Well, altough my version is dutch, it kinda translates to this:
Quote:
Prologue page 18 "Conserning Hobbits"
According to the Red Book Bandobras Took, the son of Isegrim the second, was one meter thirtytwo and able to ride a horse. In all Hobbit tales he was passed by just two fameous figures from the elder days: but this extrodenary case is mentioned in this book.
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The two ofcourse being Merry and Pippin. Hm, it indeed says he was "able" to ride a horse, but doesn't say that he did it. But that does not have to mean anything.
Merry's love for the king was great, and the king referr's to Merry as a burden. So the king obviously thinks he can't manage riding a horse, which he can because of his height.