How big is too big?

[SillyMare]

Bear in mind big horses can take a long time to mature - if this horse is 6 he shouldn't grow much more, but he may still fill out and develop along his top line.

Full-up warmblood 17.2 can be an awful lot bigger than lightweight TB 17.2.

As everyone has said above, see how you feel.

I am 5ft8 (no lightweight) and ride a 17hh hunter mare - she can be very difficult to balance between fences and struggles to keep herself engaged and uphill. Rides like a very big horse at times (when she is on her forehand and bu**ering off!!).

Personally, given the choice I would always ride the smallest, neatest horse I could get away with. Definitely something people have different opinions on though - even the top eventers show definite preferences and all can be equally successful.

 

[KateStartin]

I had a 17.2 warmblood with issues! he was fine because i mostly rode him in the school and hacked reasonably quietly. I only ever jumped him in the school. Im a confident and capable rider, im tall and his size felt fine but i'm a lot happier going xc and galloping about on my 16.2! (also much cheaper to feed!). Obviously temperament has a lot to do with this as well.

P.S. Clodagh, My 16.2 WB is the most sure footed clever horse i have ever sat on, he is truely amazing, however the 17.2 was so dim it was scary.

 

[leanne123]

my horse is 18.3hh he looks huge when your stood at the side of him , but hes only a middleweight and dosn't feel half as big when im on board him.
and he travels in a trailer he puts his head down as he nears the top of the ramp. just be careful and take your time loading.