I admit a strange fascination with British Royalty. It’s not so much a ‘ooo what is Kate wearing today’ fascination as much as a ‘why is this even still a thing’ fascination. But, you can’t help admiring the Queen. At ninety-something years old, she still clambers into a saddle. Just how she gets up there isn’t revealed. I think it might have something to do with a velvet-covered hoist, equipped with a silver tea service. She’s not riding the Thoroughbreds and hunters she used to. Now, her mounts have been closer to the ground and travel at a slightly more sedate pace. But, she’s still riding, which should give the rest of us hope. You can’t get too far on hope alone though. You need to do some planning. So if I am to ride well into my dotage, how will I get that done. Being closer to the ground seems sensible. And that means riding ponies. While we often think of ponies as kids’ mounts, there are lots of ponies capable of carrying an adult.
British Native Breeds
The last photograph that showed up in the news of Queen Elizabeth riding showed her astride a black Fell pony. Apparently she breeds these sturdy ponies. And they are more than capable of carrying a full-grown adult. Dale ponies are very similar. Highland ponies, originating in Scotland, are hardy and strong. Depending on your stature, an Irish Connemara pony might work for you. Of course, Welsh ponies and cobs come in several convenient sizes. All the ponies originally bred for work in agriculture or mining are all strong, and you need only pick a breed that you free comfortable on.
Icelandic Horses
Although they are called horses, they are really pony-height. These pony-sized horses easily carry a full-grown adult over rough ground. If you’ve got a bad back or just want a really comfortable ride, many are gaited.
Fjord Ponies
Fjord ponies originated in Norway. They are considered a draft breed, but they are just as useful under saddle. They have lots of bulky muscle, so while they may not be the race car of the horse world, they can carry an adult with no problem. With their white and black striped mane, they are very distinctive looking.
Arabs, Morgans, Appaloosas and Quarter Ponies
Yes, Quarter Ponies are a thing. Quarter Horses under 14hh can be considered Quarter Ponies. Many Arabians and crosses, Morgans and other light horse breeds may come under the 14hh or 14.2 size that we consider ponies to be. While they might not be as sturdy as some draft pony breeds, if you’re on the lighter side, but still feel you want to be closer to the ground, these might be the perfect choice.
Gaited Breeds
Many of the gaited or walking horse breeds have individuals within the pony size range. Paso Finos, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses, Cheval de Canadien, and others might be a good choice depending on the needs and goals of an adult rider.
So let’s hope that on our ninetieth birthday, someone takes a photo of us trotting through the fields, grey hair streaming from beneath our helmets, as we ride our ponies. For many of us, it could mean we’ve come full circle.
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