Small adult - big horse???

[Araboo27]

Hey everyone, wondering if any shorties have had experience of the practicalities of owning a large horse? We're talking 5'1" and 17.1. The riding doesn't worry me, it's more the tacking/rugging up etc aspect. Are we talking about a stool for all the high up jobs, does anyone use voice commands to lower the head to put the bridal on?? Any input would be great. Thanks

 

[View]

I'm a similar height and was sharing a 17hh shire cross. Tacking up, grooming etc all fine,

I've never had to resort to using a stool (not even as a shorter 10 yo with the 15.3hh gelding that Dad and I owned).

Yes, we did a fair amount of work explaining what we wanted, and positive re-inforcement when he did what we needed (and given that he was headshy and had been beaten by his previous female owner, it took some time) but we got there. But ever since then I have not put a bridle on using the traditional hand around the face, but by holding the headpiece in my right hand with my hand coming down over the poll and through the ears. This works very well with the majority of horses, even those that have never been bridled this way and prevents them putting their head out of my reach.

 

[Fools Motto]

I look after 3 (and the others) who are 17h +. Don't often have too many issues, but from time to time do find my shoulders ache from reaching up!! The stool is never far away, and a must for tidying manes. Light weight saddles are a godsend too.