Am I too small for a 17hh horse?
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CER1389
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I have to say this is something WL that you should take into consideration. A 17hh that is getting full turnout and 2hours exercise a day, if very different from oen that is stabled 24hrs a day. Obviously this depends on the horse (17.2hh on full box rest is still a complete poppet whilst another on the yard getting full turnout is still a nutter!
)So it would be worth checking out with ANY of the horses you go to look at, how much ridden work they do etc.
I really think it's all down to the individual horse and rider. I've gone from 13.2hh straight onto 18hh. (As in, ridden one, untacked, tacked up next and got on) both were fully fit working horses NOT riding stables.
I couldn't say what I felt safer on.
Another thing (sorry this is turning into another long post!) Is the build of the horse! My old 16.2hh mare was very narrow bodied with long legs so my legs came almost below her belly. Whereas 14hh RS cob I used to ride was incredibly stocky - yet my legs barely reached below the saddle!
So just judge each individual horse!
I agree with Bobbin. PL, it's got nothing to do with 'being afraid' of big horses. On the contrary, most of my horses are 16hh and over (mainly friesians which always seem bigger anyway), I do prefer them on the bigger side to the smaller (I hate riding ponies - I feel very vulnerable on them). Although, myself being 5ft 4 and 7 1/2 stone, I feel 16.2hh is big enough.
However, there is more to it then just the riding and Bobbin is absolutely right, that dealing with your own 17hh horse on a daily basis rather than just turning up to ride one at the RS is totally different. It's alot easier to deal with something smaller when it is playing up than a very big horse and for someone who is still in the early stages of learning it could become diastrous.
Although temperament is the most important thing, tbh, particularly for a novice, 17hh is more horse than an average 5ft4" female needs.
Well having ridden nothing but big horses (and currently riding 18.1hh right now) so I'll offer my two cents.
Smaller horses tend to be quicker, because they are generally more agile and lower to the ground. So it's generally easier for a pony to bolt, the say a 17hh horse.
HOWEVER, the problem with bigger horses is that they have more strength. Period. So they are generally harder to keep together, and when they DO go, they are a lot harder to bring back then a smaller horse. However, on the plus side, with bigger horses, you generally have a bit more of a reaction time then what you would with a small horse. The other down side about larger horses, particularly over 17hh is that they generally have long backs, and it requires a lot more riding forward to activate it.
I don't think personality has anything to do with. I've dealt with 17hh horses who are cows, and who are sweethearts, just lik I'm dealt with 15hh who are similar. The WAY you handle them shouldn't change at all.
On a personal level, I feel much more secure on a 17hh horse then I do on a 15hh. Maybe it's just because its what I'm used to, but I like having the height, being higher up, ect. It's just a personal choice. Just make sure the horse fits you. Just because he's tall doesn' mean he's wide. On a horse big or small, you need to make sure your leg is able to wrap around the barrel so that you have that connection. Try him out. You'll either look good on him, or you'll look like a pea.
Smaller horses tend to be quicker, because they are generally more agile and lower to the ground. So it's generally easier for a pony to bolt, the say a 17hh horse.
HOWEVER, the problem with bigger horses is that they have more strength. Period. So they are generally harder to keep together, and when they DO go, they are a lot harder to bring back then a smaller horse. However, on the plus side, with bigger horses, you generally have a bit more of a reaction time then what you would with a small horse. The other down side about larger horses, particularly over 17hh is that they generally have long backs, and it requires a lot more riding forward to activate it.
I don't think personality has anything to do with. I've dealt with 17hh horses who are cows, and who are sweethearts, just lik I'm dealt with 15hh who are similar. The WAY you handle them shouldn't change at all.
On a personal level, I feel much more secure on a 17hh horse then I do on a 15hh. Maybe it's just because its what I'm used to, but I like having the height, being higher up, ect. It's just a personal choice. Just make sure the horse fits you. Just because he's tall doesn' mean he's wide. On a horse big or small, you need to make sure your leg is able to wrap around the barrel so that you have that connection. Try him out. You'll either look good on him, or you'll look like a pea.
Is this the same person who has sold two horses she couldn't get on with?? Sorry, i have trouble keeping up!!
If so, from what i remember you'd had your confidence shattered completely so needed a nice, safe horse. While im sure the two 17handers are adorable, like someone else said, a fall from one of them is going to be scary - and its enevitable that you will fall off eventually!!
I'd go for a nice 15.2 pony, if you want something chunkier, maybe a cob type
But i honestly dont think going for an enormous horse is a good idea. I've been around horses for 20 years and the big ones still make me hop out of the way when they move!lol You do NOT want one standing on your foot 
If so, from what i remember you'd had your confidence shattered completely so needed a nice, safe horse. While im sure the two 17handers are adorable, like someone else said, a fall from one of them is going to be scary - and its enevitable that you will fall off eventually!!
I'd go for a nice 15.2 pony, if you want something chunkier, maybe a cob type
But i honestly dont think going for an enormous horse is a good idea. I've been around horses for 20 years and the big ones still make me hop out of the way when they move!lol You do NOT want one standing on your foot Not a fantastic photo, but this is me (5'5"/5'6" ish, 8 stone, small!) on an 18.2hh (hunter type) I used to ride at college:
Yes he was too big for me BUT he was safe as houses and just fantastic for my jumping confidence. Although he used to bounce one-stride doubles
Sorry about the quality (video still) but this is me on my 15.3hh (ID X):
A much better height for me, also safe as houses.
Personally I like larger horses and when I'm looking to buy a new horse next year I'll be looking between 15.3-16.2hh. Ideally I think 16hh but if I found a really special 15.2hh or 16.3hh then fine. I used to happily ride my friend's 17.1hh ID X Trakehner BUT I wouldn't like to own a horse that big.
As someone said, all horses can play up from time to time especially if the rider/ handler isn't 100% confident, and the bigger they are the more of a handful they can be, relative to their size.
If you're not confident (which I gather from some of the replies?) then I'd suggest not going for a horse quite that big UNLESS they are very, very special.
Yes he was too big for me BUT he was safe as houses and just fantastic for my jumping confidence. Although he used to bounce one-stride doubles
Sorry about the quality (video still) but this is me on my 15.3hh (ID X):
A much better height for me, also safe as houses.
Personally I like larger horses and when I'm looking to buy a new horse next year I'll be looking between 15.3-16.2hh. Ideally I think 16hh but if I found a really special 15.2hh or 16.3hh then fine. I used to happily ride my friend's 17.1hh ID X Trakehner BUT I wouldn't like to own a horse that big.
As someone said, all horses can play up from time to time especially if the rider/ handler isn't 100% confident, and the bigger they are the more of a handful they can be, relative to their size.
If you're not confident (which I gather from some of the replies?) then I'd suggest not going for a horse quite that big UNLESS they are very, very special.
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CER1389
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WL - have you noticed something. In all of the pictures posted it is really difficult to tell how big a horse is and how tall the rider is? Some of the shorter riders are still looking in proportion on a tall horse. I know I've read someones height and the height of the horse and looked at the picture and ended up doing a double take!
So go and try some horses and see what you feel comfortable on. Be honest with the owners about never having ridden anythign that big. They want the best home for their horse so will be happy if you decide you aren't it.
So go and try some horses and see what you feel comfortable on. Be honest with the owners about never having ridden anythign that big. They want the best home for their horse so will be happy if you decide you aren't it.
I've kept quiet on your threads for a long time Willielove, though I have followed every post since the very beginning. Just because you got so much advice already etc
You've had varying replies to this one but I think everyone is overlooking something important...
For a start, you asked the question - which gets me wondering why?
Since you seem to be dead set about getting another horse - you have to start again, write down everything that is an important factor in a horse that suits you.
Height should not be a major factor - unless you yourself have a problem with it, but you should be aiming for a horse that you are comfortable on....? Which begs the question, why are you venturing into the unknown here??
Lots of things have been mentioned,
You may find the horse stronger, harder to hold together, you may find your legs aren't long enough, you may find the width of the horse or stridelength uncomfortable, you may simply not feel right or feel scared because you have furthur to fall, you might even be absolutely fine........... the point is?
You don't have to find out any of these 'unknowns' if you go for the type of horse that you know you are comfortable with. What was 'wrong' with Wille/Pete/Gitcha, those are the things you are trying to avoid....... was there anything wrong with Willie/Gitcha/Pete 's height?
You have had months of heartache (and torrents of advice from NR, sometimes not so nice advice!!)
It really shouldn't be that difficult - this is your fresh start
I know your thread title doesn't say ''will this type of horse suit me?'' but I am kinda getting that vibe from your horse-searching posts. Are you getting any help this time?
I too happily learned on tall horses - but that is horses belonging to riding schools.
But when I buy one I have already decided not to look at anything this high. These days horses are bred bigger to carry heavier people? And there are lots and lots of tempting ads in the UK too for horses over 16.3.
But do you need a weight carrier?
There may be no basis for this but when I had a lesson on conformation the RI discussed size of horses?
What is a normal size for a particular breed?
Bigger horses, like all bigger mamals, have problems of scale? Like the heart has to pump the blood round a bigger body? They need to eat more. There is more of everything and so when something goes wrong there is more to go wrong?
Ask one of the vets on NR whether this is old wives tale?
That bigger horses may have more health problems?
Does a horse of 17 hh have a lower life expectancy that one of 15 hh?
But when I buy one I have already decided not to look at anything this high. These days horses are bred bigger to carry heavier people? And there are lots and lots of tempting ads in the UK too for horses over 16.3.
But do you need a weight carrier?
There may be no basis for this but when I had a lesson on conformation the RI discussed size of horses?
What is a normal size for a particular breed?
Bigger horses, like all bigger mamals, have problems of scale? Like the heart has to pump the blood round a bigger body? They need to eat more. There is more of everything and so when something goes wrong there is more to go wrong?
Ask one of the vets on NR whether this is old wives tale?
That bigger horses may have more health problems?
Does a horse of 17 hh have a lower life expectancy that one of 15 hh?
To only address the size thing:
You're 5'4". I'm 5'0" (with short legs too). So for me, your 17hhs is equivalent to a 16hher for me. I've ridden 16hhs and I love being up higher. Makes up for my own lack of height. Doesn't bother me. I don't feel quite as secure as I do on something smaller (14.2-14.3) as I can't get the legs wrapped around properly. But assuming the horse is well behaved, size isn't always an issue. In Spain I rode a 16hh+ Andalusian. He was fantastic. Lovely and floaty and a big sweet boy. I also rode a 14hh Thoroughbred/pony cross. He was a nutjob and I don't think you'd pay me to get on him again.
ETA: And what's with all you people saying you're "only 5'5""? I'd kill for 5'5"! That's average! I might be able to find pants that fit and avoid being given ponies at every trekking center.
You're 5'4". I'm 5'0" (with short legs too). So for me, your 17hhs is equivalent to a 16hher for me. I've ridden 16hhs and I love being up higher. Makes up for my own lack of height. Doesn't bother me. I don't feel quite as secure as I do on something smaller (14.2-14.3) as I can't get the legs wrapped around properly. But assuming the horse is well behaved, size isn't always an issue. In Spain I rode a 16hh+ Andalusian. He was fantastic. Lovely and floaty and a big sweet boy. I also rode a 14hh Thoroughbred/pony cross. He was a nutjob and I don't think you'd pay me to get on him again.
ETA: And what's with all you people saying you're "only 5'5""? I'd kill for 5'5"! That's average! I might be able to find pants that fit and avoid being given ponies at every trekking center.
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First of all I'd like to say I like big horses, I have one & I'm not scared of them.
WL I don't think something this big is going to help your confidence. Yes when everything is going well size isn't a problem (although to work at more than a very basic level a bigger horse does seem to require a stronger position & more core strength) but if things start to go wrong or something upsets or excites the horse then you will notice the extra size & unless you're confident it can be daunting. Ultimately it's your choice though.
WL I don't think something this big is going to help your confidence. Yes when everything is going well size isn't a problem (although to work at more than a very basic level a bigger horse does seem to require a stronger position & more core strength) but if things start to go wrong or something upsets or excites the horse then you will notice the extra size & unless you're confident it can be daunting. Ultimately it's your choice though.
I had a 17.2 and found mounting really hard work - which was no fun as we have lots of farm gates (no fun getting old ). Luckily I never fell off him but it looked a long way down . He had a very sweet nature but took advantage of his great height by always lifting his head when you wanted to put his bridle on 
I find 14.2 max comfortable for me personally these days.
At the end of the day as long as the horse can carry your weight, as a kind temprament, suits your ability and you feel comfortable thats all that matters.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
). Luckily I never fell off him but it looked a long way down . He had a very sweet nature but took advantage of his great height by always lifting his head when you wanted to put his bridle on I find 14.2 max comfortable for me personally these days.
At the end of the day as long as the horse can carry your weight, as a kind temprament, suits your ability and you feel comfortable thats all that matters.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
the more horses you look at the greater chance you will find the perfect horse. There is a difference between beginners and confidence lost riders. 4-5 years ago i was a complete beginner and i was fearless and i would get on 3-4 years olds but unfortunatly i lost confidence(on tuffy) and wouldn't get on a 7 yr old because they were young and could feel my nervousness from past horses in your case gitch/pete and in my case tuffy. So i would say no go ahead and try that younger horse buts it not for you. For size i believe there is no problem to size it can be a pony or a horse you need a ladder to get on! its really depends on his attitude towards beginner riders and his work ethic.
as some people have said there is the fact that its tall and it will be harder to mount and dismount, also spooks on a 15 hh is much different from a 17 hh there is alot more muscle and body. it really depends on the control you have on them. I know at my barn we try to breed performance QH that are tall. My horses foals get around 16.3-17 hh and i can't wait for a huge QH. I know the tallest QH we have is 17.1hh and he is a 7 yr old doll but beginners barely ever ride him unstead we use my mare who is only 15.2 because my RI says its not so far away to fall. Good luck
as some people have said there is the fact that its tall and it will be harder to mount and dismount, also spooks on a 15 hh is much different from a 17 hh there is alot more muscle and body. it really depends on the control you have on them. I know at my barn we try to breed performance QH that are tall. My horses foals get around 16.3-17 hh and i can't wait for a huge QH. I know the tallest QH we have is 17.1hh and he is a 7 yr old doll but beginners barely ever ride him unstead we use my mare who is only 15.2 because my RI says its not so far away to fall. Good luck
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StormyJ
Guest
Hi WL,
I'm horse-seeking at the moment, for something to event and do PC teams with.
I'm a very leggy 5'8" and my RI doesn't even want me to go any higher than 16.2hh, not because of height but because of how the length of stride will affect me as a rider. It can be very different when you go above 16.2hh, and personally I don't think 17hh will be appropriate.
Good luck
I'm horse-seeking at the moment, for something to event and do PC teams with.
I'm a very leggy 5'8" and my RI doesn't even want me to go any higher than 16.2hh, not because of height but because of how the length of stride will affect me as a rider. It can be very different when you go above 16.2hh, and personally I don't think 17hh will be appropriate.
Good luck
thats a good point. JR refuses to stand in ditches to help me get back on (usually after retreiving a boot or something)
so i often end up walking home!
I don't even think i could get on a 15.3hh.... yes i'm a stiffy
But when the adrenaline kicks in you'll be surprised what you can actually get on! In my emergency it was a prancing 17.1hh
I personally think at the end of the day, if your happy on 15.3hh or 17.3hh then fair play to you! As long as your safe and happy and the horse is the same what does height matter!
I had a bad fall when i was about 9 years old and it took me about 4 years to feel happy on a horse again and the reason i felt happy was a 17.3hh very spooky hanoverian. He maybe wasn't the best horse to gain my confidence on but he did it for me. IF it wasn't for him i can guarantee I would have given up..
As i said before as long as your safe and happy thats all the matters!
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Black Beastie
Guest
Well form the age of 13 I rode big horse and I mean 16.2hh and upwards and I was barely 5ft.
I used to love bigger horses the lovely slow rising trot and the feeling of a lot of horse under you.
I still enjoy riding larger horses. I ride friends horses often and enjoy it. I own a 15.2hh welsh d and I will never own a larger horse myself but I love larger horses and it all depends on what you like to ride.
Weight and height has nothing to do with it as I had Bimbo a TBxID who was 17hh on loan from I was 15 and I was about 5ft or 5ft1'' and I did everything on him and he was a privatelky owned horse who had hunted competed at royal highland show and did dressage.
Listen to what you want WL and ignore all the people out there who are trying to make what should be a fun time of horse searching into a time of self doubt and feeling bad!!!
Nikki xxxx
I used to love bigger horses the lovely slow rising trot and the feeling of a lot of horse under you.
I still enjoy riding larger horses. I ride friends horses often and enjoy it. I own a 15.2hh welsh d and I will never own a larger horse myself but I love larger horses and it all depends on what you like to ride.
Weight and height has nothing to do with it as I had Bimbo a TBxID who was 17hh on loan from I was 15 and I was about 5ft or 5ft1'' and I did everything on him and he was a privatelky owned horse who had hunted competed at royal highland show and did dressage.
Listen to what you want WL and ignore all the people out there who are trying to make what should be a fun time of horse searching into a time of self doubt and feeling bad!!!
Nikki xxxx
I'm 5'3" and I don't like big horses. Personally, I like the quick off the ground little ponies and thats where I feel safest. I evented my sisters 16.2hh TB for a bit and that was an experience, I was very happy to come back to 13.3hh Sparks. Tally, my first hack, is barely 15hh.
Personally for you, I wouldn't go for anything too big, but I'm a small horse person!
Personally for you, I wouldn't go for anything too big, but I'm a small horse person!
In response to your actual question size wise 17h wouldnt make you look to small. It has very little to do with your size. If you have a skilled rider they can be the size of a pea and control a big horse. I know plenty of small woman who have big horses.
WL I am not being mean as some would suggest. I just want you to get a horse that you can be safe on and have some fun on. Wheres the crime in that.
WL I am not being mean as some would suggest. I just want you to get a horse that you can be safe on and have some fun on. Wheres the crime in that.
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