Newbie with dilemma - is horse too big??

[junie]

Hi all, im a newbie who was on New Rider but left because of the subscriptions thing!

Have a horsey dilemma and thought this would be the perfect place to get some opinions.

Been riding on and off for 18 years (im 29 now) but not really that good at it tbh

but love horses and ponies so im sticking with it.

I'm considering taking a horse on part loan at a local riding school, (cant afford to buy my own - this is closest i can get!) its a good deal - £30 per week for 3 or 4 days and can do what i want really - theres a school and hacking - only thing is the only horse available is a 16.2 ID cross (6 yo) and i'm only 5 feet tall!

I have ridden her a couple of times and while she is lovely i feel like i cant really use my lower leg aids that effectively and i know if she took off i wouldnt stand a chance - but she is a very good natured horse on the ground and riding. I'm used to riding smaller horses but the instructor/yo reckons i look fine on her and shes a gentle, easy horse to ride/look after.

I'm going up to the yard today to have a lesson on her and make my final decision - so any info would be a great help . .

Is it better to have a horse that's a bit too big than no horse at all?

Thanks guys! Sorry its a bit long

and i cant figure out how to add a picture

but my feet in the stirrups come about 10 inches below the saddle flap!!

 

[BobbyMondeo]

It doesnt matter if you look small when riding her IMO as long as you feel comfortable riding her and handling her then go for it and just have fun.

To add pics you need to have photobucket account upload your pics onto there and then copy the IMG code on to your post, very easy.

 

[Rana]

If you feel that the horse is too big for you, she's too big for you. If you're worried about what other people think, don't be!

I'm 5'2 and have ridden horses from 13.2 to 18hh. I've never found the height makes a difference, to be honest, I just find I "click" with some horses better than others. My current horse is a 16hh TBx, but I loved riding a 14.1 Highland when I was on holiday, and would really like a Highland for my next "horse".

From the sounds of it, you'd only have her on part loan, so not a HUGE commitment, on the scale of things. If you find you don't click with her, you could give up your part loan, secure in the knowledge that she'll be well looked after.

I'd probably give it a go, personally

And welcome to the forum!

 

[MegaBeast]

Could you try loaning her for a month and see how things go? I do know small people who ride big horses and manage just fine but it does depend on how you feel and how confident you are.

You say you're used to smaller horses so maybe it will just take a while to get used to it.

I'd say give it a shot, you've nothing to lose!

 

[Geraldine]

Hello!!!

I am 5'2" (just!) and I have a 16.3hh Warmblood. I have never felt too small but it's what you feel comfortable with.

As Rana says you can give it a try and if it doesn't work out then you haven't really lost anything.

 

[bailey14]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I think you are worrying uncessarily. I would always prefer a bigger horse over something too small but I can understand what it is like to feel like your horse is too big even though I am 5ft 11 and have never owned less that a 16.3hh gelding (my current boy is 17.1hh)! The idea of a horse taking off with anyone is scary, and at the end of the day although part of that is to do with strength a lot of it is to do with the rider and how they ride, and if they ride effectively. If she is easy to do and easy to ride/lead then I can't really see how it should make that much difference. If you feel you cant use your natural aids effectively then use your voice or use a whip to back up your leg. A small tap every now and again and she will understand your leg aid. After all don't forget : a horse can feel a single fly on his skin, so he can feel your leg aid for sure.

If you really feel like the horse is too big for you (which I really don't think is the case) then why not wait until something smaller comes a long. Or give it a go with this mare for a period of time and see how you get on.

 

[camilla4]

Hello Junie and welcome!

From the information you have given, I'm afraid to say that I do think you would be a little overhorsed! Generally speaking there are no fixed rules about what height horse is suitable for what height of person - if you can ride the horse effectively then you would be fine. However, I think you will run into problems if you find you cannot effectively use your lower leg. In addtion, someone as petite as you may find it hard to be constantly having to tack up/rug/groom etc. a horse of this height. Don't rule it out unitl you have tried again this afternoon, but I really would think very carefully - being overhorsed won't help your riding at all I'm afraid. There will be something else out there, somewhere, so don't lose heart!!

 

[chestnut cob]

It doesn't matter how it looks on paper, it's how you feel when you're on board. I'd try her a few more times to see if you feel more confident.

FWIW, I am 5ft4, size 8 and my horse is 17hh IDx. I always think my legs probably only come just below the saddle flaps but I feel safer on him than I did on my 14.2hh! There's a lot more horse there when it's misbehaving, leg at each corner and he's generally a more chilled out horse than the smaller horses I've had. I'm sure he'd go better for a taller or bigger rider who could really get their legs around him, but given that he's only ever, in his 14 yrs, been ridden by small ladies, he's used to someone using their leg somewhere down the middle of his sides

When I went to try him (he's on loan), I was told he was about 16.2 - 16.3hh. Couldn't get him to canter at all to start with as I was used to a smaller horse but I got the hang of him quite quickly. Although he's big, he doesn't have huge movement so I feel safe. I personally wouldn't want a 17hh WB type because they tend to have such big movement, but I think IDx types are more workmanlike and don't fling you around all over the place.

Could you ask for a month's trial, to get used to her?

 

[junie]

Thanks for the swift replies guys!!

I think i'll take your advice and try it out for a month, YO said this would be fine as its a monthly contract.

I'll try to get the photobucket thing set up so i can post a few piccies

 

[camilla4]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the swift replies guys!!

I think i'll take your advice and try it out for a month, YO said this would be fine as its a monthly contract.

I'll try to get the photobucket thing set up so i can post a few piccies

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds very sensible Junie and I hope it works out for you!!

 

[Gooby]

Your height doesn't matter as long as you feel comfortable up there and are able to control the horse. With using your leg aids maybe this is something you could improve on with some lessons on said horsie (remember you can still have lessons when you own a horse!). Why do you feel that you wouldn't be able to control her if she took off? If you aren't use to riding bigger horses it can take a while to get used to. I'm used to riding my 15.3 and got on a tiny 12hh pony yesterday and it felt so strange, tiny quick paces, canter which felt really fast but was probably only the same pace as my horse just felt quicker because his legs were moving faster! Don't take on something your not comfortable with as a dent in your confidence can take a long time to rebuild, maybe take it on a trail loan and see how you get on?

 

[Mithras]

Who cares! Just get on with it, give yourself a chance to get used to the horse and have fun! All horses feel a bit "strange" at first but there are more important issues than height. If the horse is really strong, or bucks or something for example. My 15.1 was stronger than my current 17hh German warmblood, who I would describe as quite strong. I'm 5 feet 1 by the way and not big built. I prefer riding big horses. I rode my 16.1 mare the other day and she feels tiny now I've got used to the big boy. My legs don't come all that far down his sides but they adapt quite quickly to getting the leg aids in a slightly different place. Its also great being so high up, for seeing over walls and hedges, traffic also gives us a wide berth because he's so massive, etc..

 

[junie]

Ok here goes!

I am a midget!!

 

[Kayfm]

Go for it, I love owning a big horse (18.1hh German warmblood in siggi) He stands out in the crowd. Always gets comments, even when hacking down the road. No problems riding him and im not very tall - 5' 5"

 

[Kat]

If you don't feel that the only horse available is right for you why not look for a share or a private part loan?? The deal that the riding school are offering will cost more than lots of shares, and you may find you are quite restricted due to the horse still having riding school duties and still being ridden by all and sundry.

Whilst it is entirely possible for a small rider to comfortably and effectively ride a big horse it depends upon the conformation and way of going of the horse, your experience and strength as a rider and your build.

I'm 5'8" and a fairly experienced and strong rider. I comfortably ride a 17hh gelding in my lessons amongst others but this week I got on a 16.3hh ISH mare that I haven't ridden for ages and I confessed I felt a touch overhorsed. I was quite capable of coping and actually didn't look much too small on her but she is quite adept at pulling you forward and/or pinging you out of your seat and/or running through your hand. If you haven't got that bit of strength through your core and stability in your seat she utterly takes advantage. The ancorage provided by longer legs is really valuable as is the leverage of a longer body. It is all physics. I sorted her in the end and had a good lesson but it was hard work physically.

The ideal size of horse to rider is one where at flat length the soles of your feet are roughly level with the bottom of the horses belly or a bit above. If you are significantly smaller than this you are likely to be disadvantaged and the less experienced and secure you are the more noticeable this will be.

If you are feeling a bit hesitant I'd wait and find something that suits you better.

Good luck!

 

[Twizzel]

I think it depends on the horse, its build, temperament etc. I ride a 17.2hh and am 5ft3, it is a pea on a drum situation but he does listen to your seat well and is well schooled. Jumping he can be strong but you just have to have the confidence to let him get on with it and not interfere too much.

Here's the big man and me, they are old pics from when I first started riding him so we were just getting to know eachother...

Don't dwell on the size issue when you're riding as it can make you tense, think of the horse as 15hh. If you like the horse, go for it... I love riding Max

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

I'm 5'7 and my horse is an 18.1 shire. Although 'technically' too big for me, we look good together and I feel safe as houses on him.
Go with how you feel, not what kind of horse you think you should be getting.

 

[soxsmummy]

im 5 foot and i have a 16.3 a 17.2 and an 18.2

 

[DIDIsDAD]

From the photos your feet come to a position on the horse's flanks which enable you to give the aids. Probably being Irish draught, the horse has a broad back - so your legs appear a little short because they have to wrap around a bigger diameter of barrel.

What matters is not the look rather it is the temperament of the horse and whether you feel comfortable on her. You are worried about her taking off - well think about what you would do in such a circumstance and if necessary ask a trainer to help you sort out in your mind what is necessary for you to so. Size doesn't really come into it - I could show you a Welsh Sect C which you would have difficulty in stopping.

It is all a matter of temperament, schooling and your riding capability

Before you get adventurous with the horse, practice in the arena changes of pace and stopping. Get to know the animal. When you do eventually go out, go with a reliable friend and don't go near flat windy hilltops. Shorten the reins and ride collected and try a running martingale so as to give you some leverage in case of need.
Watch for the Spring - it is just around the corner and all mares get frisky when the hormones rise with the fresh green grass.

And if it doesn't work, make sure you can end the agreement.

Enjoy your new horse.

B G

 

[DiablosGold]

Personally I think while the horse looks gorgeous and you look fine (a little small but that doesn't matter at all!) you would get a better deal sharing someone's horse privately in return for mucking out etc and a small contribution.

I used to loan a lovely little mare from a riding school and it was so annoying having all my hard work undone by RS numpties (not that everyone who rides at RS is an idiot!) and having to always plan my rides around lessons.

It was cheaper and nicer for me to loan other people's horses, just my personal opinion! Good luck anyway

 

[Kenzo]

As they say, ''size doesnt matter''

So long as you can control her, if a horse is going to tank off with you, it doesnt matter how big the rider is, if that horse is going...its going!

Sounds like a good idea having her on loan and having some lessons before hand, you'll be fine, enjoy.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Give it a go. You dont look too small, your lstirrups look a little short, it would be interesting to see what you look like with them down a few holes. Horse looks stnning - what have you got to loose. BTW I have been carted by a wilfull 12.2 so size realy isnt everything!

 

[BobbyMondeo]

I agree that your stirrups need to be longer, that will make you look bigger on her. but you dont you look small. She looks lovely i would go for it.

 

[Spudlet]

She looks a very sweet mare. I third that you could let those stirrups down - I always used to ride short too as I felt it would make me more secure but actually it had the opposite effect for me, and now I prefer to ride really quite long so I can wrap my leg around properly.

You have nothing to lose by having a go, perhaps this will help build your confidence and be a stepping stone to looking for a provate share, or even one of your own when you can afford it! Good luck

 

[Minxie]

What a gorgeous horse. What does it matter if he's big and your not quite to big. As long as you get one well and are happy thats all that matters.

 

[kirinsam]

I think you will be fine with her it just take a bit of getting used to a larger or smaller horse than usual for you. Would comment that you look like you may be riding a little short in you piccies , as your confidence grows you may be able to let those stirrups down a hole or two then you will feel more control . hope you dont mind the observation

 

[junie]

Thank you everyone for all of your words of wisdom!

I don't feel so bad now i know there are some others out there who ride big horses too and get on fine - it will take time to get used to her alright.

She was a little frisky when i rode her this evening but is a big pet really and i can catch rug and tack up ok so its not so bad

Yes i agree stirrups look way to short in the pics, i rode her a bit longer today.

Will post a few more pics when we get to do some interesting stuff. . .

Thanks again all!

 

[Persephone]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok here goes!

I am a midget!!

[/ QUOTE ]

You look like I do on my mare. We have had no problems at all size wise and we are the same dimensions as you. Mine is a 7/8TB ISH.

 

[sbsmiths]

I know exactly what you mean about "thinking" your legs are ineffective. My daughter is 5' 10" and I'm 5' 3". We bought a 5 yr old 17hh Irish Draft x last September and I get on great with him. I don't think it matters how small you are when it comes to strength. I'm 54 and my daughter is 15 and I'm stronger!! We had a very naughty 15.3 Welsh Section D who my daughter struggled to stop but I could and I never worry about controlling our Irish Draft x (if he was strong, which he isn't). You look absolutely fine, if the arrangement is right for you - go for it girl.

 

[camilla4]

[ QUOTE ]
Give it a go. You dont look too small, your lstirrups look a little short, it would be interesting to see what you look like with them down a few holes. Horse looks stnning - what have you got to loose. BTW I have been carted by a wilfull 12.2 so size realy isnt everything!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd agree with this Junie. You don't look as tiny up there as I'd imagined. You look as though the stirrups are at jumping length? If this is the case, do you still have problems getting your lower leg on with them at flat length? If you can ride with them a little longer, then I suspect it will make a huge difference.

I was riding a horse just under 17 hh when I was 12 so, as I said earlier, the relative heights of horse and rider are not so important as how you feel.

Nice horse, by the way.