Is 15hh too small for a 5'9" girl?

Question

I'm thinking of buying a 15h TrakehnerX mare.
Here's her picture: http://www.horseconnection.com/site/images/classified/hpc-mar07/hpc-mar07-18.jpg

Answer 1

I think you will be fine on her. I'm 5'6'' and my horse is currently 14.2 (although he is still growing), but i feel perfectly comfortable on him, and he's more than able to carry me.

Answer 2

Some of the broader, old style warmbloods can manage a taller individual because their breadth takes up enough leg. Trakehners have a lot of Arab and lighter warmblood influence. The ones I've worked with tend to be leggier and leaner than say an Oldenburg or Hanoverian. Because of that, your legs would probably hang down a little too low on her. If you're going to be jumping fences of any height (3'6" +), you're going to want a horse that can really support you. I would advise looking for a horse at least 16 hh or broad enough to support the length of your leg. Your weight will be another issue. Smaller, lighter boned horses won't be able to carry the same amount of weight as a taller, more substantial animal.

Answer 3

It is true that with your height you might look too tall for the horse although she is lovely. Your weight and the horse's build are a bigger consideration. A shorter but stockier built horse can handle more weight than a talll reedy type.

Also if you are not too confident yet and a larger horse causes anxiety, you could always start with the Trakehner X mare then move up to one more suited for your height once you have built your confidence up.

Good behavior in the horse you purchase is extremely important.

Answer 4

The ideal size to suit the rider is seen when you look at the combination from the side. The rider's feet should not be lower than the horse's belly. You should not be able to see the other foot while looking from the side.

If you would like to have an Equestrian/Horse Riding category on here, then please go to the Forum (top right-hand corner) and suggest it. Thanks.

Answer 5

That depends, on your weight not height.
I'm 6'2 and rode alot of horses in my time when I was a teen, ( I was 6'0 then). My horses now are currently at and over 16.6hh. Its not your size in height that matters, but your weight that does.

Answer 6

she looks pretty stocky, so she should be fine if you do non-racing events. but keep in mind that judges do notice the rider's size in comparison to the horse's, so your combined talent must be pretty dang good to rule out the first glance of a judge.(if you show)

Answer 7

She's beautiful, but 15hh is too small for you if you're 5'9".
I'm only 5'7" and I recently retired my older horse (who is 15hh) and got a taller one.

Answer 8

well i think that it really doesn't matter on how tall you are it matters on what you plan on doing like barrel racing, pole bending,etc.

Answer 9

I think that is alittle to samll but you cant tell i would go look at it first befor look at it