Ridecamp: [RC] [Guest] What size horse

 Hi Mike  very strange this comes up from a rider very close to my
size and weight.
I just came back from looking at a few new horses for me.  More on that
later ..
I wanted a good size mount but have decided the very large 15-3 plus
and 1100 pounder  is NOT the correct size.

I am back riding my 20 yr old 15 hand 900 pnd little mare. It is
amazing just how much more athletic she is then my larger horse.

I have just looked at a barn full of really very nice Shayga-Arabs.  (OMAN
breeding)
Some were not for me  others were acceptable and few just great.

A 4yr old  who will be quite large looked great - but after
consideration, I think he will be too large for purpose.
I have decided to try out a 6 yr old that is about 15-2 or 2  no I did
not measure him.. he just looks right, had all the right stuff at least  I
think he does.

I would look for a 15-1/2 900 to 1000 pnd  at full size - opt for more
athletic vs stocky tank style. I think while they look like they can
carry the load - and they can, I believe after these past 5 years with
a large 'tank' body style  I have come to the conclusion they are not
that super athletic. They have problems getting out of their own way.
Depending on weight and balance they tend to load up the forehand and
may end up with other problems related to the size.

After working my 'little' grey jet these past 3 weeks has convinced me
I really do not need a big stock horse - for what I want to do.

You need one with short strong cannons. This 6 yr old has 7.5 in dia
cannon, he is a little longer in the back - but has a great top line
and really strong rear end. I think that is critical- a HW horse mush
have a good rear to get up and support the load.
Forehand should be light not loaded - Look for agility and balance -

The farm has quite a good number of nice horses, not all ready to ride,
most are young and   ready to go into training --

If anyone wants to talk   - call me I will fill you  in
423 253 2339 or 3882
Horses are in Lex Kty

> 
> MikeD mdickison@xxxxxxx
> 
> I would really like to hear some opinions. I am looking for a new horse to
> do endurance on. My current horse (15.1) bowed a tendon about 18 months ago.
> We had done several LD's and he was great. We completed one 50 and finished
> middle of the pack which I was very happy with. The next 2 rides I pulled,
> he was off. The 2nd of those rides was the one that did the damage. He is
> doing great now and is doing short trail rides and working in the arena. The
> question I am faced with is should I be looking for a horse that is larger
> or look for a stout smaller horse. I am 6'2" and 200lb without tack, 225lb
> with. I want to be competitive with time and training but I don't want my
> legs to hit the high spots on the trail:)
> 
> Mike
                       mailto:roger@xxxxxxxxxxx



=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws 
 Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=