Re: RC: Height in FEI Horses

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/10/99 7:42:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
Lyoness@Castlenet.com writes:

<< Heidi's observations about height were a surprise to me. If large arabs
 lack balance and proportion, then why are so many of the world champions
 on the large rather than small side.
 
 I had the opportunity to participate as crew at both the WEC in Dubai
 last December and Pan Am this summer.  The one thing that struck me
 clearly about the horses at both FEI events was their overall size. Most
 of these horses are not "little arabs". >>

Funny, but I didn't notice them being particularly large.  Nor have I noticed 
the top horses here being particularly large, especially as compared to the 
heights of the horses competing in general.  Believe me, I have good reason 
to notice large horses as a ride vet--I am only 5'1", and have arthritis in 
my shoulders to boot, so palpating backs on horses much over 15 hh causes me 
to take a deep breath and reach.  (I want to giggle every time I watch Mitch 
Benson.)  You are right that these horses are not "little" in that most have 
good substance.  But most are NOT overly tall, in my experience.  Can't think 
of any top horses that are truly tiny, either, but most are in the 14:3 to 15 
hh range, with an occasional one a bit smaller or a bit larger.

Heidi


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