A1fie
Well-Known Member
Until very recently I thought the term 'overhorsing' referred to a horse who's ability was much greater than the rider -
kind of like a 17yr old learner driving a Porche!
Had visions of PSG horses interviewing for 'suitable and appropriate' riders!
Now I think that I am overhorsed. My horse who I have on loan is 17h and is a hw hunter. I am a novice. If he decided to really prat about or bugger off I would have difficulty in controlling him but in truth I would have problems managing any horse, regardless of size who behaved in a similar fashion. (although I think I would be ok with a shetland!)
The thing is I feel utterly safe on my boy and really trust him. He is so kind and wonderful and never acts the goat. I used to share a 14.2 mare who was the most miserable, contrary bat that I have ever met. I felt far less safe on her. She would 'set her neck' and go when she wanted and I couldn't stop her easily.
So, is it a really bad thing to be overhorsed? I appreciate that there are differences - for example I clearly know that I could not manage a 17h excitable youngster or a highly strung tb or wb because of lack of experience and 'strength, but in general if it is just a size issue without any temperment or behaviour issue is looking like a pea on a drum a very bad thing?
Had visions of PSG horses interviewing for 'suitable and appropriate' riders!
Now I think that I am overhorsed. My horse who I have on loan is 17h and is a hw hunter. I am a novice. If he decided to really prat about or bugger off I would have difficulty in controlling him but in truth I would have problems managing any horse, regardless of size who behaved in a similar fashion. (although I think I would be ok with a shetland!)
The thing is I feel utterly safe on my boy and really trust him. He is so kind and wonderful and never acts the goat. I used to share a 14.2 mare who was the most miserable, contrary bat that I have ever met. I felt far less safe on her. She would 'set her neck' and go when she wanted and I couldn't stop her easily.
So, is it a really bad thing to be overhorsed? I appreciate that there are differences - for example I clearly know that I could not manage a 17h excitable youngster or a highly strung tb or wb because of lack of experience and 'strength, but in general if it is just a size issue without any temperment or behaviour issue is looking like a pea on a drum a very bad thing?
