is this horse the right size for me?

Question

i'm 5'6-5'7 and weigh around 135 and i'm looking at a bay arabian that is 15.2 hands high and 950 pounds, and i too big for him or a good size?

Answer 1

If you're too big, then i'm too big.
No you are just right for this horse, I am 5'5, 120ish and my mare is 14.2 and about 950# arabian cross.
A lot of what you have to think about when choosing the right horse is a)your ability (if you are a well balanced rider, a littler extra weight is easier) b)age of the horse (the bones and joints of younger horses aren't as solid (up to about 4 yrs) and older horses have more joint problems c)whether you are comfortable on him (are you particular about how you look when you are on him, or do you want a horse that feels good when you ride them).
The other thing to remember is that the smaller the horse, the bigger the percentage of their weight that they can carry, although most people would say between a quarter and a fifth of a horse's own body weight, so weigh your saddle and gear and add that to your weight and see what you come out with.
If you like this horse when you are on the ground and in the saddle I would say buy him, but you definitely aren't too big.

Answer 2

That horse should be able to carry you without a problem. When you get into the larger non pony breeds you should worry more about your saddle fit and riding experience rather than the size of the horse.
I compete in cutting and reining and have seen larger men going up into the 250 lb and higher riding a 14.2hh horse perfectly fine without the equine hurting.

It doesn't matter if your 4'9'' and weigh 90 lbs or 6'0'' and 250 lbs- if you don't have the proper saddle fit and know how to ride and balance yourself you could end up hurting an equines back.
So always make sure the saddle you ride in is fitted to you and your equine and that you have had plenty of lessons and know how to balance your self on top of the horse.

Answer 3

It depends. Arabs tend to be a little slighter in build. He could definitely carry you around without any problem, that is for sure. But, if you are big on showing, you may want to look at something a little bit taller. I'm about 5'7" and look ridiculous on a 15.1 Morgan mare who is not super slight in build, but very short and compact head to tail, but I look fine on a TB X who is the same height but is also fairly long in the body. (Typical long and low hunter). If your suitability (how well the horse and rider look together) is not great, it definitely can (will) hurt you in the show ring. It also somewhat depends on the judge, but every judge should take suitability into consideration (obviously riding and correctness first) even at low level open and schooling shows. But at the same time, if this is your dream horse and he is absolutely wonderful and the two of you make a great team, don't let size deter you too much.

Answer 4

I am exactly like you in height/weight and I have a paint horse that weighs about 150 pounds more than that horse. I do the hunter jumper and personally I wish my horse was at least 16 hands for my height but its not that bad at all. If you show then I might suggest a bit bigger because I think it would look a little bit better, but for pleasure he sounds like a fine size:)

Answer 5

I think that should be fine.
There are differences between horses even of the same height. So, really look at the build of the horse as well. And Arabian tends to be more slender than say, a quarter horse.
Even some Quarter horses are slighter build than others. Some mares tend to be slighter build than geldings and stallions.
I have a 15.2H half paint/QH, and she's more slender than her mother of 14.3H QH. But I look fine on them both. (I'm pretty short).
Some taller girls who ride look fine on my 15.2H mare, but look very silly on my 15.1H gelding who's even smaller build, though only an inch shorter.
But overall, I think it would be fine. Just keep that in mind.
Good luck

Answer 6

You are the right size for this type horse.