Horse to lead from

[balancingfigure]

Getting slightly excited here but I'm hoping I might be able to get a horse again! Got DD (7) a pony about 6 months ago and its going well but I would like to be able to hack out with her on a leading rein. We keep the pony on a farm and there is no schooling facilities, just hacking and I think DD would progress further if it didn't rely on my walking/running! Also being around the pony has been great and reminded me how much fun horse stuff is .

So today I went for a hack at a local riding school and have booked a lesson next week. I have ridden a lot but not for at least 15 years and I mainly want to check that my back, which I've had some issues with, can cope with the riding.

So assuming all goes well and I start looking for a horse can anyone give me any tips on what I should look for to make the leading work?

Obviously nice temperament and I'm guessing not too big - DD's pony is about 12.2, what does anyone think is a max size to practically lead from. I don't particularly want a big horse but from perusing 'preloved' everyone wants a 15hh cob and bigger horses are cheaper!

Any ideas lovely MN horsey folk?

[moobaloo]

I would go for a 14-15.2hh native type like a cob or new forest x or Connemara? Desirable yes, but I think something a touch older would be cheaper and also potentially calmer and more reliable? Don't discount 15+ year olds, they can go on for years very well.

I've led from a 17hh thoroughbred, horses from 14hh upwards but never tried to lead anything smaller so can't advise there, but I think it'll be easier with a smaller one. One thing that can be awkward leading from a tall horse is you get bashed by trees! That can be really annoying!

Horse shopping so exciting!

[moobaloo]

www.horsemart.co.uk/14-3-welsh-d-pony-club-all-rounder/Horses/338933

www.horsemart.co.uk/stunning-coloured-cob-mare-14-2h-happy-hacker-lovely-tempera/Horses/340361

Not a cob... www.horsemart.co.uk/14-2-3-hh-for-sale/Horses/339250

www.horsemart.co.uk/14-1hh-all-rounder-bay-gelding/Horses/337374

I'll stop now haha there are some nice ones out there!

[thinkingaboutfostering]

Personally I wouldn't go for anything more than 3hh bigger than your DD pony. I worked in a riding school for years and it's hard work leading a little pony from a big horse. Although initially your DD will be in the lead rein there will come a time where she is confident and able enough to be off the leading rein with a rope round ponies neck that you could grab if she struggles ect. In that circumstance you don't want to be trying to lean down to the pony as it's not easy to do and very easy to come off! Also a smaller horse is easier to get on and off. Other than that you want a quiet well mannered horse that's been there and done it. Ex riding school or horses that have been used to escort youngsters would be ideal.

[Muddiboots]

Ex Polo pony?
Not too big, used to being ridden one handed and nice and bendy
Good with things coming up their backsides, not going to be a kicker
Cheap to buy and much cheaer to keep than ex racehorse etc
Theres a group on facebook for rehoming ex polo ponies.

[thinkingaboutfostering]

Sorry but is avoid polo ponies! Never ever come across an ex polo pony that hadn't been done in to the ground. Knackered tendons intermittent lameness and often have been aimed only at polo and therefore have no experience on the roads, traffic ect.

[Muddiboots]

all the ones i have known have been great, traffic wise they are usually hacked out for exercise so pretty bombproof.
we had one till he was 23 and he was a dude :)
horses for courses though and we dont really jump so probably not asking too much of their old legs :)

[balancingfigure]

Thanks, lots of useful ideas, getting more excited!