Horses are beautiful creatures and mankind’s longstanding relationship with these animals has been ingrained into history. Even in the present age of modern transportation, there’s still something romantically alluring about horseback riding. For pleasure riders, horseback riding can be a delightful, and in some instances, profitable hobby – but a strong relationship with your animal is essential to make sure it stays fun.
Choosing the right horse can be a bit of a challenge, with so many considerations, including size, temperament, and activity level How do you know if a horse is the right fit for you.
How Tall Should Your Horse Be?
First and foremost, you need to consider the size of your mount. From ponies to draft horses, and everything in between, it’s possible find a horse to fit the shortest and one for the tallest person alive. When picking the right sized animal, you must first have a basic understanding of horse measurements. A horse is measured in “hands”, from the ground to its withers, the point between its shoulder blades. A hand is about four inches. The typical riding horse stands at around 56-64 inches at the shoulders, or 14-16 hands. A pony is generally under 14.2 hands while a draft horse is typically above 16 hands, and can carry more weight than most saddle breeds.Typically, a rider who is around five feet will want to look into a pony or horse that is under 15 hands, whereas a rider that is six feet will want a horse over 16 hands. The best way to gauge whether the horse is right for you, though, is to actually get on a horse. If you sit on a saddle, your feet should be no lower than the horse’s belly without using stirrups and it should feel like a comfortable fit. If your feet dangle any lower – you’ll likely need a taller animal.Another point to consider when it comes to size, is whether your legs hang comfortably around the horse. Some breeds have a wide barrel, such as most draft horses, resulting in an uncomfortable ride for inexperienced riders. Most ponies and saddle breeds have a smaller midsection, allowing for a more comfortable ride. When looking for your new horse, buy in Australia as you’ll want to make sure you have the opportunity to sit on the animal before you make your purchase.
Have You Outgrown Your Horse?
When picking a mount for children who are still growing, it’s important to make note of the specific rider size and weight requirements that are outlined for any particular breed of animal. There are many delicate breeds that can easily be injured by unsuitable loads. The Heavier Riders’ Guide by Beverly Whittington and Rhonda Hart-Poe gives this formula for finding out if your horse is the right size for you. First, add up your weight, the weight of the horse, and any tack – that’s the gear the horse will be carrying while you ride. Take a measurement of the circumference of the fetlock (that’s what would essentially be the horse’s ankle) and divide the weight by the circumference. Divide by two. If the remaining number is below 75, you are still within acceptable range. Between 75 and 80 is okay, but over 80 and you may have outgrown your horse.
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About the Author:If you find that you have outgrown your animal, you’ll need to make a decision. Many riders who can’t afford to keep two horses may have to sell a horse in order to continue riding – head online to find out more.