>>>> Doesn't depend on the size of the pony and the size of the rider also? This was always a concern with my QH and if the knees are closed too. My pony didn't looked balanced until this year. Now since we gelded him he is growing again so this is good. His father is over 13 hh and now he is too. Sylvia
Certainly, good points. I think, however, that by the time a horse is over four, MOST of the major PHYSICAL skeletal developmental phases are past, so those type concerns shouldn't be an issue - but if the rider is large, I'd certain err to the side of waiting longer. And if the rider is sort of "medium-large" I think it shouldn't hurt to compromise by splitting the difference - maybe still doing a little mounted work, but for shorter periods, spread over a longer time. There are certainly no cast-in-stone rules in place for us to follow. Our motto is always, 'if in doubt, wait a little longer.' Maja is six this year, surely physically mature, and she seems extremely mentally prepared too. However, she's my husband's horse - he just adores her. But, he's a BIG guy. She's not a fragile sized mare by any means, but he won't ride her until she's had more time with a smaller rider up, in this case to develop her muscles and carrying strength. She's since pregnant and also has some stress on her back now from that, he won't ride her until the baby is weaned and another rider has got her back going again. That's how slow we are around here...he won't be riding her before she's 7.5, at least a year from now. That's just the way it's worked out though, not a real "plan." Karen Thomas, NC
