Harriet Morris-Baumber, talks about her life with ponies and offers advice on how to make the transition from ponies to horses a successful one.

From ponies to horses, and everything in between!

Like many girls I started riding before I could even walk and a lot of my happiest childhood memories include getting up to mischief on my ponies.

My first pony was a chestnut mare, a fantastic little Shetland who I used to do Gymkhana games on.  Not a typical chestnut mare she was a real fun pony who started me off riding.

Next to come on the scene were two 11hh ponies who got me off the lead rein and used to riding alone, I even did a little bit of showing but always found it boring. 

Then came the 13.2hh Hot ‘n’ Spicy, who started me off in eventing.  Initially a show pony, ‘DF’ as he was known at home, was nine years-old when I got him and had spent most of his life on the county show circuit. 

I had no real set plan with him and eventing just kind of happened.  We completed out first ever affiliated Pre Novice when I was just 11-years-old.

I was also an active member of the Middleton Pony Club and Ebor Vale Riding Club and was a member oF many teams for them, representing my Riding Club at the National Championships in 1999.

My mum was a keen event rider, and as a pony mad child I used to follow her around with the horses, to events, lessons and on any trip out that involved getting in the lorry.

Myself and DF always used to accompany her when she went for lessons, and I would take part too.  So if you like, my decision to event was pretty much down to my mums influence.

After learning the ropes with Hot ‘n’ Spicy, my first real hit at big time eventing came with Hot ‘n’ Fiery a fantastic 14.2hh chestnut gelding who was known as Yan.  

Fiery he definitely was!  Yan had the most impressive jump and expressive paces.  His flair for eventing came with one downside, serious attitude.  However, I have always said that a class horse needs a little bit of spark to give him the extra special X factor.

Yan provided me with the opportunity to compete against GB team ponies, and opened the door to team selections and pony trials.

Competing at Novice just didn’t seem to be enough anymore and I wanted a taste of the big time too! 

Pony eventing was so exciting, competitive but at the same time friendly, I would definitely recommend it.

In order to get noticed by the people who mattered up until I was 16-years-old, I had to register with the Chairman of Pony Selectors and work my way up the grades,  and compete successfully and constantly at the required qualifying level.

It was tough but the only way to get recognised in eventing is to build up a successful competition record!

I was quite daunted by the prospect of moving onto horses but after Hot ‘n’ Fiery it was definitely time to take the next big step. 

I was very lucky and found a fantastic 15.2hh coloured, Hot ‘n’ Smart, stable name Toby.  I was at Karen Dixon’s yard riding her horses and generally helping when I came across Toby and it was definitely love at first sight.

I could not have wished for a better first horse, he was short, small, careful and brave, and very ponified.  He made the transition to horses so much easier for me. 

In 2005 I represented my country as a Junior rider for the first time and was chosen to represent Great Britain at Necarne Castle in Ireland, in the CCIJ* and as they say the rest is history!

Harriet’s Top Ten Tips for moving from ponies to horses.

1. An older horse is often more suited to young riders just coming off ponies.  One that has already learnt the ropes can often teach a young rider a lot.

2. When searching for a first pony, try and take a proven professional with you, they usually add something important to the selection process.

3. Try and ride as many different horses as possible when moving off ponies.  Horses have a completely different way of going and young riders can feel alienated by the transition.  Riding a wide range of horses can help develop a new feel and help you adapt to a different way of going.

4. The partnership between a rider and their first Horse is extremely important.  Trust and a belief in what you are doing can help you progress through the grades quicker.

5. When buying your first horse after a pony, don’t go for anything too big. Ponies are very good at sorting themselves out if there approach to a fence is wrong, they are quick and small enough to chip in extra strides and generally help riders out.  Big horse’s often don’t have the ability to do this so go for a small horse. 

6. In the school holidays try and spend time with an event rider.  Spending hours in the saddle or even travelling competitions can deepen your understanding for the sport.

7. Do not put an emphasis on winning in your first season with a new horse.  You should concentrate on getting to know each other and not worry about the results.

8. In order to make a success out of eventing you must find a good trainer.  Someone who has the experience of dealing with many different horses and a proven competition record can pass on their knowledge to you and help out with any problems which may arise.

9. Whilst at events try and walk the cross country course with other successful riders.  There is so much you can learn from their experience which can help you progress through the grades.

10. Remember have fun, when things don’t go well go home and address the problem and move forward!

For further information visit www.equestrianclearance.com , or www.harrietmorris-baumber.com