HAS HE STOPPED GROWING?

Gusbear

Gusbear

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Hi all

🐎 I'm new to the forum. After a 5 year absence I'm finally returning to riding.
I'm off this weekend to check out a horse to buy. (Wish me luck as I'm excited but also a little nervous as I hope I haven't forgotten what to do once my bum is in the saddle).
I've found a lovely 4 year old Cleveland Bay x Irish Draft gelding.
I've only ever owned TB's so I need some help please.
His current owner was told by her vet he would only make 16.2hh. His sire is 16.2 and dam 16.1.
She recently measured him and he is a whopping 18.3!
She assures me he won't get any bigger and he certainly looks in proportion judging by the photos so I'm hoping he will only now fill out sideways rather than up. He ticks all my boxes in terms of what I am after, however being in the Guiness Book of Records for the World's tallest horse isn't one of them.
Anyone have the same cross breed that might know if he has finished growing? 🐴
 
At the age of 4, I assume he is actually 5 this year, he will still be likely to have a little more growing to do, both ID and CB are late maturing types so he could end up at 19 hands.
While his size may not put you off initially you do need to consider that he will not fit in most horseboxes or trailers, you will also need to have a large stable available, not to mention finding rugs big enough:eek:
 
Whoa that's a big horse! Agree with above ^ stables/transport/rugs may be an issue but even if he does grown shouldn't be more than a couple of inches :)
 
My 7/8 ID x 1/8 TB grew a couple of inches between the ages of 5 and 7, so he could grow a bit more.

He sounds lovely, if you buy him, please can we see some pics??
 
Thanks for all your replies, very much appreciated.:D
I've got the rugs and a large stable sorted. Is there a transport company that anyone can recommend? It's about a 5 hour drive so in the event I buy him I want him to be in very good hands. I'm happy to pay a premium to ensure he gets from door to door safely.
 
he will be a whopper when matured! at least a couple of inches bigger, and several inches wider! a big stable will be req thinking `16 by 14 at least! rugs you can buy/get made same with tack. most transporters have big wagons so can give him space, though even the big wagons usually only have 7'9 headroom so a poll guard might be in order. but if you want to do shows and comps you will struggle to get him in a extra big trailer and would need a big 4x4 to tow him with cos he will weigh heavy. and most 7.5t lorries only have 7'6 headroom and a payload to adhere to! just food for thought! i love big horses but there is big and big!!!! and as a 4 yr old he definitely will grow more. also if you decide to have him, do have him fully vetted, and also get his hocks/knees/fetlocks/feet x rayed for ocd/joint changes cos as he is that big from 16.2 parents he might well have been force grown on grub which is not good for his joints!
 
Hi all

I'm pleased to announce 'Bob' passed his vet tests and I'm now the proud owner of a very large horse.
The photos in his ad did not do him justice and I fell in love with him as soon as I saw him. My non horsey OH was even impressed (if a little taken back by the sheer size of an 18.3hh goliath).
He is a genuine gentle giant that has certainly stolen my heart. I even cried a little (read lots), when I got back in our car as I was so happy to finally find another horse that was as good if not better than my much loved late TB. (no disrespect to my darling Gus, RIP).
Bob (I like to think stands for Big Overgrown Baby) will be making his way down south next Tuesday so the mad rush begins to sort out tack and to try and find the elusive 38" dressage girth I need to fit him.
I only hope I'm a good enough rider to do him justice as he does need a lot of schooling but I'm up for the challenge.
I'll post some pics as soon as I work out how to do so from my IPad (still learning how to use the darn thing).
Thanks again to everyone for your posts to date as very much appreciated.
 
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