I'm looking at purchasing a horse but am unsure about his size

Question

I was told by the owner that he is 16.5 hands..

I am about 5'8" myself, does anyone have examples of themselves and their large horse. (your height theres included). This horse has been ridden by smalls kids alone so attitude and his size shouldnt be a huge issue.. but just so i know what im getting into before I go look at him. Thanks :]

Answer 1

What is 16.5 hands? Hands are 4 inches, so they are separated into fours. I'm hoping it stands for 16 and a half hands. That would be 16 hands plus another 2 inches.

Now that I just wrote down all of my math... Being around 5'6", I rode a horse that was 16.1hh with no trouble. You should be just fine on a horse that is 16.2hh. To be sure, do a few test rides on him. Make sure you are comfortable with this horse's size.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as 16.5 hands. So he might be 17 something hands. You should probably be fine. If its a light built horse you might be in some trouble if your on the heftier side though. Honestly I think you'll be fine if he's used to kids bouncing around on him.

Answer 3

there isnt such thing as 16.5 hh

so double check that with the owner

but a horse of about 17 hh as he might be isnt to big

personally i think it all depends on the build

i have a 16.2 1/2 hh dutch warmblood

he's big but very light]

so he isnt too big for me

also, if you want to do any competing with him make sure he isnt too much of a heavy build

Answer 4

im 5'8" but long waisted, so when i rode my leased 16.1 TB i looked huge on her, now im looking for something 16.3+, but plenty of other people my height ride 15.3 horses, it just depends on the build of the horse and rider

however, if the owner says the horse is 16.5, i would be wary of purchasing him. as the other answers show, there is no 16.5, so if the owner is that ignorant (height in hands is pretty basic), chances are there are other things he/she is hiding or just doesnt know, which could be dangerous

EDIT:

actually, maybe the owner said 16.5 to translate as 16.0 with a half of an inch, i was shown a horse at 15.3 3/5 inch, so check that

Answer 5

well this isn't me but she is about 5"6.5  and the horse it 16.5hh

so here it is

the horse's name is paco it's the 5th one down

http://www.skiathos-horse-riding.gr/inde...

Answer 6

you could just get a measuring tape for horses or 4 inches is equal to a hand  

Answer 7

You should be fine, 16.2 to 17 hands is a good size for some one who is 5 "8".... I'm about 5"5" and my horse is about 16 hands, you should be fine... its not that tall....  

Answer 8

16.5hh doesnt exist... I'm assuming also it means 16.2hh

I am 5"7 and ride a 17.2hh horse, Try him out and see how you feel, make sure you are comfortable on the ground with a big horse too.

Good luck hope you get what you want soon :-)

Answer 9

The only way you are going to know for sure if you want this horse or not is to go ride it, then you can see if the horse is a good fit for you

Answer 10

All I can say is "beautiful"!!! He is beautiful.  Size shouldn't really matter unless he is a Clydesdale.  I had multiple horses growing up on my ranch. If he has been ridden by children, then there isn't a problem. I say go for it! I don't have my horses anymore and would love the opportunity to have one again.  You are soooo lucky!!!!