People of the HS, lend me your ears.?

Question

I would like to bring it to your attention that larger horses are no longer acceptable. Ever. Having a size preference for horses is also banned. You may not set a size limit or restriction on the horses you buy or will buy in the future. As an obviously educated and well-spoken young lady told me in an email,

"Message: Would love to know your reasoning to not buying anything smaller then 16.2hh. Perhaps youre one of those rich people that can buy a specialized trailer or a nice big lorry to transport them around in? or perhaps you need the extra height to carry your weight.

seeing as a 15.3 "pipsqueak" is clearly below you. Tell me, what was your opinion on Miltion darling? :') so sick of people thinking they need to buy a huge horse to make up for their own riding inadequecies."

That's right, everyone. Lovers of large Warmbloods, SHAME ON YOU! Fans of a tall leggy Thoroughbred? BE GONE! Enjoying a large horse over a small one is an abomination to the equine industry.

LQ-How tall is your horse, and what is your ideal size for a horse?

Answer 1

Does this mean that I have to chop Mystic off at the knees and sew her hooves back on? She's only two inches above your height limit, therefore she's not acceptable. That being said, however; you failed to mention large grade/half drafts therefore I have immunity from you.



LQ: Mystic is 17HH. Love her to pieces. My ideal size of horse though, around 15HH. I'm only 5'3" and have honestly never mounted my horse from the ground (I'd kill myself if I tried :D)

Answer 2

Ignoring the attitude issue and the manners she does have a few points.



My ideal horse would be 15.2hh, Anything bigger 16.1hh and I feel my leg position is off, balance is off and it's just not enjoyable. Most of the best jumpers I've encountered are about 16-16.2hh. It's rare I find a bigger horse that does well.



I find larger horses just don't have the same form over fences and in my experience they have had more soundness issues.



I do think they raise a good point on a general scale (not a personal one), the amount of people I see on huge horses that they have no control over is unbelievable. When you ask them why they bought such a large horse the response is "He's big so he'll jump big" or "big horses are better". Then they wonder where they want wrong when they're being dragged around the arena with no brakes and a dreadful seat.



The best horse is what suits you.

Answer 3

Wow Fennec! You and your friend make a very valid point.



I guess the horse world does favorite those much bigger horses. I like big horses for really only one reason, you get noticed!



LQ:

My quarter horse gelding is 16 hands tall. He is pretty big for me considering I'm only 4'10. But I can grow into him so I don't really care.

I prefer smaller horses though, 14.2 - 15 hands. I have ridden and fallen off a 16.3 hh horse and I don't ever want to do it again! You know what they say, the bigger they are the harder they fall? It doesn't lie!



Oh and for the most part, I am NOT a fan of Warmbloods! I would never pay $30,000 for a horse that can jump just as good as the OTTB next store.



Edit:::



P.S.

This question made my day! Thank you!

Answer 4

Well I guess that's me told! Though I am confused where my horse fits in to these 'rules' seeing as he's 16.1hh so I think within the height restrictions, but also half draft so erm, half a 'dope on a rope'????

I guess someone better tell him that being half draft he's not supposed to have spontaneous squealing and bucking fits when he gets excited or have a spin that most games ponies would be envious of when a green man pops out of the undergrowth.

They had better tell the 17.2hh mare that I used to loan that she has no business doing intermediate dressage too I suppose, or having a solid neck and large shoulders so that when her head goes down I have nice big shoulders to sit behind.

They had better tell the petite 15.2hh TB I ride sometimes too that being small he should be planning on world domination and needs to be easier to handle than his bigger counterparts, being a 'shrimp horse' he obviously should NOT leap sideways at monsters in the hedge, stop dead at sharks in puddles and only an 'adequate rider' can ride him as he's small. Remember that inadequate riders buy bigger horses to cover up said inadequacies.



Oh and for the girls information I like POWERFUL horses, that motor on from behind as I ride dressage, if that horse is 15hh or 18hh is irrelevant, except for my need to have a horse to carry my weight (not putting that up!) and height (5ft 8 and a half!). Though the stamp I go for usually are capable of weight carrying. I prefer a bigger horse due to my DIETING inadequacies - not my RIDING inadequacies!

What a pratt, can't people have their own reasons for which height horse they want? I have ridden a couple of smashing 14.2hh's a while ago when I was lighter and loved them, I also love the 17.2hh mare I used to loan. Each horse has it's own merits regardless of size.



LQ - 16.1hh and I tend to go for conformation and ability and potential for dressage, as long as they can take my height and weight then not really bothered about height :)

Answer 5

In my opinion, each to their own. Yes some people prefer larger horses, whereas some prefer small.



That women is obviously being ridiculous, just because you have different preferences on size of horses, does not mean she has the right to have a go at you.



I'm slightly under 5ft, and I ride a 15 hand Welsh section D. I wouldn't buy anything bigger than 16hh due to the fact that I wouldn't be able to reach to do the simpler things like putting on a head collar! I don't have this limitation because I dont like the bigger horses, because I dont mind riding any size horse, it's just the fact that I couldnt deal with them on the ground that I have to have a limitation.



I agree with you that people should not have limitations on the size of horse, because thats stupid, but I do think that sometimes people have to have limitations (like me and my midget-ness!!), although, people should not be slated for having a preference

Answer 6

Ain't much better than putting a height cap on horses like I do. LOL! Not because I don't think tall horses are nice or good horses but for what I do horses need to be no larger than a certain size to really excell. How many TRUE 17h pro-rodeo horses do you see? Last time I check a pipsqueak horse won the NFR. ;)



I have 3, 15h paint mare, 16'1 QH gelding and a 15'3/16h rescue TB. I want a horse that 15'3. Tall enough to carry my big butt around and short enough that I can get up from the ground without heaving or finding a tree stump or dirt hill. 15'3 can still get down there at dig down around those barrels while still having that long ground eating stride.



Daggumit I am sick of all you TALL loving horse people!!! Make my back and knees hurt just to think about climbing up one of those monsters you call a warmblood. ;)

Answer 7

Why on Earth would someone want anything larger than 14hh? That's just insane! Be cast away all of you rich monster lovers!



LQ: I have a 14hh, a 14.2 hh, and a 16.1hh. I prefer something 15.3 and over. I like larger horses, because I move with them better. Shorter horses usually have choppy strides and tiny barrels. I like long strides and a medium to large barrel. Even though I have 2 shorter horses, I still love my big horses. :)



But for barrels and poles, I need a smaller horse that can get down around the barrel tightly. Littleman can still get down and dirty even though he's 16.1.

Answer 8

Ive been seeing all kinds of ignorant comments about size around here.

Bigger horses are not more dangerous, unless you count hitting the ground harder.

Small horses (pony's) are not safe.

A big horse does not mean you are making up for a lack of something

Adults can ride pony's

etc. etc.



I prefer 16hh+ Im only 5'3" but leggy and I really fit best on at least 15.2-3

YET the love of my life is a 14.2hh pony that I just recently got despite having quite a few big horses to choose from.

Size matters, but it's not everything :)

Answer 9

Haha, this actually made me laugh. I have absolutely no preference for size on horses, I will just as happily ride a 13.2hh pony as I will a 17.2hh thoroughbred. I used to have both of those sizes, a cherry bay OTTB rescue, who I got because he was a great dressage horse and had no real faults except a previous splint fracture that barely gave him any trouble. Height was absolutely zero factor. My 13.2hh pony was a POA X Shetland, quirky and cheeky little jumper pony who I fell in love with for his spirit. Once again, no height factor and I loved them both equally. Sadly both were elderly and passed on and are missed greatly.



I don't have an ideal size, as long as they can carry my weight. I have a 14.1hh draft pony, and a few 15-16 hand horses and none were picked for size. As long as they have heart, spirit, and potential I'll be happy.

Answer 10

Everyone has a preference on what size of horse looks and feels good. Unfortunately, some like to push their opinions on others quite ignorantly. All you can do is just ignore their immaturity, and keep doing what your doing.



LQ: My horse is around 15.2 (haven't measured him since i got him) I wish he was taller ! My ideal size would have to be 17 hands and up, as i love big horses ! Personally i just find bigger horses more comfortable, plus i always feel safer on a bigger horse.

Answer 11

Well dang, there goes my future plans of breeding a nice tall Irish Sport Horse to train for upper level eventing. I guess now I'm gonna have to buy a little bouncy pony instead of looking for a nice, tall, well-formed, stud that can potentially produce my advanced eventing horse. In the very distant future, might I add.



LQ: My horse is 16hhs, or she was the last time I measured her, I have a suspicion she might have gotten a tad bit taller. That's about perfect for me, even though I'm 5'2" I absolutely love riding horses that are about 16-16.2hhs.



Jeez, Fennec! You are really limiting my options here. :( If we're going to ban draft breeds and height restrictions we might as well ban buying purebred horses, registered horses, and no more of those pre-purchase exams either. That's just mean, I mean it's like, totally not the horse's fault if he's lame so you shouldn't hold that against the horse either!!!!

Answer 12

My MY People I never heard such stuff.

We have ranch/stock horses from 14.3 to 16 and I ride them all.

I prefer a stocky horse for working we rope a lot of bulls so I like muscle.

But really why get all worked up. A horse is a horse is a horse.

If it gets the job done who cares.



As to what people say In one ear out the other, we are all experts right.

Oh PS. you want to ban something get rid of the "What should I name my horseyy BS"

Answer 13

My main riding horse is 17 hands, and my other one is 16 hands. Size never really mattered to me. I got both of my horses from my neighbor who passed away. The family was not sure about what to do with them, so they gave them to me. :) Sad under the circumstances, he was a nice old man and will be missed...



R.I.P.

Mr. Reed



edit- I like big horses! I'm 5'8, so I kind of need a taller horse anyways :)

Answer 14

I have a 16 hand Quarter Horse.



I am tall (5'8") so i prefer the taller horses anything above 15 hands is ideal for me i would look silly on anything smaller in a show ring but i have ridden ponnies and they are very fun to ride!!

Answer 15

Well I say to each their own. Some people prefer small horses and that's okay if you aren't too big for the horse. Others prefer larger horses and that's okay too as the horse isn't to big for you to handle.



I personally like horses on the smaller side. My horse is just over 15hh and I love her. Plus I'm a little bit of a shorty so we match. :)

Answer 16

Funny, does she not realize that some of 15.3 or smaller "pipsqueaks" can go for more money than some of the larger horses? Or that it can be just as challenging to ride a larger horse? People these days...



LQ: My mares are16.2 and 17.1....and I think they are both great sizes.

Answer 17

While I understand it is your preference to have a larger horse, it's also other people's to have smaller horses, I have noticed you commenting on the height of horses a few times.



Bigger horses aren't necessarily better in competition that smaller horses, for example Stroller was a 14'1hh connemara x pony and competed in the Olympics...connemara ponies are often ridden by adults and they have amazing scope for jumping, likewise some of the best amateur and grand prix horses I have seen have been neat, compact horses.





LQ: My gelding is over 16'2hh, although in the space of the year grew quite a bit. He was measured at 16hh rising 5 and is now 6, however horses with Irish Draught blood are inclined to have late growth spurts anyway, in saying that I like smaller horses as well.

Answer 18

THAT'S FREAKIN RIGHT! Those tall, leggy horses are akin to supermodels, and therefore as a testament to the equality of all normal people on earth, they shall be banned!



lololol.....



Personally, I like shorter horses because I can't be bothered to pull my sorry self into a saddle that is at the height of my eyes. :)



I have a 15.0 TWH gelding, and a 13.3 QH pony. Neither of which are riding animals anymore, so it really doesn't matter...



In the future, I would love to have a horse about 14.2-15.0 range.



**EDIT: I always knew my pony was smart enough to take over the world. This question totally solidifies my thoughts.

Answer 19

Well crap. Guess I've been warned.



LQ: My horse is 16.1hh. My ideal size is anywhere from 16.0hh to 17.0hh. I just like bigger horses. Doesn't mean I would never buy a horse who was 15.0hh though. I almost bought a horse who was 15.0hh before the owner told me she had navicular at only 5 years old.

Answer 20

i have a 14.2, not because i like small horses better, but because he came along at the right time, to be honest im not to fussed about what size horse i could of had, but i know a shire (18.2hh) that is more gentle and well behaved than my pony!

Answer 21

Bored today, eh?



Yes, it's frustrating that my 15hh QH who's a '10' mover and walks the lines doesnt' get a second look because the Hunters has become such a ba$tardized version of what it once was. If it ain't 17.2, it doesn't seem to get any recognition in the USET/ h/j/ eq..

Answer 22

Thanks Fennec-- I've been missing my daily dose of Snark since Fuglyblog started to shut down.



LQ: Mine's 15Hh. That's pretty much ideal for me-- tall enough to step over logs on the trail, short enough so that my short, fat butt can get to that stirrup. I wouldn't want anything too much higher off the ground until I'm a better rider anyway!

Answer 23

I have a 14.1 QH I use for trails and English flat classes, I also have a draft cross who does well in jumper , we came 2nd twice . And were competing against TB's . My other paint is 15.1 and I love his size, I Wouldent go over 16.2 for me

Answer 24

Some people.



LQ- My horse is 16.2hh, and that is an ideal height, if he had a bigger barrel. My legs are long and he is narrow.

Answer 25

OMG!! LOL!!



Its nice to hear that my 15hh. Haflinger is good to go! And I like smaller horses to be honest! 15 hands is the perfect size for me!

Answer 26

It's horsie racism don't ya know.





LQ: My 6 year old Arabian(purebred) is 16.2 bare foot, he just kept getting bigger. His half brother is 15.2 and his other half brother is going to be around 16. I like them in between 15.1 and 16.3 I don't go shorter or taller since I am 5'9" I feel like that is the range of height my size is suited best for.

Answer 27

i love my TB shes 16.2 and can do just about anything i ask her to. shes great on barrels but i guess 200 days training can do that to a horse. :) lol i agree with sazzy

Answer 28

I knew I should have gone for the 15.2 Dutchie colt =/ DAYUM.



My current horse is 16. :B I need 16.2+ to fit my damn leg for dressage though.

Answer 29

ROFL!



My horses range from 14.1-17hh.......but for what I do I prefer between 14.3-16h as any bigger or any smaller struggle.

Answer 30

its actually pretty exciting to me that you posted a question!:D



LQ: My horse is 16.3hh, and im 5'7'', but you know, im a sucker for incompetent horses. im NEVER going to get ANYWHERE in riding!

Answer 31

It's not the size, it's how you use it.

Answer 32

oh please, get over yourself. How immature and pathetic to come writing about a dispute you had over email. If you block the person involved from seeing it and then go round acting the big man as if your so hilarious then i think you will be needing something called a back bone.

Answer 33

@sazzy:



....that's what she said