Hi All

I have been offered the chance to look after and ride a 9 year old Connemara Bay 14.3 Pony.

Apparently he is good on the roads, and quiet.

2 issues:

1. Are they decent weight carriers? I mean, I'm not heavy, but I would say I am too heavy for a TB, and would normally ride 14.2 upwards cobs. I am 5'6
2. He's a stallion (gulp). Thoughts?

Its been a while since I've been involved with horses, but I am interested... what do you think - especially re the Stallion bit!!

Cheers
Chloe

Hi Chloe,

I think that you sould be fine regarding the weight. Connemaras are generally fairly good weight carriers. With regards to him being a stallion, I can see no problem as I myself have ridden stallions and have found them to be very willing. Are you keeping him stabled where he is currently? Some yards object to having stallions in yards where they have mares so you may have some trouble finding somewhere to keep him.

Hope everything goes ok.

:-)

Hi - thanks for that

He is to be kept at his existing yard, his owner wants someone to look after and ride him...so at least there will be no disruption for me or the horse! I have never ridden a stallion, but from what I hear he is very sweet natured and has a reputation for being very good with children...

I can't even think what the Connemara build is like... normally I love the heavyweight cobs but do find them strong...

Chloe

Hi Chloe,

Connemaras are a native Irish breed so are very sturdy, a friend of mine owns one and he is a joy to ride. If you want to see what the breed is like you may want to check out the following pages, The Connemara Pony, and British Connemara Pony Society .

Hope this helps.

:-)

Hi Chloe

regards to the weight I cannot see an issue, someone I work with is on the Cluc Board and whilst the horse may be only that size they are very sturdy and hardy horses.

Can't help you on the stallion front suffice to say my Instructor has 2 (Father and Son) 16.3 and 17HH and they could not live on anormal yard. They can only be handled by her and the head groom and have to sperate barn area, can only be truned out when all other horses are in etc...... If he is staying on the same yard and surrounded by people who are used to a stallion then as long as your feel comfortable riding him then I don;t see the problem.

However.........make sure you check out exactly what they expect from you and also what you expect from them ie, vets fee's, insurance, livery costs. Might be a good idea to get a contract drawn up so you know where you stand.

Good luck if you choose to go ahead.

Lisa

I would say that when he is been ridden in an area where there are no mares in season he should be fine. Care should be taken if out on a hack and passing a field where there may be an in season mare:-(, especially if you are on a road.
The best way to be sure is plan your hacks beforehand and if possible avoid other horsey fields.
Enjoy it. I had my last horse when I was 24 and am now 34 and miss it like mad!

Hi All

Thanks for the advice.

I have pretty much decided not to take the horse on. He has been used at stud before, and quite frankly, I have enough hormonal males in my life...lol

Thanks again
Chloe

I think you are wise Chloe. I have had a lot of experience with stallions over the years and wouldn't recommend even the sweetest easiest one unless you were VERY experienced. it would be very restricting for you, so many places where it would be unsafe for you or mare riders......we have two stallions who come hunting with us and they are owned/ridden by extremely experienced, professional horse breeders who really know what they are doing. it can be very tricky.