What size and breed horse

[d.o1]

Hi I’m 5’2 and weigh no more than 7 stone, I’m looking to buy a horse but don’t know what size and breed to go for. I’m not looking for one to suit competing or anything like that just for lessons, hacking and cross country riding and things like that. What would be best for me?

 

[Equi]

Bar maybe a miniature horse you have you pick of anything really! A nice native (highland/dartmoor/forest/exmoor etc) would suit well, or a little cob. Or if you like them a bit sportier looking there are many Connemara/sports pony types about. Of if you want them bigger, you have your choice again but i probably would not want to go over 16hh purely because it can be a pain to get on from the floor if you need to lol

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I’m 5ft2 and was 7.5 stone here on my 14.1 connemara.

I also used to school/hack a friends little 11hh Welsh A and have ridden 16hh horses! I’d try as many different heights/breeds as you can. I love ponies, I like that they’re easier to keep (bar lami risk), like that they’re not too high up to tack up, they’re nippy, turn on a six pence and have an attitude to boot. They’re fun!

Saying that I really didn’t like the little 11hh short choppy pony strides. My 14.1 mare has a lovely long stride and a comfy canter.

 

[Mule]

I'm 5"2 and own an Irish sport horse that is 16"1. I'm afraid I haven't weighed 7 stone in a long time though Anyway, as much as I like him, I do find a smaller horse easier to ride. A narrower build, a square rather than rectangular shape and shorter neck takes a lot less effort to ride imo.

So, based on my experience, I wouldn't go much higher than 16h and you could really go as small as you like. The thing about going pony sized is their strides are small, so it depends if you are ok with that. Personally, I'd like something around 15h -15"2

As far as breed goes, whatever takes your fancy. I'd look at the individual horse rather than the breed. One thing to think about is that thoroughbreds tend be high maintenance. I've always had Irish sport horses which have a mixture of thoroubred and Irish draught. It can be a lovely mix when you get the athleticism of the tb and temperament and soundness of the draught.

 

[Wishfilly]

Hi I’m 5’2 and weigh no more than 7 stone, I’m looking to buy a horse but don’t know what size and breed to go for. I’m not looking for one to suit competing or anything like that just for lessons, hacking and cross country riding and things like that. What would be best for me?

I wouldn't get hung up on breed- find a horse that is actively doing the things you want (particularly hacking alone, if you want to do that), rather than focusing on breed. Personally, I'm 5'4 and lightweight, and prefer something small, but I know others don't feel the same way. Try riding as many different sizes of horse/pony as you can, and go for what you feel most comfortable with. I would imagine something big and chunky wouldn't suit, but it's very personal.

 

[Maryann]

I'm a simliar size to you and I've ridden all sizes and shapes in my time but when looking for a horse for myself I looked for a native or native cross of around 15 hh. I am not usually comfortable on wide horses. Found one that is light and responsive and comfortable enough to sit on for hours.

 

[Cutgrass]

Ride lots of different horses and see what you like! We all suit different horses, and I don't believe height and weight drive preferences.

 

[Cutgrass]

View attachment 69384I’m 5ft2 and was 7.5 stone here on my 14.1 connemara.

I also used to school/hack a friends little 11hh Welsh A and have ridden 16hh horses! I’d try as many different heights/breeds as you can. I love ponies, I like that they’re easier to keep (bar lami risk), like that they’re not too high up to tack up, they’re nippy, turn on a six pence and have an attitude to boot. They’re fun!

Saying that I really didn’t like the little 11hh short choppy pony strides. My 14.1 mare has a lovely long stride and a comfy canter.

You look absolutely perfect together, that's a lovely photo

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

You look absolutely perfect together, that's a lovely photo

Thank you very much!