Is 17hh too big???

C

charliep

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 August 2009
Messages
56
Visit site
Hi, I just wondered whether you think a 17hh horse it too big for a novice? I am just under 6ft tall and about 11 and a half stone. I am used to riding cobs from 14.3hh to 16.2hh but have never ridden a 17hh. I can get a bit nervous when a horse does something daft, but I am assured the one in question is bombproof and suitable for a beginner both to ride and on the ground. What are your thoughts?
Thanks xxx
 
No I think you'll be fine given your height. At the end of the day even a shetland pony would be stronger than you if it wanted to be so there's not in my mind much difference between a 16hh and a 17hh.
 
I'm 5ft 3 and quite often ride 17hh + horses. So no, I would say you're not too small at all. In fact, you probably swamp the smaller ones, and may feel better fitted to the one that is 17hh.
 
Depends on the horse but 17hh is big and it is amazing what difference 2 inches makes with horses. My old lad is 16.2 and my new horse is 16.3 but an entirely different build so feels much bigger.
I'd try the horse and see how you feel about it then. There is no point getting on something that is going to destroy your confidence.
 
it doesn't matter how big a horse is within reason if their temerament is good! if its the right horse for you in every other way dont let the height put you off! plus if your tall you'll look ok on a big horse, in no way are to heavy for a smaller horse, but if your legs are quite long you might look a bit leggy on a really small horse!
smile.gif

I know 15hh completely unsuitable for a novice, but used to ride a 17.2hh who was the best horse for a novice I have ever met, so he could well be a perfect horse for a novice, dont forget to take someone really expereienced with you to look at the horse though!
 
Depends on the horse totally! Pickle is 17.1hh but is a completely gentle horse who is very easy to handle. I'd say there are 14-15hh horses at my yard that use there strength against there rider way more than he does
smile.gif
If you do have a big horse it is very important they have manners on the ground and when ridden though! it obviously is with every horse but even more so with a big horse!
 
I'm 5'7 and my horse is a full up, big built 18.1hh, so height wise you would be fine! It's more about personality.
Go and try the horse and see what you think. Good luck!
 
I agree with JessPickle - depends on the horse! I am only 5'3 and my 17,2hh is a much easier ride than my 16,1hh. I do look a bit silly on her and longer legs would be nicer, but judge the horse, not the height. If you can ride it, the size doesn't matter!
 
no not at all.

I have a 16.1 and a 17.2 and apart from on one I can see more and the jumps look smaller I really do not notice the difference!

Agree with the majority its the horse that matters not the height
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top