Big horse, little rider

[bakewell]

Doesn't really show is height when he is putting his head down....

No but the foreshortening gives him a 5ft long head! He truly would be enormous.

 

[ItsStripey]

He does have a HUGE head, but luckily not that big

 

[misskk88]

He very much reminds me of a huge 17.2 chestnut that I use to ride! He was the most gentle soul, and a true gent to ride, even after having nasties done to him during his training, before I met him.

You've said yourself his paces are more comfortable than ponies, he gives you clear warning signs when he's unsettled, and that you will get a body protector sorted. From what you say he is an absolutely gem.

I am sure you have already made up your mind but KEEP HIM!

 

[Nudibranch]

Another one who agrees you should keep him. There are always people who like to offer their "advice" but it doesn't mean you should follow it. A horsey neighbour recently asked me why I needed a "great big horse like that, you're only little". Well he is 17hh and growing, but I am 5'10, weight 12 stone and have a 34" inside leg...not little in the slightest!!

 

[3OldPonies]

He's beautiful - thanks for the pic and on looks alone definitely one worth keeping - stuff what other people are saying.

Go with what is right for you.

 

[atropa]

He has lovely kind eyes. I say keep him, you said yourself that it's mostly people who don't know you as a pairing who are teling you to get rid.

 

[Annagain]

His temperament is by far the most important thing. My share horse is 17hh (I'm not too small at 5'6") and bigger then I would choose but he is far easier than my 14hh old boy to do everything with, on the ground and under saddle. His owner's 7yr old rides him in the school on his own!

 

[Red-1]

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.

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.

Doesn't really show his height when he is putting his head down....

Wow, that photo looks wonderful. You look a proper partnership.

Your other reply to my questions was pretty much as I suspected. If you read your own reply you will see that no one who qualifies is saying to get rid of him anyway! That is someone who knows you, knows the horse, and cares about you.

I was hesitant to say carte blanch to keep him just in case you were a deluded lady who was over horsed and surrounded by knowledgeable people who merely have your best interests at heart. I think everyone has their own agenda, not in a nasty way, but just that everyone has different life experiences and concerns. I do think it is always your decision as an adult, but when you read who is saying what it seems like a lot of people who know little are putting their views and life experiences, their fears, on you.

I would go and enjoy your horse, take sensible precautions such as BP, and politely tell everyone else that the matter is not open for discussion, and as it quite upsets you when people talk like that then please could they stop!

You and your horse look stunning together BTW, a real partnership!