Horse for disabled rider

[DrSeuss]

I'm 5"9', so I think Icelandic ponies might be a bit on the short side for me. The horse I ride most often in lessons is 16.2. I think I could go down to 15h but any lower might be a problem.

I definitely won't rule out horses based on age or breed. I'll focus on temperament and training and see what turns up.

 

[Gloi]

I'm 5"9', so I think Icelandic ponies might be a bit on the short side for me. The horse I ride most often in lessons is 16.2. I think I could go down to 15h but any lower might be a problem.
I definitely won't rule out horses based on age or breed. I'll focus on temperament and training and see what turns up.

Don't worry about your height , plenty of 6' men ride them!

 

[Winters100]

My polo ponies who are definitely not slugs have both carried disabled riders, one of whom has become very good and happily gives my gelding a fast blast around the arena. Not the right sort of thing if you are looking to do any dressage, but if not something similar to mine would suit. Both hack alone, jump small fences, but one thing you do need with polo is brakes - so there is no worry about them tanking off! Good luck!

 

[Silver Clouds]

I'm 5"9', so I think Icelandic ponies might be a bit on the short side for me. The horse I ride most often in lessons is 16.2. I think I could go down to 15h but any lower might be a problem.

I definitely won't rule out horses based on age or breed. I'll focus on temperament and training and see what turns up.

I am 5'8" (and skinny) and the horse I currently own is 14.2hh- I was worried I would look ridiculous, but my feet aren't even down to the bottom of his chest (riding dressage length!) and he rides like a horse. I got over sulking about having to downsize pretty quickly! When I sent friends photos after I bought him they thought he was 15.2/3hh from the pics, as he has the proportions of a horse. I think 14.2hh-15.2hh is probably ideal for my needs/physical agility. You definitely need a horse you are comfortable with (and who is comfortable with you), but from a handling point of view I have found the smaller size much easier. I also ride a couple of larger horses, but the 16hh one is far too big for me to do much with in terms of care- tacking up, rugging, grooming properly etc. This obviously depends on one's personal physical limitations though.

I don't think there's anything wrong with having a breed/breeds you would prefer (you have to like looking at it after all!), but obviously some breeds are more likely than others to have a calmer temperament, so it may affect the time it takes to find a suitable one. FWIW I am completely sold on Connies now- and will be looking for a second one in the next year .