Big horse, little rider

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ItsStripey

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So, I'm a very small rider 5ft2 and because of this have always been put on anything whilst working as a groom. Small ponies to big giants.

Unfortunately after a car accident I had to give up my career as a groom. Missing horses too much I went looking for a large pony/small horse. Search took forever and nothing was fitting the bill, then I somehow ended up spotting a horse who just couldn't be left where he was.

He was big when I got him, and after I rid him of an awful hefty worm burden and put him on feed and lots of hay and good grass, he grew even more.
I backed him and he was brilliant, one of best youngsters I have had the pleasure of starting.

He lacks a lot in confidence, but I was working on this. He is good to hack out in company and has great brakes.
The both of us have been in a few bad incidents on the roads and whilst the other experienced horses have panicked and bolted he has always stood and listened to me, and taken the lead to help the other horse.

He is still very green and unfortunately I had a fall off him in July when he bucked for the first time since I backed him.
He wasn't happy through the whole of the ride, but I pushed him on thinking he was just playing up. He doesn't do stupid things for no reason.

Unfortunately I badly aggravated an existing spinal injury and have only just started walking again.
A huge amount of horse people are telling me to sell him on and buy something smaller. At first this was easy to ignore, but with so many of the comments happening it is really getting to me.

He is 17'3 and stocky as well, he doesn't ride big and feels smaller to ride than other horses of a smaller height.
He is generally a plod, and I've never worried about pulling him up. If I can work him through his confidence issues he is my perfect horse in every way except size.

Are there any other small riders with horses this big?
Am I wrong to feel like if I sell him on I could end up with something that does have worse vices than lack of confidence and is riskier to me falling and hurting my damaged back?

I was fine ignoring other people's comments on our size difference before my fall, but now they are using my fall as a reason to push the opinion that I should find something smaller more.
 
Once on board I've never thought size mattered and often feel safer on a giant than a 14.2.. But on the ground a big horse is more difficult purely lifting saddles rugs etc is hard on you physically.. I'm 5ft 3 and happily rode a 17.3 horse for 15 years but although I miss him (PTs 2 yrs ago) I don't miss putting his rugs on! I have a16.2 3 yo and I hope she puts on an inch or two cos i like the feel of a big horse on board... Riding is not about strength it's about feel and balance and boundries if u can cope on the ground I'd say keep him
 
He is generally an absolute dope on the ground to handle. Putting saddle on is fine for me and rugs I just slide over his back then open up.

I just think that whilst yes it's a long way to fall, they're saying I should be thinking of my back damage and buying something smaller encase I come off. But I've had worse injuries off ponies etc.
Something 14/15hh is still going to hurt when hitting the deck.

Thanks, it's good to hear at least one person not tell me I'm doing the wrong thing by keeping him.
 
Completely agree with blitznbobs!
I feel a lot better on something big, minimum 16.2. Don't know why, just feel more secure with a lot of horse underneath me. (I'm about 5ft5)
It is hard work though, I'm riding another liveries horse over the winter who is at least 17.1, and I'm sure I give people a good giggle when putting rugs on him etc! He's a gem though. Sounds a lot like yours, but he's an 'older gentleman'!
I have a 19 month old who I bred out of my late 16.3 mare. He's currently at least 15.3 so hoping for 16.3/17hh.
If it feels right to you, keep him and crack on.
He sounds lovely!
 
ItsStripey said:
He is generally an absolute dope on the ground to handle. Putting saddle on is fine for me and rugs I just slide over his back then open up.

I just think that whilst yes it's a long way to fall, they're saying I should be thinking of my back damage and buying something smaller encase I come off. But I've had worse injuries off ponies etc.
Something 14/15hh is still going to hurt when hitting the deck.

Thanks, it's good to hear at least one person not tell me I'm doing the wrong thing by keeping him.
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It is a longer way to fall... but personally I feel less likely to fall off something big. I had a lovely mare who was 15.2... I fell off her multiple times, sold her in the end because she was just too pony like for me. Too nimble!
 
I'm short, with a damaged back and I have a short horse and I still had 'helpful' people trying to get me to sell her because she's chestnut (and we all know how dangerous chestnut mares are *sigh*). If he's the horse for you, keep him, don't sell just to please others. Finding a good horse is pretty hard, so I'm a firm believer in keeping hold of them once you have one. If you get on a horse, you have accept that you could come off regardless of it's height. You could always get an air jacket, although they won't prevent all injuries, it's maybe a better option than a new horse? :)
 
It is a difficult one. You are old enough to make your own mind up, and you seem happy with your horse. On the flip side I would have a think about where the other comments are coming from.

Are they people genuinely concerned about your welfare, or people who like to spout on anything out of their norm? If they are genuinely concerned than do they know you and your horse well enough to properly make a judgement? Are they casual acquaintances, or close family members?

All of these points would help me decide.
 
Faracat said:
I'm short, with a damaged back and I have a short horse and I still had 'helpful' people trying to get me to sell her because she's chestnut (and we all know how dangerous chestnut mares are *sigh*). If he's the horse for you, keep him, don't sell just to please others. Finding a good horse is pretty hard, so I'm a firm believer in keeping hold of them once you have one. If you get on a horse, you have accept that you could come off regardless of it's height. You could always get an air jacket, although they won't prevent all injuries, it's maybe a better option than a new horse? :)
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I won't be getting back on until I've purchased an air jacket (and a new hat) mine is chestnut too!
Lol :(
 
Does the length of stride affect you at all, with your back? I know a long smooth horse can be more comfortable for some. Personally I'd keep your horse. No horse is perfect and he sounds great on many levels. You'll always have some quirks with a living creature. If his is that when really pushed in discomfort he throws a buck you now know how to work around that.
Honestly I'd rather get thrown by a larger horse as they are typically slightly less agile, even if it is a bit further to fall. The acrobatics a native pony can achieve defy belief.

To help a bit: do consider a neck strap or d ring strap, just in case. Do seriously consider looking at a dressage saddle for hacking. I find they help me sit any stupidity much more easily. Plus leg blocks etc could assist your comfort/ security.

I would also look at back protectors etc. And not just horse ones. Motocross back protectors (and neck protectors) are often ahead of the game in terms of protecting spines.

Also consider your horses back. If you have a physical injury you can often have an imbalanced seat (you can check this on riding simulators) which your horse accommodates. Regular physio or a massage pad could help him to help you. I'd add the same for you too! Many horse physios have a human diploma and would welcome treating you as a team.
 
Red-1 said:
It is a difficult one. You are old enough to make your own mind up, and you seem happy with your horse. On the flip side I would have a think about where the other comments are coming from.

Are they people genuinely concerned about your welfare, or people who like to spout on anything out of their norm? If they are genuinely concerned than do they know you and your horse well enough to properly make a judgement? Are they casual acquaintances, or close family members?

All of these points would help me decide.
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I guess I'm starting to worry that with all these comments.

None of my family are experienced, but they haven't once suggested getting anything smaller. They've seen how good he is around my young niece and nephew.

The people saying it are people who keep horses at the same yard, but don't really know him or I.

The ones we ride out with and know him better think if I'm still happy after my fall then I should just ignore them. He is well enough behaved that one girl who lacked riding confidence who we used to ride out with all the time asked if she could get on him and ride around the yard. Because he is that gentle and good to ride.

Nobody who knows him well, or has ridden with us has suggested finding anything smaller.

One lady who does know me, but not him very well has said it since I moved him to the same yard. But then she rides a big horse and one that had a lot more vices than my boy does.

But whether I hit the deck from a pony or my boy my spine is not going to appreciate it.
I guess I just wanted to know I'm not the only small person riding a big horse and others opinions on big horses with smaller riders.
 
bakewell said:
Does the length of stride affect you at all, with your back? I know a long smooth horse can be more comfortable for some. Personally I'd keep your horse. No horse is perfect and he sounds great on many levels. You'll always have some quirks with a living creature. If his is that when really pushed in discomfort he throws a buck you now know how to work around that.
Honestly I'd rather get thrown by a larger horse as they are typically slightly less agile, even if it is a bit further to fall. The acrobatics a native pony can achieve defy belief.

To help a bit: do consider a neck strap or d ring strap, just in case. Do seriously consider looking at a dressage saddle for hacking. I find they help me sit any stupidity much more easily. Plus leg blocks etc could assist your comfort/ security.

I would also look at back protectors etc. And not just horse ones. Motocross back protectors (and neck protectors) are often ahead of the game in terms of protecting spines.

Also consider your horses back. If you have a physical injury you can often have an imbalanced seat (you can check this on riding simulators) which your horse accommodates. Regular physio or a massage pad could help him to help you. I'd add the same for you too! Many horse physios have a human diploma and would welcome treating you as a team.
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His long striding walk actually helps some of the constant pain in my back. His trot still isn't brilliant at times on hacks, as he is still quite often using short and bouncy strides. His canter is brilliant and also smooth enough for my back to handle.

I'm not sure how well I'd be able to cope with the bouncy pony trots anymore.
Typically when he is really unhappy or scared he just starts walking incredibly slowly and snorting. This is what he did on the day of my fall, as well as him being incredibly tense. Apparently other horses were bad that day. So it was obviously something upsetting him, as he hadn't ever done it before even in incredibly scary situations with dangerous drivers.

Since the fall though I have been looking at neck straps just in case. Although have not worked out whether a specific neck strap or a breastplate would be better.

Thanks for suggestions on protectors etc I haven't really looked at motor ross stuff, I thought it might limit riding movement. But will check it out as neck supports would be an idea.

My horses back lady is actually now my physio since the fall, as NHS ones refused to touch me with the nerve damage I have. So she will be treating us both when I am back on board. Will definitely have a look at the simulator thing you suggested.
 
blitznbobs said:
Once on board I've never thought size mattered and often feel safer on a giant than a 14.2.. But on the ground a big horse is more difficult purely lifting saddles rugs etc is hard on you physically.. I'm 5ft 3 and happily rode a 17.3 horse for 15 years but although I miss him (PTs 2 yrs ago) I don't miss putting his rugs on! I have a16.2 3 yo and I hope she puts on an inch or two cos i like the feel of a big horse on board... Riding is not about strength it's about feel and balance and boundries if u can cope on the ground I'd say keep him
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Completely agree with this. I'm only a 'little 'un' and I ride a huge cob, not sure of exact height but got to be around the 16.3/17 hh mark with lots of shire in his parentage somewhere. We get on like a house on fire. He's so safe and has given me my confidence back whereas smaller horses and ponies just don't feel safe to me! OK, so getting on can be interesting at times, but once up - WOW is the only word for it.
 
i can only say this second hand, the lady who rides our 16.3 horse is 4ft.11, she finds him smooth and safe and steady, she trusts him and says falling off anything hurts , her only problem is getting on him and if she has to get off when we hack we have to find a wall or log, go with your instincts, don't be pressured into a smaller horse, they are not always safer, everybody told me not to buy an Arab to learn on but i ignored them and i have the horse of my dreams
 
Look at it this way - if he was 14.3 instead of 17.3, that's still only a foot less to fall because that's all three hands is...

I know it feels a long way up and looks it to other people but in my experience the little ones are the sharp ones and I've always felt more secure on bigger horses.
 
I've ridden a 17 hands cob and he was comfy. Only reason I gave him up was because I couldn't get a job near his stable but he was lovely to ride. Only thing I had trouble with was dismounting, that was the scariest part for me.
 
blowsbubbles said:
Think of it a different way; the further you fall the more time you have to correct yourself. balance and make a better landing!
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This. I'm not short (5"10) so cant comprehend what it's like to be little, but I prefer big horses (current is 17.2hh) and I've had better falls off him then I have on smaller horses.

It's been proven you're more likely to injure yourself falling off a small step then you are a ladder because of an awkward landing whereas from a greater height your body can adjust itself.
That being said every fall is different - but it's still a fall. I don't think it makes a difference. A smaller horse could just as easily buck and launch you off at some height!

If you're happy then stick with the giant :D
 
I'm not (quite) as short as you, but small enough to ride ponies as an adult. I do prefer ponies, actually, because I have short legs, so it's easier for me to get my legs in the right place when they are shorter- a stocky 13.2-14hh is about right for me! I also like to be able to get on from the ground, and really can't on anything over about 15.3!

However, I would also say, all my worst falls have been off of ponies under 14hh. I find it harder to sit bucks/bronks/spins on smaller horses as well, as there is just less in front of you, and a lot of ponies are really good at dropping their shoulders and getting you off imho. If a horse does something like a nasty stop and you come off, it is going to hurt a lot regardless- I don't think an extra foot or so of height makes that much difference. Speed, and the surface you are landing on make much more of a difference to the severity of the fall in general.

If you like and trust the horse and can manage everything you need to without help, then I would ignore what other people say.

I agree with the advice to get an air jacket though.
 
Keep the horse!!!

I've had people trying to separate me from my big lad since the day I bought him and I'm having none of it!!!!! He's my horse of a lifetime
 
Keep your lad and enjoy him, I'm riddled with arthritis and have a dodgy hip and knee, I am 5' 6" and feel safer on my 17 1hh TB than my 14 hh cob, the cob is a lovely ride, but feels as though he has no neck, a weird feeling, but for the record, I cured my hip problem by coming off a 13 2 pony
 
A fall on the road (for example) is going to hurt the same whether it be from a giant or a 14.2h.

And just because they are smaller; it does not mean you are less likely to fall from them!

If you're happy the keep him. It's sounds like the last time you fell was an out of the ordinary moment for him, you ignored a niggling feeling that he was trying to tell you that you something wasn't right. You obviously know each other very well and have a trusting bond. You will lose that if you change horses. ( albeit temporarily )
 
My thoughts exactly. Dont let others pressurise you .I also think you need to forgive yourself with regards to aggravating the old back injury . Most horses wouldnt even know you were on board at 5ft 2" . Sell him and it will be to a larger heavier rider (because we all are !). I think that all you need right now is a virtual hug and being told that you are doing the right thing.
 
Frumpoon said:
Keep the horse!!!

I've had people trying to separate me from my big lad since the day I bought him and I'm having none of it!!!!! He's my horse of a lifetime
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Thanks all, you have made me feel a lot better. The height thing was my argument and some of the ponies I have ridden have been ridiculously sharp.


The air jacket and a body protector will be bought and worn before I get back on. After losing feeling in my right side and being rushed into hospital with them thinking the worst I am not going to be silly and get back on without one (regardless of the horses size)

I've never met another horse like him, and whilst he is big and I would love him to shrink a bit he is brilliant.
I just hope he doesn't grow anymore, I've warned him he isn't allowed :/

The mounting block doesn't bother me, and rugs etc I can deal with fine (although heavyweights are a task)
Plaiting etc isn't easy and when I've clipped him and he hasn't wanted his face done he has had to have the clip end abruptly on his neck...(giraffe pose)

I'm just glad I'm not the only person who can't see the problem.
 
Mike007 said:
My thoughts exactly. Dont let others pressurise you .I also think you need to forgive yourself with regards to aggravating the old back injury . Most horses wouldnt even know you were on board at 5ft 2" . Sell him and it will be to a larger heavier rider (because we all are !). I think that all you need right now is a virtual hug and being told that you are doing the right thing.
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I think it's woken me up to take the injury more seriously, I should have been wearing a back protector etc. But I've always had so much bounce before the injury!

Everybody keeps saying he should go to a man, for hunting or show jumping. He is that big and stocky he is built to be a hunter. But he doesn't like any harsh contact and likes everything gentle. I think he would have a nervous breakdown if he went to somebody who treated him 'sharply'. With his good breaks and responsiveness to the leg and seat he doesn't need anybody heavy.


Basically yes I think you're right, so many negative comments towards something does get you worried and I only want to do right by him.
 
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Doesn't really show his height when he is putting his head down....
 
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