Am i too big for her?

Question

OK so i have a paint mare, shes 2 1/2 years old and obviously still growing.
I am 16 years old, 5'10 and weigh around 155 lbs. Am i too big for her?
And how big do you think she will grow to be?
Her dam was 15.0hh and her sire was around 15.2 hh.
Heres a link to pictures:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561165169HlymjE

alright, after reading alot of these replies, it seems that i have not made myself completely clear :)
i am no where near riding her at this point. Light backing and a few circles around the arena to keep her fitness up a little and her mouth gentled to the bit is all. I will not be even considering going more than a walk until she is a little ways into her 3's, i have 2 other 4 year old tbs i can ride :P.

As mentioned, if i did not mention her current hight, i thought i did, is 14.1/14.2 about in between them.

Thanks for all this feedback and more is appreciated!

Also as mentioned i have a fabulous bond with this little mare. when i got her with her dam she was a month old and never been touched by a human except for when her halter was put on the first time. And i gentled her and raised her from then on in, so we have something truely special.

Thank you to all those who have commented on how beautiful she is, she really is and i am so lucky to have such an amazing horse.

Answer 1

I love the markings on this horse, I would like to purchase her. When can I pick her up? LOL Just kidding but seriously she is a beautiful animal.

I'm against riding before any horse hits 3 to 3.5 years of age, however she will not reach the standard 15.3 + hands of the TBs I work with. Seeing as her optimum height will be around 15 hands the you could possibly ride her sooner. The only thing I would say on the matter is that you are very very tall for a 16 yr old. So you might look a bit awkward on her but you will not hurt her by riding her.

Answer 2

At the moment she is too immature, both physically and mentally, to cope with being ridden. The bones and joints are delicate, and work at such a young age can have a huge impact on the rest of the horse's life. Wait until she is at least 3 (personally I wait until 4) before you start to ride her. Her bones will not be at their full density until she is about 5 or 6 so take it slowly.

It's hard to say how big she will be as you haven't said how big she is now. She probably won't get much more height, but she ought to grow outwards and mature through her limbs.

Answer 3

She looks like a real sweet-heart!!! You have obviously established a great connection with her! Backing her and a little walk about is good for her at this age....it will make riding and training her much easier when she is ready for it. She may be a bit smalish now, but she is going to grow alot in the next year. Maybe not much more then 15 h.h. but she will definatley broaden out....especially through her chest and rib cage which will help take up your leg, and make it feel like you are riding a "bigger" horse. QH's are mostly not much taller than 15.2, yet you frequently see them riden comfortably by full grown men that are much taller and heavier than you.

Answer 4

Your size is no problem. I have seen some excellent riders such as William Fox Pit who are very tall yet extremely effective. Its not a riders size that matters but their ability to sit quietly and effectively on their horse. I have seen some so called perfect riders who have neat figures banging about on their horses backs and pulling on their mouths to stop themselves from falling off due to poor riding ability. So stop worrying that you may be a bit taller and go and have fun with your horse.

Answer 5

ok well are you just going to trail ride her or what?
if its serious competition then you need to wait until she is fully grown.

i cannot say how tall she will be, but if i had to guess i would say around 15 hh and if shes not that then she should be only a little bit shorter. but the generations from far back could take place with the height.

sorry if i have been babbling on. hope i could help!!

Answer 6

No not really. If shes not having any troubles walking with you on her than I think your ok. I think she will end around 15 hands because of her dam and sire. Shes beautiful. My friend had a paint and when you gave her a bath you could see black outlining around her spots.

Answer 7

i would really wait it would be like a 2 1/2 year old baby trying to give a 16 year old a piggy back ride! wait or youll hurt the horse!

Answer 8

give her time to grow. but no you are nopt too big...

Answer 9

I don't think your size is an issue either. I wouldn't ride her hard for a while. Let her develop a little more. I think your on the right track being concerned for her well fair.

Answer 10

you aren't too big for her, but if I were you, I would just ride her lightly not a lot of trotting and no cantering since you are already riding her, until her knees are fully developed. she's pretty.