Las Rosas Negras said:

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.

<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The roles ponies and minis have played in history have contributed to their current size, appearance, and temperament.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">hope that helps you!

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Summer said:
I forgot to add the girl who breaks my shetlands is nearly 6 foot tall. I guess it depends what you want to do with the pony too. Obviously someone who weighs 1/3 of their ponies weight isn't going to be jumping 3 feet or running barrels etc.

Jellos Warmbloods said:

Ive always heard that 10-15% of body weight is safe.

But overall, a horse/pony with a nice stout back and good croup/loin connection will be able to easily carry much more than a horse/pony with a longer back and weak croup/loin connection.

It will ALWAYS be a case by case basis. There really is no cut and dry.

It's important to assess the animal you have in front of you.

My 14.1 quarter type pony can easily handle more weight than my 17.1 hand wub.

The best thing to look out for, and good indicators, would be the animal sinking its back with rider aboard. Back soreness the following day. reluctance to want to move forward / pick up a quicker pace. And with extreme cases you may see stumbling, labored breathing, refusal to move forward, and irritability.

Scythe said:

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!

Skye's Paradise said:

Scythe said:

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!

My first horse was 12 hands. She was small enough to not be scarey, and big enough to ride her for many years. Ponies can carry some weight for sure, but a little bigger would give you years of enjoyment.

Summer said:
That's what I'm wanting too, Scythe :)

No I don't think the ponies struggle, my friend is a very "light" rider, a 40kg "heavy" rider can cause much more discomfort to a horse or pony.