Sizing horse without time-wasting?

[pookie]

When it comes to finally (properly) searching for this horse I keep blathering on about, have you guys got any advice about how to pick a size range without going to see virtually everything and wasting sellers' time? I know on some fora these "what size horse should I have?" questions aren't popular as there're too many variables, but I'm risking it here (never asked this Q anywhere before)....

Here's the problem: I'm 5'8, so not tall as such, but I have long legs (34" inside). Depending on the build and conformation of the horse, I can either find myself fitting fine or with my legs practically trailing the floor.

My OH wants to learn to ride too - he's 6'2" and has even longer legs (36"). He's only ridden once in his life, aged 10, so I certainly don't want to intimidate him with a huge monster, no matter how safe. I've never had to select a horse for someone else so it'd be guesswork.

As an adult I've ridden everything from 15hh to 17.3hh, and just going with heavyweight isn't necessarily a guarantee of a decent fit. I've got a very strong preference for HW cobs (practically draft where possible), so that'll be what I'm looking for when the time comes.

As this'll be the first horse I've ever bought/owned, and previously those I've shared have been a result of already riding them, how do I pick a decent size range for the both of us without wasting a seller's time? I don't like the idea of people thinking I'm just there for a free ride or testing out horses for the sh!ts and giggles.

Any advice? Sorry if this is in anyway boring or stupid

Ta!

 

[vicijp]

People often ask me the height of the person riding in the advert photo. Might give you a general idea before you actually try.

 

[Passtheshampoo]

Hi there I'm 5' 8" with a 34" inside leg and my hubby is just over 6". We have both ridden our purebred Irish Draught mare who was 16.2hh. Being purebred she had plenty of bone and a deep girth yet had good head carriage so there was something in front of you. My current mare is ID x ISH and at 16hh is fine for me but perhaps wouldn't have enough weight to carry my husband if he wanted to jump.

An ID should certainly have an easy temperament ideal for a novice rider but also have ability to be able to do most jobs asked. Mine live out 24/7 all year, unrugged and unshod so are economical to keep.

 

[soulfull]

Wasn't quite sure whether you mean cob as in stocky build, which could include irish draft or whether you mean cob as in HW show cob type.

Actually either would be fine a good Irish Draft would do both of you as would a nice 16h HW show cob (obviously not WELSH)

As indeed would most Irish cobs of 16-17h

As for wasting peoples time, if you explain to them on the phone before hand that you are not really sure what would suit you as it is your first horse I'm sure they would not mind

 

[dwi]

D is a 15.1hh mw cob and I'm a long legged 5ft8. She is slightly too small for me to ride really well while doing dressage but she's fine on an everyday basis and there are real advantages to a smaller horse. I'd say go for anything 15.3hh and upwards provided it has a deep enough girth to take your leg.

 

[pookie]

Sorry guys, didn't mean to seem rude or ignoring your replies.....I've just been somewhat amused/morbidly fascinated by another thread

Thanks for the advice everyone. Having been doing research recently I've found quite a lot of gorgeous, otherwise suitable 15-15.1 cob-types, which'd be smallish compared to what I'm used to. But I think you lot are right - if OH is going to want to ride then 15.3 is really the absolute minimum. He's going to have some lessons first anyway to see if he likes it - if he doesn't, I've got more scope as I know I'm going to be limiting myself anyway looking for something both suitable for a complete and utter novice and, at the same time, something I can hunt and jump.

Thanks again - as ever, any more opinions gratefully received

 

[malibu211211]

I'm 5ft9in with a 34in inside leg and my boy is 16.3/17hh. I tried lots of different horses ranging from heavy cobs to TB types. I found although a heavy cob took up my leg length, I felt too tall body wise

I would say with my leg length my boy is the right size but I do have problems at times keeping a horse of his size together

I think it was a good idea suggested above, to ask what height the rider was. Just go and try the horse if it sounds suitable, you'll know when you sit on the horse when it feels right

Good luck and happy searching