What height of horse do I need?

M

moodymare1987

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 December 2003
Messages
7,954
Visit site
I am looking into getting another horse aswell as my current one. And wondered what the minimum size of horse I could get would be. I am 5ft11 average build. I would say I have longer body than legs.
I was thinking about 16.2 but a chunky build? Dont fancy riding a fine type I wouldnt look right or feel right.

Any opinions appreciated
laugh.gif
 
God you are tall!! I think it depends on the horse really (if it has long legs/deep chest etc), For your height though I would not go any smaller than a 16.1.
 
Its more about what you feel comfortable on imo. I'm 5ft 8 and have a deep barrelled 14.3 connie but I feel equally happy on a 14hh NF and a 16hh ID! I prefer MW smaller horses but I know some of my tiny friends prefer riding huge horses. So its totally a matter of personal opinion. Go and try a few sizes and shapes and see how you feel. Good luck in your search!
smile.gif
 
Yes that what I was thinking, I know I am very tall
frown.gif
I would like a big hunter but obv dont want to miss out on say a 16.2
I agree it depends on the horse the type I am after though should be ok at 16.2
I went through a stage of wanting a section D only too tall to ride one of them.
 
[ QUOTE ]

I went through a stage of wanting a section D only too tall to ride one of them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sec D's have no upper height limit now so you might find a nice larger one that has still retained the welshie features.
 
I'm a similar height and have got a 16.1 heavy hunter type and she looks fine. Before I had a 17.2 fine WB and he only just took up my leg so definately try a chunky variety!
 
Well I am not such a fan of the finer types anyway, I like to have something underneath so to speak.
Will have to nosey at sec ds see if can get any bigger ones.
Mind you my farrier is taller than me and he has a section d only 15.2. Saying that I wouldnt be comfy on something that small.
 
I'm about 5'9" and currently have a 16.2 - have had from 15.3 to 17hh and find it all depends on the build of the horse. My friends 15.2 takes my leg up fine and rides like a big horse, but a 16hh mare I tried was way too small. Think you will be able to ride anything from 15.2 upwards, but it really depends on the horse
smile.gif
 
my freind has sec d thats 16.2 and she loves him. i'm 5'8 and my hw maxi cob was 15.3 but my mw id x was 16.2. Dont go thinking i must find, go thinking ooo i like th esound of that and see what you look like when you get there.

have fun trying them xx
 
Thanks for them, I think they are a bit too lightweight except the last one, quite like that one actually.
And I thought horse hunting was going to be an easy 17hh+ lol
Its so hard horse hunting
frown.gif
 
I'm 5'11 and my sec D is 15.2-15.3ish. Having said that I am happier on a smaller horse as I spent my childhood riding borrowed ponies that were always a bit too small. Also I am a normal height person with long legs (!) and I can make something 17.2 look small when I am sat on it!

A small horse is an advantage where I live, there are too many gates that are impossible to open from the saddle. Therefore, you need to be able to get back on!
 
I love horse hunting! Even though I'm not about to buy another horse I am sadly addicted to virtual window shopping!
I am 5'9 and a 'sturdy young lass' as an old guy once said to me! I currently have a 16hh oldenburg mare who suits me fine, I tried a 16.1hh warmblood when I was looking and he was much too small. I used to have a 14.2hh welsh sec D and she seemed just right too. Have also ridden a friends 17.1hh hunter and felt comfy on him too. So I agree with previous advice, don't write anything off just because of it's size, go and have a try and see how you feel
smile.gif
x
 
I like horse hunting when its not for me.
I will have to be quite open minded then, I do want something I can show so do not want to be too big, but then I will have to try horses and see how I look and feel. I do want something smaller than 17.2 but obv if going to look stupid then would rather not.
I just dont want to miss out on good horses because I think it is too small.
 
I am 5ft 7 and have a 17hh tb,he isnt fine,he is quite a broad chap
smile.gif
,and i dont lokk overhorsed by any stretch,i would be goinf for 16.3 if i was your height
smile.gif
,maybe 16.1 if chunky
smile.gif
 
Thank you, See I was thinking about that height if very chunky which I defo want my next one to be
laugh.gif

Either want a mw or hw maxi cob, Or mw/ hw hunter.
 
Ooo another thing I meant to say! You might have your own transport but I have to borrow my friends trailer which will only fit up to 16.2hh, so maybe another thing to consider
smile.gif
 
whatever height the horse that is suitable is!

You cannot stick to hard and fast rules,within reason you need to buy for the horse not the height real genuine horses are hard to find and unfortunatly do not come to order.
 
Well I could do that but then what would the point of me having a horse too small for me just because it does the job I would have wanted it to.
I can understand what you are saying, but then if horse is too small you couldnt say it was suitable could you.
 
well I am 5ft 10 and a half.

I have owned horses a range of sizes from 15.1 to 17.2 (current is 17.2 )

I was brought up on polo ponies so got used to riding the smaller ones. There are several smaller top eventers with tall riders on.

However in general would look for around 16hh upwards but do remain open for the exception.
 
See I want something I can go to some shows on, so Would rather be the right size for one than be too tall. Better picture over all.
I dont want to show county level but dont want to go riding club shows and feel stupid as I am quite tall on a horse.

I will generally look around 16hh, I used to have a 14.2 pony but had to sell her as was way to tall for her and I knew it, I am used to riding smaller ones but dont feel comfy on anything under 16hh unless its very big built.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top