Suitable horse size ?

[Lauren1993]

I’m currently on the hunt for a new horse.

I’m looking for a happy hacker with a 6th gear - something that I can hack out with my daughter safely but also step up & have some fun.

Initially I was looking at bigger horses - ID types, hunt horses but after a viewing of a gorgeous mare last night I realised she was too much horse !
We only have a little yard set up, just us & our Shetland atm, my 2 young children are around & a big 17hh ID would not be a sensible idea !

Sooooo I’m looking for more of a chunky type but smaller.

I’m just shy of 5ft8 & weight 14.5 stone. Chunky thighs & a big bum a clothes size 14/16
What size would I get away with ?

I’ve looked at a 15hh Blagdon cob - think I maybe okay for her
& also a finer built 15.2 freisian x ISH - I think I may squash him

I don’t want to look silly going for a horse I’m too big for when I’m used to riding big horses.

 

[HopOnTrot]

I’m 5ft 8 and I have a 13.2 who takes up my leg well and I’m 15% of her body weight.

I think you’d be looking at horses around the 600kg mark if you’re 14.5 stone so a good weight carrier rather than anything fine.

 

[HuskyFluff]

My riding instructor says that nobody needs a horse bigger than 15.2 - and that up to that height you can find one of a suitable build to carry you. I'm 5'8 and used to ride a 15h welsh section D, and was fine.

 

[sollimum]

15.2hh irish cob would be about right?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

14.5 stone is 16 stone once clothed and with some tack which in kg is 101kg.
You should be within 20% but for a horse you will be doing more than just walk hack on you want to be closer to 17% say, which would make the min weight of your horse 595kg.
To provide some context, my 17.1hh 4yo (so lacking muscle) weighs 646kg - I don't know what cobs weigh as I haven't ever had one, but it would be on the upper end.. 16-16.2hh cob perhaps.

ETA: https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/122631690/16hh-fun-all-rounder-cob.html?link=/search?keyword=cob+16hh

https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/...62-cob-x.html?link=/search?keyword=COB&page=3

 

[Lauren1993]

15.2hh irish cob would be about right?

This is what I’m hoping for but nothing in my budget so far unfortunately

 

[TheMule]

If you carry your weight on your thighs/ backside then saddle size needs to be a serious consideration- many cob types are too short in the back even though they’re a good type to carry a bit more weight

 

[lme]

TBH I would have said a 17h ID sounds perfect for what you need

 

[Equi]

As above do consider where you hold your weight. I’m fairly even all over bar my huge boobs. My lad is very short and I have a long leg (I’m same height and weight as you) so saddle was a bit of a sticky point.

He’s 16.2 and built like an elephant and very deep, but I wouldn’t feel good on anything smaller. That being said, I’ve never ridden anything smaller since I was about 18 lol

 

[Lauren1993]

TBH I would have said a 17h ID sounds perfect for what you need

That’s what I thought but she was a machine of a horse & not suitable for our yard set up unfortunately.

I used to own an old fashioned Welsh section D - had him from a 2 year old colt he made 15.2hh & was built like a tank - worst mistake I ever made selling him
If only I could fine me another

 

[Zoeypxo]

15.2-16.2 medium-heavy cob type would be great but very in demand and very pricey!

 

[FieldOrnaments]

I don't think many 15.2 cobs are really going to weigh 600kg at a healthy BSC no matter how much bone, they have so would be looking bigger, 16.2ish, especially if you need something that's not hugely short coupled which a lot of cob types tend to be

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would say a 15.2 to 16.2 good build so a cob or ID cross even a nice sane warmblood.

Not all all bigger horses will over horse you but it may take you a while to find the right one.

I'm 5'6 and 8.5 stone I have Arab's and love small horses that are light in the hand, but I did have a 16.3 warmblood a big built old fashioned oldenburg and she was lovely had the softest mouth was very forward and could get bouncy in the school but so safe, out hacking she was so bombproof could have ridden her past anything.

I bought her as a potential brood mare sold from the field it didn't work out so I put a saddle on her and just got on with it, she had previously jumped affiliated but then bred from with the previous owner.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

As above do consider where you hold your weight. I’m fairly even all over bar my huge boobs. My lad is very short and I have a long leg (I’m same height and weight as you) so saddle was a bit of a sticky point.

He’s 16.2 and built like an elephant and very deep, but I wouldn’t feel good on anything smaller. That being said, I’ve never ridden anything smaller since I was about 18 lol

I think a horse like this would be good for you his really substantial but looks a nice comfortable ride.

 

[Glitter's fun]

Thinking of your 2 young children. I don't think the size of your horse will make a difference. Anything that's big enough to carry you is going to be big enough that it needs to have good manners and whatever you buy the children are going to need some ground rules too. That extra six inches of height isn't the issue.
I'd say keep looking for what you set out to get. Just because one 17hh was too much horse, that doesn't mean you should change tack completely.

 

[Equi]

For some further context, this is my old horse. I was a bit heavier (but always working on it) he was 17hh ISH. A much more comfortable ride for me as cob is very pony like in his paces being so short, and more athletic. He was a total dope on a rope. However, at times I most definitely felt I was too big for him despite his size. It was weird.

 

[splashgirl45]

Depending on your budget there are a few on horsequest that might suit . This one may not suit if you want to compete but looks like a good build

 

[Polos Mum]

I don't think many 15.2 cobs are really going to weigh 600kg at a healthy BSC no matter how much bone, they have so would be looking bigger, 16.2ish, especially if you need something that's not hugely short coupled which a lot of cob types tend to be

Honestly you'd be surprised. Mine is maybe 15.1 on tip toes, more porky than I'd like but not terrible and he's 580kgs on a nutritionists weigh bridge (not weight tape). Picture below, he's not overly heavy boned either.

OP I think temperament / safety / suitability play a much bigger role in your situation than size.
I would look at anything suitable weight wise and ignore height over temperament.

I'm 5'3 and at the time (pre kids!) I was 55 kgs and I ended up with a 17.2 Irish x, I looked like a pea on an elephant but he never took advantage because of his nature.

 

[Lauren1993]

Honestly you'd be surprised. Mine is maybe 15.1 on tip toes, more porky than I'd like but not terrible and he's 580kgs on a nutritionists weigh bridge (not weight tape). Picture below, he's not overly heavy boned either.

OP I think temperament / safety / suitability play a much bigger role in your situation than size.
I would look at anything suitable weight wise and ignore height over temperament.

I'm 5'3 and at the time (pre kids!) I was 55 kgs and I ended up with a 17.2 Irish x, I looked like a pea on an elephant but he never took advantage because of his nature.

I think you 100% right.
My priority is how they stand on the yard, manners, not bargey, used to children.
My eldest is used to being on big yards with big horses so she knows the rules ! But my youngest is still learning.

The mare I went to see was an ex hunt master & worshiped the man who owned her. So every move he made she didn’t take her eyes off him !
I just had visions of her not liking you going out of sight or walking away & being a fidget & knocking a child over or something - which I know any horse can do !!! But if I can chose the right temperament to help reduce the risk then that’s what I’m going to do.
She was an amazing horse but had a massive head & carried it really high too so looked even bigger. Ridden wise great - but my gut said no I wouldn’t be confident with her on my yard with my children around so it was a no

I’ve found a few 15.3hh one ISH so I think maybe too fine for me & 1 chunky Welsh X cob
everything else is just way out of budget.

 

[I'm Dun]

Honestly you'd be surprised. Mine is maybe 15.1 on tip toes, more porky than I'd like but not terrible and he's 580kgs on a nutritionists weigh bridge (not weight tape). Picture below, he's not overly heavy boned either.

OP I think temperament / safety / suitability play a much bigger role in your situation than size.
I would look at anything suitable weight wise and ignore height over temperament.

I'm 5'3 and at the time (pre kids!) I was 55 kgs and I ended up with a 17.2 Irish x, I looked like a pea on an elephant but he never took advantage because of his nature.

My 14.1hh Light to middle weight pony type cob was just under 500kgs. My other one who is 14.2hh but enormously broad and deep will be around 550kgs. Hes not fit and working hard now so lost muscle tone, but hes still a big lad. Neither of those are fat at that weight

 

[sollimum]

My irish cob 15hh when very fit and doing endurance rides etc was 590kg. I have seen quite a few 15.2hh cobs advertised but mainly 5 year olds?

 

[Equi]

There’s a 16.2 12yo unit of a mare for sale in Ireland. Not really what you need as she needs brought into work again but I can’t stop looking at her and need someone else to buy her

 

[Lauren1993]

Depending on your budget there are a few on horsequest that might suit . This one may not suit if you want to compete but looks like a good build

Way out of my budget unfortunately.
I want basically a happy hacker with a 6th gear for some fun !
My budget is up to 4K so not a lot in the current market

 

[Lauren1993]

My irish cob 15hh when very fit and doing endurance rides etc was 590kg. I have seen quite a few 15.2hh cobs advertised but mainly 5 year olds?

I don’t mind age as long as they have the right temperament.
But as I say my budget is only 4K so very slim pickings x

 

[Tiddlypom]

Rider clothing inc hat, boots and all tack inc saddle, bridle adds 2.5 stone to the unclothed rider weight - try it at home on the bathroom scales and see for yourself. This is very often much underestimated. So you need a horse to carry 17 stone.

I’m a tall chunky rider who has to work hard to keep at an ethical riding weight, you are currently at the upper end of what any horse should carry. You post that you have a big bum - that’s potentially a real problem re fitting your backside into the saddle without upsetting the saddle balance. Cobs are often short backed, and many struggle even to take a 17.5” saddle.

 

[Lauren1993]

Rider clothing inc hat, boots and all tack inc saddle, bridle adds 2.5 stone to the unclothed rider weight - try it at home on the bathroom scales and see for yourself. This is very often much underestimated. So you need a horse to carry 17 stone.

I’m a tall chunky rider who has to work hard to keep at an ethical riding weight, you are currently at the upper end of what any horse should carry. You post that you have a big bum - that’s potentially a real problem re fitting your backside into the saddle without upsetting the saddle balance. Cobs are often short backed, and many struggle even to take a 17.5” saddle.

So as a dress size 14/16 I’m far to big for any horse
I would not weigh 17 stone fully kitted out either.
As I said I used to have a big chunky Welsh D who was a tank at 15.2 & he was perfectly fine with me.

I just want to see what height horse I would get away with - I know I need a weigh carrier.

 

[canteron]

Lovely that you are aware of the need to get the right horse to carry you comfortably - so many people don’t care enough to be aware it can be an issue.

I am sure if you are reasonably balanced a nice chunky 15.2 would be perfect - to get one within the budget is the problem. I always think better to spend too much on the right horse than get the compromise horse as a bargain!

 

[Surbie]

I don't think many 15.2 cobs are really going to weigh 600kg at a healthy BSC no matter how much bone, they have so would be looking bigger, 16.2ish, especially if you need something that's not hugely short coupled which a lot of cob types tend to be

Really? Mine is 15.3hh and has just under 11in of bone. Takes a 17.5in saddle. He currently weighs in at about 730kg and is too fat, but when lean, muscled and in a medium level of work he was still around 680kg. (weights are weighbridge, not tape)

They are out there OP, just need looking for. But lots of other people are looking for them too.

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Makes me wonder if I've got the weights of mine wrong..

 

[eggs]

I'm 5'8" and a little under 10 stone and happily used to ride a 14.2 Dales pony - I never felt underhorsed on him and all the other horses I rode at the time were 16.2 +. He could easily take a 17.5" saddle