How much do ponies grow....

[Vitriolic]

Pony Breeders: I know it depends on many factors, but can you guess how much more a three year old pony will grow? I ask because I have seen so many ads lately advertising a three year old 14.1 1/2 hh who will finish a large. I wouldn't think so, but since I have bred a total of three ponies, how would I know? ;) That height would make me nervous in a 4 or 5 yr old, nevermind a three yr old. I have seen smalls grow 2" between 3 and 4 as well. Any rules of thumb or just experiences to share? Thanks.

[Sugarbrook]

We would need to know the size of the pony now, the breeding of the pony and(what size are sire and dam?) Most of the smalls finish quicker than the larges. Give us more info and we can make an educated guess.

Or, maybe you are just talking about "growth" in general on all sizes of ponies.

[Lesley Feakins]

I've found that the growth rate from age 2 1/2 onwards in our ponies is very minimal. It is often their wither development which adds the extra 1/2 inch or so.

If they are a cross bred pony with TB or WB then they may well continue to grow after 3 yrs of age and often up to age 5.

[092556]

I look at the pony, it is my experience if the depth of the body and the length of the leg are equal they are not going to grow. If the pony looks leggy they could very well grow, usually they grow in the body, they thicken up.

I have 3 - 3 yr old larges, 2 (they are 1/2 welsh) of them I'd bet the farm on that they are done, the other one (1/4 welsh) looks a little leggy there is a chance it might grow a little more.

[Tamara in TN]

Any rules of thumb or just experiences to share? Thanks.

mine with cob or TB blood are 3yos to height and 5 years to bulk

[M. O'Connor]

Isn't there a string test? How does that work? How accurate is it in predicting height?

[Showpony]

I think they are generally pretty much done growing at three (especially smalls), but at 14.1 1/2 even if they grow another inch and go slightly over, it wouldn't be too hard to get them to measure in.

[kookicat]

Half an inch more than you want them to! :lol: :winkgrin:

[Vitriolic]

Thanks for the replies. I just meant in general since you have to wait until they are 6 for a permanent card. I would be nervous some of those close two or three year olds would go over.

[Windswept Stable]

That would make me a little nervous. But you might get lucky too. 14.2 is where everyone wants them to be.

[JoZ]

As the owner (and hopeful seller) of a 14.1-1/2 hh four-year-old... I wish I knew!