How small of a pony could I realistically ride?

KK: How small of a pony could I realistically ride?
I’m 5’3″ and about 110 pounds. I’ve heard it should always go by weight of the pony- like the rider and tack should weigh no more than 20% of the pony itself. What do you think? Are there any general hand measurements I can estimate by?

Answers and Views:

Answer by ♥Anna♥
Well, if you’re like me and you’re all legs, then you’ll LOOK funny on anything lower then 15.2 hands. However, you’ll be okay riding anything down to around 13.3 hands. I rode a teeny little stocky pony that was around 13.3 hands, and I was in no way too heavy for her. I mean, we wouldn’t jump or anything, at most we’d trot, but when I’d go out in the pasture with my ex-friend when she was riding her dad’s horse (He has heaves, but walking him and getting him fit will minimize it) I’d ride this pony. I would say you’d be best off on something 15.2+ depending on your comfort level. I like horses 16.0+ hands, but I’m 5’6″.

Answer by HorsesRule
Well you would look huge on any pony smaller than 14hh. But if you didnt care how stupid you looked you could probably ride a 12.3hh pony AT THE VERY SMALLEST but it wouldnt be very comfortable for either you or the pony. Your legs would dangle way past its belly, making it harder to ride. If you are planning to BUY a pony, DO NOT buy one this small. It would probably be fine to ride a 12.3hh pony once or twice but NEVER regualarly with your height and weight. If you are planning to buy a pony, the best heights for you would probably be about 14hh to 15.3hh but if youa re still growing go towards the 15hh range

Answer by Scribbles
Well, in this country we seem to tend to under estimate the weight a horse can take, in places like spain they seem to have horses carrying slightly heavier weights.
Not really relevant though, sorry.

I am just touching five feet myself and i ride a skinny 13.2 pony. He’s actually 24, (but he thinks that he’s six really) He’s a completely wild loon.

In terms of you, I’d say a 14.1/ 14.2 hand pony upwards would suit you. It depends if you still growing of course. Personally i think between 14.1- 15.2 horse would suit you well. Remember the stockier a horse, the smaller you look on them and the more comfortably they can take you weight.

Of course, it’s completely personal choice. Find the horse to fit you!
Have fun!

Answer by ilovehorses4eva
Im 5’5 and 120 pounds and I still ride a 12.3hh pony who is stocky and IS a naughty little pony, so not many children can ride him so I school him, till I find someone who can handle his naughty traits but then Iwouldn’tt change him for the world lol