What makes you too big or too tall for your horse?

Question

I am 5'5.75" and my horse is 15.2 and built like a warmblood. My feet barely pass his girth. But when I see pictures of me riding him and his head is long, low and relaxed I think I look too big. Is this a perception problem?

Answer 1

I think it's a perception thing...he's going long and low with you sitting up straight. At 5'5" you shouldn't be too tall for him. I'm the same height and actually ride a 14.2 hander -- of course he's also built like a Sherman Tank.

As long as your feet don't drop below his stomach to where you have to pull your heels up to give leg cues you're not too tall.

Answer 2

My horse is barely a horse as far as all my friends are concerned.  He is by breed puny!  He is about 14.2 hands short.  My friends tower over me.  I was really concerned about looking ridiculous, but it was all me. I think that if you are comfortable and your horse is also then don't worry. I recently rode in a parade and saw pictures of myself.  Of course I looked terrible(as all women say) but my horse was gorgeous. We made a great pair. I always joke that my little horse is my weight control because If I gain any weight I can't ride him.  Ha ha!

Answer 3

definitely, it is your perception.  you didnt' mention your weight but I doubt if it is a problem.  There is a "rule of thumb" that says that if your weight approaches 1/3 of your horse's weight, you need a bigger horse.  your good - relax.

Answer 4

Its perception. I'm 6' and my calf roping horse is all of 14.2 with shoes on. And he is not too small for me. I once saw a cutter who was 6'10 riding cutting horse no bigger than my roping horse. Now he looked too big. Here are some signs that your too big for your horse.

1. Your feet drag the gound when its walking.

2. You set in the saddle and look down and your horses knees are shaking due to the wieght.

HA!

If the horse is getting the job done with out trouble, your not too big.

Answer 5

its totally perception dude whats wrong with your eyes J.K.!

Answer 6

i wouldn't worry about it i had  minis when i was younger and in the pictures i looked rele weird but they rode smooth. I was light weight but it still looked weird in the picture. If your horse rides smooth with you i think its fine. I wouldn't worry about it.