Too Small For Your Horse?

[Mithras]

My exact question. OP either you posted this in genuine confusion, and if people are constantly making comments then either you are not riding the horse well enough, or you look like a pea on a mountain. Or a lot more could be got from the horse, perhaps, if the rider's legs went further down its sides. I don't know. Only other motivation behind your post is to advertise your teensy weight! If so, well done you are clearly minute!!

Its because not all of us who get bitchy/spiteful/just plain nasty comments directed at us in the horse world do so because we are (arguably) too large for our horses. Its because I find it quite hurtful as it makes me feel I should not even bother riding my horse, that people are laughing at me, that I look ridiculous and that there is no point in even trying certain disciplines, such as dressage because we are not aesthetically pleasing enough. The implication being that I cannot control my horse and someone bigger would be better for him and the horse would be happier. Meantime, I am just working away, trying to improve and while open to constructive criticisms, there is nothing I can do to make my arms longer (actually I find this is more of a problem than the length of my legs).

All I can say is that I have a 14 year old horse which has never won any BS winnings in his life with much bigger riders til I got him. I have also never encountered these criticisms in the racing world, even when riding large and strong NH horses whose main aim was to tank off with you - and believe me in that world, if you allowed yourself to be carted or went around saying it didn't matter what you did because the horse was always stronger, you would be stuck on donkeys for the remainder of your time there! (there are always techniques for stopping with increasing degrees of severity and yes the horse is physically stronger but the rider has the benefit of a human brain which counts for something).

I'm not "tiny" either. I'm not 3 feet tall. I don't have a "teensy weight". 8 and a half stone is perfectly standard for a woman which I have no desire to "advertise". I have no idea why you find this issue particularly fascinating. I described my weight firstly because I didn't have any photos up then.

Guess I better sell my horse then because no matter how hard I work, my legs will never come far enough down his sides.

I do know a lot of tiny women who have a penchant for massive horses. Apols if this is not you.

Speaking purely for myself, I like riding powerful horses. Thats the type I rode when I rode showjumpers in Switzerland and I particularly like those with Cassini I type breeding. I do think a lot of people are afraid of big powerful horses and overreact when they try to ride them, but if they gave themselves time to adjust, would probably cope quite fine. I note that many top showjumpers now have quite slight builds. Edwina Alexander and Penelope Leprevost spring to mind.

 

[el_Snowflakes]

I'm 5'8...... he's quite big

he's a big boy isnt he?! :0 how tall is he?

 

[pixiebee]

i used to own a 17hh tb and im just about 5ft, probably nearer 4.11!!! I weight just over 8 1/2 stone and managed my big tb well, even when he used to have rearing fits and dance down the road! We even did well at dressage! people laughed but i dont believe its alla bout physical size, more about balance and ability and alot of common sense!! Im now riding a 12.3hh! pics for comparison
* waiting for the "your too big for that pony and much too small for that horse" *

 

[spacefaer]

he's a big boy isnt he?! :0 how tall is he?

He's about 17.3 but he's quite round, well sprung ribs, so he takes up my legs (think Thelwell lol!)

He hunts like an angel though

 

[Laura1234]

I don't see the problem, you are clearly in control of your horse, it's just something else for someone to bitch about when you are doing well. Ignore them. My friend is about the same size as you and rides a 17hh, and yes, she says normally she would not go for something so big, but he was different and when trying him out he responded perfectly off her legs - no issues. Prior to her getting him the previous owners did not do great at eventing, always low scores, first time she went out, she came 2nd. It is the rider that matters, not how long the riders legs are.

 

[Ladylina83]

However recent threads have made me wonder how some horses do manage with the weights they are asked to carry and how much more successful they would be in the more competitive elements of our sport if the riders were actually fit and the horses not literally handicapped by excess weight.

I think that is a fair comment - I ride better at/or below 11 stone than I do at 12 and thats not just my own opinion - I have been told to fitten up by instructors before. This is a sport after all.

I am 5'9 and ride a 15.2 ( She was my step up from ponies a long time ago and will stick around for life) However I often worry that I look too big or weigh her down. so it cuts both ways - I think if your horse is happy and goes well for you I don't see why there should be a problem !!

(PS shetland ponies were put here to do the devils work !!)

 

[little_flea]

I'm 5'3 and around 8.5 stone, I have a 17.2hh and also ride a 16.3hh, both horses showjump and the 17.2 also competes in dressage with my sister who is 5'5. Not a problem. As long as they are obedient and off the leg and responsive, I really don't see a problem. Yeah, the picture would be nicer if I have longer legs, but so what? If you can ride the horse, size doesn't matter!

 

[rara007]

You don't stop a horse with its mouth. You stop it by putting your leg ON.

Nice theory- Have you tried it out galloping in a field on a normal horse? The ponies all stop quickly from voice but I don't think that's a universal thing.

My new one is just on 16.3, but at only just 4 isn't going to be getting any smaller! I'm 9stoneish and 5'4. There's definately a lot to hold together and when he isn't listening he feels huge, when he is going well he is very easy though- far easier than my old 13.3, and if anything can get away with less balancing and half halts

 

[bumblelion]

I have a 16.2hh and a 17hh. I would say I'd look stupid on the 17hh as he's a very chunky ID and IMO I think he's higher than 17hh as he's about a hand bigger than my tb but his previous owner advertised him at 17hh so I must get a measuring stick from somewhere and see! But anyway, getting back to the post!! I took the ID on as a companion and not to ride but the vet recently suggested he'd be fine to do some light hacking! I know when I do get on him, I'll look ridiculous!! I'm 5ft 5 and about 10 stone (left over baby weight!!), although I look like a stick somehow, (heavy boned!!!) It's the width of him, to be honest, I doubt my feet will be around his side, they'll be spread out level with my bum!! As for the tb I feel okay on him!

 

[Onyxia]

Sadly,there is a large section of the horse world that is not content unless it is pointing out how wrong everyone else is doing things

If you are happy with your horse stuff what other people say and just enjoy your horse

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I've not read all of the posts in this thread but height and weight isn't everything to control a horse. - how do tiny midget flat jockeys cope with fully fit big racehorses leaping around and towing their arms out? Technique.

Anyway, I have always said, especially to newbies on the gallops - control is an optical illusion!

 

[skewby]

Nice theory- Have you tried it out galloping in a field on a normal horse?

I've "tried" it on reforming the bolter in my sig. Tho it's no bones to me that you wish to advertise your ignorance on how the aids work.

 

[skewby]

The implication being that I cannot control my horse and someone bigger would be better for him and the horse would be happier.

The idea that anyone can control/stop a horse by sheer strength, size and brute force is ridiculous. I would suggest that the comments you are getting are from a place of jealousy, also that you already know that. Ignore, ignore.

 

[el_Snowflakes]

Sadly,there is a large section of the horse world that is not content unless it is pointing out how wrong everyone else is doing things

If you are happy with your horse stuff what other people say and just enjoy your horse

Yunalesca I agree with you entirely!

 

[JessPickle]

I am 5ft7 with a 17.1hh, we are judged but I don't care, if they knew/asked they'd know I share him with my 6ft3 dad hence how big he is. if anything proves height and weight isn't what helps control me and dad prove that. Pickle is far better behaved with me, and I find it far easier to hold him. Purely due to confidence and being more exprienced.

To be honest couldn't give a toss, people make comments but we prove them wrong, always get the that horse is too chunky to be jumping etc, yet he is one of the few not refusing every fence! Yes he doesn't look like a showjumper but he was bought as a fun allrounder. I love my boy whatever and wouldn't want a smaller horse ever now as love being on a big striding horse

 

[Chestnutmare]

I'm 5'8...... he's quite big

I'm in love how GORGEOUS is he... however big... he is just yummy


I am 5'10 weight is perfect for my age and height and I shall be getting a 15.1hh connie.... my old lad was same height cb x and carried me no probs, I was thinner back then though...

I see it like this.... if you are comfortable and feel safe and in control of the horse/pony and it is carrying you with no issues then whats the issue?
Any horse/pony can easily 'take' even the strongest of riders as they are powerful animals that need to be respected.