Am I too big and other buying questions!

[poorchickens]

So, i've found a lovely little mare that i'd like to buy but my first concern is am I too big for her? I'm 5ft 11, 10 1/2 stone and she's a 15.3 TB.

My second concern is that she's quite stiff, especially in canter. She's only been ridden a handful of times in the past few months, so is the stiffness to be expected? And would that mean she's more likely to fail a 5 stage vetting?

Thanks my clever lovelies!

 

[glenruby]

As long as you dont feel too big then you arent. You wouldnt want anything small er but she does look fine size and certainly weight wise. How old is she? It depends on what you mean byt stiff - as in stiff behind? or through the neck/mouth? or front legs? bending?

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

You look nice on her, I'm 5'9" and 13 1/2 stone now (eeek!!) and my 15.3 TB mare is a nice match for me..

As for the stiffness, it could be that it's because she's a bit out of shape? I'd have her vetted to be sure as i'm no expert! Size wise though, you are fine!

 

[Vizslak]

size wise she looks perfect for you...no concern there at all, as she muscles up more as well she will have no issues at all in carrying you.
Stiffness wise...did it decrease as she warmed in? Difficult to advise without seeing it but it would certainly be picked up on in vetting.

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Size not a problem. Stifness though...., do the owners say why stiff? And ditto V and GR, what bit/area stiff?

 

[poorchickens]

Thanks guys! I'm used to riding a 17hh horse so she feels different but in a good way!

She's stiff behind. I didn't ride her for too long but she felt better later on and was fine as we popped a jump. Fingers crossed for the vetting! Eek my first ever horsey - I've only been waiting for 28 years!

 

[coss]

size wise you are fine - my legs hang below my horse's stomach at times. i'm 5ft8 on 14.2hh arabs. Your weight certainly isn't an issue!
Regarding stiff behind, it could be from a past injury, tension - did you see her lunged/trotted up etc? or general lack of work...