Pony Envy- The Increasing Popularity of Ponies for Adults

Are you an adult who secretly wants a pony for yourself? Explore the increasing popularity of ponies for adults and why so many baby boomers are choosing a pony for their mid-life crisis sports car!

by Karen Prell

I have to admit right here, right now, I love ponies! From cute little Shetlands to Welsh, Connemaras to “Heinz 57”, the breed doesn’t matter, I just love to see kids riding ponies, showing ponies and having fun.

I started this article thinking about seeing more and more youngsters (under 13) riding horses and not ponies at most of the local horse shows I’ve been to lately.

Yes, I know that there are many really quiet horses out there that kids ride at home and maybe at shows, but the fact remains that sometimes bigger is not necessarily better (or cuter!)

Connemara foal in Ireland

Connemara foal in Ireland. Photo credit Chip Ward.
 

My Childhood Pony Envy

At age 11, my very first lesson horse was a Saddlebred type about the same height as a skyscraper. You needed an elevator to get to the saddle. But he nonetheless toted me around the lesson ring with the patience of a saint and gaits as smooth as silk. I fell in love instantly and “Hornblower” forever become the equine standard by which I measured all other mounts. He’s probably the reason I still have a strong leaning to chestnuts. But still even then I had PONY ENVY.

My best friend, Sandy, whose family owned Pegasus Farm, the NJ based barn I took lessons at as a child, always rode the Pony division, and I had to admit… I was jealous. Of course Sandy was only 5’1”, while I was 6 inches taller than her, so I always seemed to be mounted on horses and looking down on her in our ringside chats.

Darley on a Highland Pony in Scotland

Equitrekking host Darley Newman riding a Highland Pony and viewing Highland Ponies in Scotland. Photo credit Chip Ward.
 

When we competed in the same classes in our age division, I swear the cute kids on the equally cute ponies always beat the ones on the full size models. Maybe it was just my perception at the time, but there were always tons of ponies at the shows we frequented and the Children’s Division was always full of ponies. As a plus, she could braid her pony for a show without having to stand on a ladder to do it.

Now when I go to shows, whether to participate or just to watch, I really notice the lower numbers of kids riding ponies. It seems I see plenty of kids mounted on full size horses and some of them are just able to reach the stirrups. It may be a case of simple economics, because I often see those same horses being shared by other older siblings and/or a parent at the same show. Makes sense in these times and promotes family togetherness when everyone shares the horsey passion.

I started to wonder if this was, yet another symptom of our society rushing our kids through their childhood. And then, I discovered something surprising about this trend.

It seems that adults are re-discovering ponies.

Back in the Saddle and Closer to the Ground

In case no one has noticed, we adult riders, especially women are not all tall, long legged, thin and in need of a 17.0 hand mount. With the average adult female in the United States coming in at just under 5’4”, that means a whole lot of riders are under that height. Add to that the growing number of adults who are becoming first time riders now in their 40’s and 50’s, and I can see a small but steady trend of riders who are aiming towards smaller horses and large ponies.

Along with the breeds that are not normally super tall such as Arabians, Morgans, etc. I’m seeing some pretty diverse breeds being used by adults that would qualify (height-wise) as ponies.

Welsh Pony

Darley Newman and Olive Edwards on Welsh Ponies in Wales. Photo credit Chip Ward.


I’ve seen all kinds of breeds being enjoyed by adults these days both for serious showing and personal riding. The choice of pony breeds would boggle the mind. They range from the more familiar Half Thoroughbred/Half “take your pick” to Welsh Cobs and Connemaras to the more “exotic” or lesser known breeds like the Fell (who remind me of smaller versions of the Friesian horse), Dales, and growing in popularity here in Florida, the endangered but versatile Florida Cracker Horse

The Haflingers and Fjords have become more popular in recent years with their sturdy build and appealing nature along with being a good height for the average rider–– not to mention eye-catching color.

Another breed that has been growing in leaps and bounds for adults is that miniest of them all, the Miniature Horse. Adults show these at halter, in hand over obstacles (the Miniature Horse version of the Jumper class) and of course, Driving Classes.

For the budget minded rider, ponies fit the bill perfectly! They eat less than their full size (and larger) counterparts, take up less room (so you won’t need that more expensive Warmblood sized trailer), and in general are a bit tougher constitutionally speaking. All of this adds up to less money spent on a regular basis.

connemara pony ireland dartfield

Connemara Pony at the Dartfield Horse Museum in Ireland.


Ponies Doing Big Things

If you happen to be one of those people who think you “need” a horse to do big things, just take a look at the wonderful accomplishments of Eventer Karen O’Connor and her event pony, the late great, Theodore O’Connor. Together this pair won team and individual gold at the Pan American Games, along with placing at the highest levels in other competitions, including the Rolex in Kentucky. All this and he was only 14.1 ¾ hands high. Were it not for a freak accident that ultimately took his life in 2008, I’m sure this SUPER Pony would still be competing today and making it all look easy.

In the super tough world of dressage, who could ever forget Lendon Gray’s magnificent dressage companion Seldom Seen? Standing 14.2 hh and described as only an “average” mover, this tough competitor earned USDF Horse of the Year awards from Third Level to Grand Prix. He was retired in 1987 after winning the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon. He died in 1996, at the age of 26.

As you can see, there is a great deal of success with adult rider and pony combinations, from the back yard owner all the way to the highest levels of international competitions.

If you haven’t considered a pony as you next mount, maybe it’s time you did. If you like attention, chances are you will get a bit of it when people first see your choice of mount.

But the next time someone gives you a strange look while you and your “pony buddy” are out and about, just remember… Good things come in small packages, and a small package wrapped in a pony body may be the best package of all! And for my fellow baby boomers–– just think of him as your mid life crisis sports car with four legs and fur!


About the Author: Karen Prell, aka "Triple Crown Karen," came from a very non horsey, working class New Jersey family and started riding at age three. With over thirty years experience as a riding instructor, Karen is passionate about developing beginners into confident riders and compassionate horse owners. A favorite expression heard often by her students is "It's ALL about the horse!" A lover of all things "horse," she is especially passionate about promoting the retraining of retired Thoroughbreds and adoption and rehoming of unwanted horses. Her ultimate dream would be to see the US Equestrian Team mounted on these great reclaimed athletes. Her career in media focuses on the everyday equestrian adventure and how a horse lover of modest means CAN make a difference for even ONE horse.