Big Horses

Chellebean said:
Dont worry you will get the hang of us! we aren't all bad ;)
Can I ask how old he is? He probably has a lot of energy being stabled for long periods of time and cantering will be a good release. I would suggest transitions to make sure you keep that control, I had a good seat control on my old boy but I am a tad heavier then you :D
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He is 7yrs old he is well schooled and has a really nice mouth. Thankyou for the transitions tip
 
alainax said:
What about loads of warm up and schooling with him. To get to know each others moves and build up a bond. If hes sharp or fresh, and being stabled 24/7 im sure hed love the excercise. :)

Just ride him like you would any other horse. Your size and weight vs his makes no difference as they are all bigger and stronger than us. Its the trust and training that makes the difference.

Ive got a video of me on a bucking 18hh, heavy weight. It looks like im riding a rocking horse, his big movements are smooth and easy to follow. I definately find the bigger ones easier to stay on :D
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That sounds great and I do as much schooling/cantering as I can!!! Its just the damned police work gets in the way Hee Hee!!!!
 
I also ride big horses for work (makes mine feel tiny at 16 hands :D ). Dont find i need to alter the way i ride though, same as any horse, ride from your leg. Although the bigger beasts do tend to need more holding together to create frame for them else theyre all gangly legs :D love my biggies though!
 
Big is beautiful and def the best. My ex hunter was 18 hh Shire cross and his 17.2 hh mate is Percheron cross and big with it. Generally they are better behaved esp if they have been nagged properly and know their place. If they do mess about you have so much underneath you and in front of you that they have to do something pretty drastic to unship you.

Apart from getting on, no real difference, just treat them properly and you will have no problems.....make sure they mind their manners. This is true of any horse but the last thing you want is a big bolshy git. I can lead both of mine with my little finger as they are so polite......if they are not sort it....quick!! Have fun.....lucky you.
 
Don't spend any time worrying about it. I'm 5 feet tall and weigh about 52 kg. My own horse is 17.2hh and powerfully built. But I find a horse with a powerful shoulder to sit behind is easier to ride than a smaller, narrow shouldered horse, particularly if like me, you haven't got very long legs to wrap round him. His last owner, a large man, found him too strong when jumping but he seems to have taken to me and I find he doesn't fight me. I hack him everywhere and he looks after me, which is more than a lot of showjumping horses can do. It does take a while til you get used to the size of them but once you are, they just feel normal. I would probably find it easier jumping if I had longer legs to wrap around him but you just have to adapt. Better a big, honest horse than a small, nasty horse. The only time I really struggled to hold him was when I took him hunting and even then I did - just! I hope he will at least get to Foxhunter level with me, he's already won quite a bit in showjumping. Compared to a lot of smaller horses I've ridden, he isn't very spooky or sharp and I'm convinced a lot of this is to do with his size.
 
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