Buying or adopting a horse is a huge commitment. You want to make sure both you and the horse will have a long and comfortable relationship. This is why it is imperative to ensure that the horse’s size is comparable to your own. An incorrectly-sized horse can not only be uncomfortable, but it also could be downright dangerous for both the horse and rider.
What size horse do you need? The size of the horse should be proportional to the rider both in weight and height. The general rule is that a horse should carry between 15 to 20 percent of their ideal weight, including the rider and equipment. After that, riding skills and the horse’s age and breed should also be considered.
The best way to pick a horse is to try different sizes. In the remainder of this article, we will explain more about horse sizes and how you can find the right horse for your height, weight, and experience level.
Why Horse and Rider Size Matters
As horses are living creatures, they have a limit to how much weight they can carry and still be able to perform. If you are a heavier rider, it is important not to overburden your horse. This could cause soreness and behavioral issues in the animal.
For smaller riders or children, a larger horse could be more challenging to control. It could even cause discomfort in the rider or even the horse.
When looking for a horse, it is essential to feel well balanced and not top-heavy. Additionally, your legs should not hang much below a horse’s belly. If these characteristics are out of proportion, it will cause difficulties for both the rider and the horse.
The next section will expand upon horse sizes and provide some vital terminology you will need to know when looking for a horse.
Horse Sizes Explained
Horses come in many shapes and sizes, but to know how these sizes differ, you should first understand how they are measured and standard equestrian terms that describe a horse’s shape and size.
Understanding Horse Size and Shape
- Hands: All horses are measured in “hands.” A hand is four inches wide and roughly the width of an adult’s palm. Horse height is measured from the ground to the withers (the highest part of a horse’s back, lying at the base of the neck above the shoulders). Taller horses will be more hands high. To learn how exactly to measure a horse, check out this article on Allpony.
- Conformation: This term refers to the structure of a horse: “Generally, a horse’s neck should be one and a half times the length of the head. The neck should lead to the horse’s body relatively high to provide good chest space” (UMN). For good conformation, their legs should also not be crooked, offset, or weakly muscled. Horses with good conformation can carry more weight. To find out the details of how to judge good conformation, check out this article and infographic from the University of New Mexico.
- Soundness: This denotes whether the horse is healthy and able to perform its intended use. A sounded horse has no illnesses or lameness. Unsoundness can interfere with the serviceability of the horse, and while it can sometimes be corrected, other times, it becomes a permanent part of the animal. Riding a horse that is the wrong size for you, especially too small, can result in temporary or permanent unsoundness.
- Equitation: This refers to the art or practice of horsemanship. A rider’s position, balance, and ability to safely ride a horse is the main principle of equitation. Riders who excel at these characteristics are more likely to be able to ride a wider variety of horses. This is due to the distribution of weight and skill at controlling the animal without roughness.
Horse Breeds, Size Differences, and Weight Requirements
There are many breeds of horses who each have different characteristics. Some were bred for heavy work like pulling carriages, whereas others were meant to go fast. These different jobs require horses of a variety of builds.
Draft horses, American Quarter Horses, or Icelandic horses are larger and stockier and tend to be used for more heavy workloads. In contrast, Arabians or Thoroughbreds are light-built and used in shows, racing, or dressage.
Ponies are smaller than horses (14.2 hands high or less) but stockier. They can carry more than the maximum 20% weight recommended for horses. However, as they are shorter, they are still not recommended for tall riders. They also have a more independent temperament. So, while they are “child-sized,” they may be too stubborn for a child to control. This is doubled if the child is still learning to ride.
To see a list of other popular horse breeds, check out this article by The Spruce Pets.
Equipment Weight
Equipment weight contributes to the overall amount a horse can carry. A western saddle can weigh as much as 60 pounds, while an English saddle is slimmer at 25 pounds or less. The type of equipment determines what you can do and how well you perform as a rider. This is also a factor that can push the rider past the 20% weight recommendation.
How to Choose the Right Sized Horse
Is your horse too small? If so, how big should your horse be? In choosing a horse to ride, it is not only essential to think of its purpose but also how it is sized for you.
Rider Weight Considerations
While a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior suggests that the rider should weigh less than 15% of the horse’s weight, a good general rule is that the rider plus any equipment should fit within the 15-20% weight range. There is some wiggle room here, depending on how skilled the rider is since the right balance can distribute weight more appropriately.
Keep in mind that you should measure this against a horse’s ideal weight. An overweight horse cannot carry more than he would were he in top physical shape.
Rider Height Considerations
While it is essential to consider the rider’s overall height when choosing a horse, you also should consider the rider’s proportions. Someone with a longer torso may not be comfortable on the same horse as a similarly tall individual with long legs. The rider’s legs should not hang much lower than the belly with the proper stirrup position. Additionally, they should not be so tall as to appear top-heavy.
Shorter riders can ride larger horses with reign or stirrup extensions, though comfort should still be the top priority. Additionally, they may need more skill and experience to be able to control a large horse without relying on strength alone.
Lastly, if you are looking at a horse for a child, keep in mind that they will grow. A pony or small horse may not be suitable for the long-term, whereas a horse that is too large may be difficult for the child to learn to control.
The best way to judge the fit for height is to try riding different horses until you find one that works.
Rider Skill
Think about carrying a child. It is much easier to carry one who is awake and hanging on than one who is asleep and uncontrolled. The same thing goes for riders. A rider who is loose and unbalanced will feel different to a horse versus someone who is in control and well balanced.
A less-skilled rider will cause extra work for the horse over time. If this is combined with an ill-fitted pairing, it could cause back or leg problems for the horse. Improving your riding skills via lessons and practice is a must for all riders. It will also lead to a better partnership over time with your chosen horse.
Horse’s Age
“Workload” for a horse is considered the weight of the rider, as well as any tasks the horse is expected to do. Very old or very young horses should have a lighter workload.
Horses continue to grow until the age of four. They should carry less weight at the beginning of their life to allow their body to develop. Horses that work too hard as young’uns may have fewer serviceable years, as opposed to those who are allowed to fully mature.
Also, old horses can develop arthritis and other muscle and bone issues. They should also be given a lighter workload in their golden years. However, with proper care and balance, horses can provide service well into their teens. Ponies also tend to have a longer life than horses, due to their smaller size and sturdiness.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you should go try out several horses before selecting one for you or your child. Only you can determine which horse is the most comfortable. However, if you take these guidelines into account, you and your new equine pal will have many happy years together!
References:
https://extension.umn.edu/horse-care-and-management/conformation-horse
https://www.thesprucepets.com/most-popular-horse-breeds-1886146