What size horse should I be on? I am 5'7 and 187lbs it has been suggested it should be 17hh is that right?

Question

I am currently rescuing ponies, up to 13.2hh but would not ride them myself they are re-trained for new homes, and their foals either kept for training at 3 or sold as yearlings having been groomed feet picked etc.

I desperatley want to rescue something for me, there are no guarantees with rescue, but it would help if I started with the right sized horse!!!

Your views are most appreciated!

Answer 1

I am approximately the same size. I actually rode a 14.3hh arab before (but he was built very stocky like a quarter horse). As long as the horse has strong legs, you could ride a large pony. It wouldn't look as good as riding a taller horse, but it's possible. For the best aesthetics as well as musculature, I would say a horse around 15.2 to 16hh with some good leg bone.

Answer 2

Height isn't as important as build.  You could easily be carried by a 14 hand halflinger, but a 15 hand arab would probably be too finely built.

Answer 3

Your weight is more important than your height. So you need to go for a cob-type that will carry your weight. 17hh is a big horse and you don't need anything that big - go for something 15-16hh and that will be plenty big enough.

Remember that you will start off working with this horse from the ground and it's easier to work with something that is a bit smaller.

Answer 4

a 15hh cob

Answer 5

In all honesty. Who ever tries to tell someone over 6'5'' that they need to be on a monster (17h) is full of the same stuff I wiped off my boots earlier. I am 6' and 235lbs. Yes I am a big guy, and I ride a 14.3h horse and look fine. I don't do english event, but in cutting a nice little 14.2h horse is what is norm, but I have seen a 16h horse out cut the little ones. Ride what is comfortable to YOU. Not what other people say you should ride.

Answer 6

16hh quarter horse  would be good.