how big is too big?

X

xXxTraversxXx

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 June 2005
Messages
201
Visit site
for a dressage horse? I worked at a dressage yard for a bit and always got the impression that it was "easy" to do a good test on a smaller horse. However, you hardly ever see any smaller horses at big comps?? Does size matter and would you say there's a limit??
 
Well Archie is 17'3 at the moment. I tend to avoid short arena tests as he does a couple of medium canter/trot strides and is at the other end of the arena!!

I dont think there is a 'too' big personally, but yes obviously smaller horses are easier to 'manouver' in a short arena.
 
It appears to me tht people tend to think tat onlybig horses can reach the top in dressage.

God knows why- I've seen so many large wamblood with mechanical problems because ofen their physiques cant support their increased collection
 
crazy.gif
I woldn't say it was 'easy' to do a test on a smaller horse - they can be just as dificult as a big horse!
Fair enough, in a small arena it can make a difference to your turns & long sides etc, but if you're talking about an unalanced horse, any horse can be unbalanced whether it is 13.2hh or 17hh!
My pony who is 14.2hh couldn't canter round our 60x25 arena when we first bought him - never mind a circle!
 
I would've thought its the same as any other equestrian sport - everyone seems to have their impression of what an eventer/showjumper/dressage horse should look like but they do come in all shapes and sizes.

I always think of a dressage horse as being a big 16.2+ impressive warmblood but I know thats not the case!
 
My mare is approx 15.3hh and she has never been lower than 3rd in affliated and unaffliated. I try not to feel intimated in the warm up!
 
I had an 18.3 Bavarian that was purely dressage bred, so the movements came naturally to him, but IMO his brain and his feet were way too far apart! He had a brother who was a tiny 17.3 and he was more more suited to the job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top