properly eg not just jumping on for a laugh. my exmoors are 12.3 and 12.1 respectively. i'm 5'6!

 

[mistymoon]

This is not a general rule but for me - they have "pony attitude" (read naughtiness), and I find them fun. It is also much cheaper to keep a small pony than a big horse and less far to fall :redcarded::giggle:

Ah yes, I have heard ponies are fun. I can see there are some beautiful ponies out there. I am approx. 11.5 stone and 5'4" so would need a strong pony. Any ideas?

 

[mistymoon]

it's more fun and I always feel safer

it is not without challenge though!! (i really think that those claiming 'its just a pony, how hard can it be?' or imply that it's easier than riding a, say,big warmblood are wrong!!)

- better balance is required as ponies have more, er, rapid movement and more than often not much in the way of a neck in front (don't go overboard on the old light seat!!!)

- aids may need to be adjusted to suit the smaller equine eg. you cant out your 'leg back' for eg canter as you would on a large horse as you may hit the stifle/topple off altogether. use of heels tends not to work if said heels are below the belly line (eg you'd kick your pony in the stomach - they wo not appreciate this!). reins end up much shorter, which can make rein contact interesting also

- pony can just disappear out from underneath you (see 'balance'!)

- pony can be more vigorous with asking of questions, mostly evolving around 'yeah but WHY??'

these points are if you want to ride your pony properly eg not just jumping on for a laugh. my exmoors are 12.3 and 12.1 respectively. i'm 5'6!

Wow notpoodle, it isn't as straight forward as I thought but then again, riding isn't is it? Thanks for an interesting and helpful reply :biggrin:

 

[notpoodle]

to stress the fun aspect ....

in the pouring rain on a funride ...

warming up for a show ...

 

[Skib]

I don't know the answer for other people, and I don't know your age or weight. Like you, a lot of my learning to ride was done on horses, largely because elderly beginners find it less easy to sit on a broader, cob style horse. However, often I had to ride a pony because riding schools do most of their teaching to children, and have quiet ponies used to teaching beginners.

I guess that many riders got accustomed to ponies when they were learning and chose to stay with ponies. But that applies (I think) particularly in the UK, not in the States.

So it is worth remembering that the UK and Ireland are rich in native pony breeds. It is a particularly valuable British resource, with many specialist breeding groups and a lower buying and feeding cost than buying warm bloods from abroad.

Many years ago I for a time rode a good natured RS pony and for various reasons I just rode him again. So I was interested in your question. When I last rode him, I was a passive, submissive rider just starting to canter. That is exactly the type of beginner rider he is trained to carry. As soon as a rider is half way competent, they are promoted to another RS pony.

He is a dependable walk, trot conveyance, responding to verbal commands. Half his attention is on the RI. Forward going, but initially reluctant to stop unless given a strong tug on the reins which is not my style at all.
Thus I think you need to distinguish between the behaviour of RS ponies who are ridden by children (and can exploit this to become naughty) and ponies that have never been ridden by children learners. Because the first group come with a familiar routine of RS behaviour (and that attracts nervous first time buyers).

I was very glad to be given a chance to ride this pony, because for the last six years, I have ridden two favourite horses and feared I might lose my readiness to ride any horse I was offered. So, if you have never ridden a pony, and feel you would like to, why not give it a try?

Dismounting was gentler on my ankles from a short pony. But the smaller size makes a difference to how and where your legs hang and their contact with the horse. I didn't feel to be as well balanced on my seat. I need to sort that out. Some horses fit one instantly like good shoes and others don't.

But most of us prefer what we are used to and, if I were gong to buy a horse next week, I wouldn't choose a pony myself.

If you are looking for reassurance from downsizing to a pony, let me comment on your trepidation before mounting. Me too - I have been riding ten years. But when I see people riding, I still feel that is something I cant do. But my wise RI explained that. She pointed out that for most of my life, I could not ride. So it is an instinctive reaction to feel when confronted with a horse that I am not a rider. But like you said, when I get on the horse, I do know how to ride it - it is a recently acquired competence.

 

[popularfurball]

It really depends on how balanced a rider you are - though a highland or fell or stocky welsh will carry you easily.

Smaller ponies can carry 11.5stone easily (including shetlands) but generally if longer rides, then you need to be a more balanced, lighter rider (i dont mean weight wise, I mean not bouncing about

 

[eml]

Just to complicate things there are horse sized 'ponies' and pony sized 'horses'. I suspect the difference is more related to how the horse/pony is put together which affects its movement.

I have always been naturally happier on short striding 'bouncy' horses, cobs and ponies and have to think more when riding horses with long strides, particularly if jumping. As Skib said some horse are like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes, whether trainers (comfy cob?) or high heels (large elegant horse?!)

 

[mistymoon]

I dont know the answer for other people, and I dont know your age or weight. Like you, a lot of my learning to ride was done on horses, largely because elderly beginners find it less easy to sit on a broader, cob style horse. However, often I had to ride a pony because riding schools do most of their teaching to children, and have quiet ponies used to teaching beginners.

Many years ago I for a time rode a good natured RS pony and for various reasons I just rode him again. So I was interested in your question. When I last rode him, I was a passive, submissive rider just starting to canter. That is exactly the type of beginner rider he is trained to carry. As soon as a rider is half way competent, they are promoted to another RS pony.

Dismounting was gentler on my ankles from a short pony. But the smaller size makes a difference to how and where your legs hang and their contact with the horse. I didnt feel to be as well balanced on my seat. I need to sort that out. Some horses fit one instantly like good shoes and others dont.

But most of us prefer what we are used to and, if I were gong to buy a horse next week, I wouldnt choose a pony myself.

If you are looking for reassurance from downsizing to a pony, let me comment on your trepidation before mounting. Me too - I have been riding ten years. But when I see people riding, I still feel that is something I cant do. But my wise RI explained that. She pointed out that for most of my life, I could not ride. So it is an instinctive reaction to feel when contronted with a horse that I am not a rider. But like you said, when I get on the horse, I do know how to ride it - it is a recently acquired competence.

Thanks Skib :smile:

I am 40 and approx. 11.5 stone. It is very interesting to hear you had a good experience on the RS pony. As you said, the ponies I seem to see in my RS are ridden by children and tend to fly around the arena like there is no tomorrow! The RS have always been reluctant to put me on one of their ponies for reasons known to them (I rode a pony of approx. 12 hands at the RS and they did seem surprised that I had been 'assigned' that pony for my lesson) and I respect that but even my husband asked why I was put on the larger horses as this may be dampening my confidence to canter.

 

[mistymoon]

Just to complicate things there are horse sized 'ponies' and pony sized 'horses'. I suspect the difference is more related to how the horse/pony is put together which affects its movement.

I have always been naturally happier on short striding 'bouncy' horses, cobs and ponies and have to think more when riding horses with long strides, particularly if jumping. As Skib said some horse are like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes, whether trainers (comfy cob?) or high heels (large elegant horse?!)

Hi eml, I love the way you described as above regarding the footwear! Its always been high heels for me so maybe now I am getting older I need to lean more towards the comfy cob. :giggle:

 

[liz_scarlet]

I'll second the fact they disappear from beneath you...Scarlet can spin on a 6pence!

She is the bigger end of pony being nearly 14.2 but still has the attitude and fun element others have mentioned!

Plus the quick pony trot is a great workout for thighs :giggle:

 

[eml]

Mistymoon I put all my adults and teenager pupils on horses/cobs/ponies that vary from about 14.2 to 15.3hh. Larger horses are harder for novices to ride 'together' and smaller ponies as other have said can often turn so sharply a taller person is easily dislodged!

 

[Wally]

The only reason I have little guys is all down to ease of transport and the climate we live in.

TB and the like don't thrive here without a lot of TLC. I don't have the time to ride shotgun on a thin skinned TB with an appetite to match in winter. Small hairy Icelandic do thrive here, though they are not always a novice ride in any shape or form.

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

I have a 14.1 Connemara pony, Ziggy. I am just under 5 ft 3 and when I got him I was just over 11st, though I am lighter now. He carries my 12st, 5 ft 6 sharer without a blink and she looks good on him.

Ziggy is totally, completely different to our 15.2 Arab horse, both to know and to ride. To ride he is short striding, with a quick trot and canter and a very quick turn (which can mean he turns right out from underneath), but he is also quite wide so at least the leg aids are in the right place! He has a good turn of speed and is generally a speedy pony, but can plod along like an old moke if he is feeling demotivated.

What makes him a real pony is his desire to think for himself. Even when he trusts his rider, his pony brain is always on the go, looking out for what might happen and what a pony should do if it does. Mattie the Arab is quite happy to be told what to do rather than think for himself.

They are both adorable equines in their way, but ponies have fabulous character!

 

[Skib]

I guess it may be your weight that prevents the RS does not putting you on their ponies?
No matter what pony owners on NR say about their own ponies, riding schools tend to apply weight limits. The pony I rode this week is OK up to 10 stone, ditto at another yard my share horse. The age and health as well as the size of an RS horse or pony, all come into the equation. I have to keep my weight under nine and a half stone, or I would be too heavy for the horses I ride.

 

[Tillytoo]

Some ponies are just not suitable for children due to certain attitude issues, and being too clever by half at seeing an opportunity to take advantage. I am speaking about a certain Fleabitten Newforest that can be seen on my atavar above.

BUT, its great fun, you really learn a lot very quickly and I love that if I do come off I can get on again from the ground (assuming I have caught her)

I really prefer the clever maddening cute little blighters over their admittedly more elegant taller cousins. :biggrin:

BTW I am about your weight and height and Sash carries me no probs she is 13.1 NF, quite chunky but not really hench.

 

[popularfurball]

I guess it may be your weight that prevents the RS does not putting you on their ponies?
No matter what pony owners on NR say about their own ponies, riding schools tend to apply weight limits. The pony I rode this week is OK up to 10 stone, ditto at another yard my share horse. The age and health as well as the size of an RS horse or pony, all come into the equation. I have to keep my weight under nine and a half stone, or I would be too heavy for the horses I ride.

Not applied because they can't carry the weight, applied because they do an awful lot of work - my girl hacking a few hours a eek with me is different to unbalanced, mixed ability riders four four hours a day If se is looking for her own, then a pony would be fine

 

[selside]

Mistymoon, like Skib I've been thinking about this quite a bit recently. As another mature rider (52yo, 10.5st - have been more, have been less!) my riding is done at a very small RS where the selection of mounts is small. There is only one horse on the yard, and he's only 15.3. The rest are:

14.2 (1 lw Irish cob), 14.1 (mw cob mare), 14.0 (Fjord), 13.3 (Fell), 13.3 (mw native type), 13.2 (Fell), 13.1 (chunky native x) 13.0 (baby gypsy cob). I ride all of them either for private lessons or for workout sessions. They have a very light workload at just a few sessions a week. There are no announced weight limits as such, as these are all hardy, strong ponies and the RS use their judgement.

They are all their own characters, great fun and challenging in different ways. I have become more anxious as an older rider, and am concious of how far it is to fall off a big 'un. I ride ponies a) because I enjoy it and b) because there isn't a lot of choice! I do worry I'm getting over-used to small ponies, which can flatter your riding. I am genuinely built for them though, like Jane I'm 5' 2" and a smidge, with pretty short legs.

I would encourage you to give it a go - neither your size or weight should be an issue with an appropriate mount. If you are still learning you may well find you have less 'timing' issues with a pony, their shorter paces can be much easier to manage. A large striding elastic paced horse can have a sort of 'double bounce' in trot, which takes independent balance to get the timing so that you post sympathetically and not just ahead or just behind the stride. Some ponies are also great for giving confidence, as you can make a really compact and effective unit, and quickly feel 'together', whereas a learner can easily have jelly moments on a bigger horse with unexpected changes in stride pattern or of direction. (Not suggesting you use a pony to practise on, but it's good to get the feel of getting it right!).

Of course you can't generalise, there are plenty of horses AND ponies who frankly will always feel like they've got 5 legs to some of us. We humans are all put together as differently for conformation as equines are. What suits one won't feel easy or comfy for another. It's worth considering that different breeds, types and builds can ride quite differently. And don't be put off by those who think cob types and natives are cloddy to ride - not true. There will be one out there that'll suit you if you want to give it a try.

All I can do is recommend it (take a look at the 'Adults who ride ponies thread'). Ponies are great fun, for all the reasons the others have given. There are many reasons - not just physical ones - in which they differ from horses. Mainly what goes on between the ears....................

 

[mistymoon]

I guess it may be your weight that prevents the RS does not putting you on their ponies?

Yes Skib, I agree. I can totally see why they don't put me on ponies as the ponies they have are quite small. They do have other smaller horses there but I understand that they may not be school horses/have health isuses and therefore maybe not suitable for beginners. I have since found a different RS who have smaller horses/ponies available who would be able to accommodate me which is great news :smile: