I wonder what horse size would be a good match for me -- I am 5'6", average build, and am wanting to get more serious in the sport of eventing. I have read that anything under 16.2 h is a stretch if wanting to event at higher levels. I know a lot of the "suitability" of the horse depends on its temperament. Let's assume that temperment is not a problem--what would be the ideal size/height range?
Answers:
You can event a smaller horse, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I forget the guys name (maybe Todd Minikus? from Australia or NZ), but a few years ago in the olympics he medaled in eventing on his 15.2-15.3 mare. That's about as high of a level of competition you will get. Being 5'6" and average build, you should shoot for 15.2-16.2 depending on the width of the horse. Besides temperment, I'd be more concerned about health and soundness (good feet are imperative). A TB or TBx is probably the best suited breed for eventing.
you should get a 15 hands high.Iv'e had the same problem.
Depends on what kind of eventing you are wanting to do. For fences you are going to want a taller horse like a thoroughbred, Standard bred. 16 - 17 hands. For something like Dressage 16 - 17 hand Gaited horses are good.
If you are looking for like western eventing. Quarter horses are the way to go. For anything with speed that doesn't require too much time off the ground you want something built shorter and a little more compact for speed. 15 -16 hands.
A CHEESE SIZED HORSE IS BEST FOR U!
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN MORE INTO THE RODEO CIRCUIT, BUT THE LITTLE I KNOW ABOUT EVENTING, YOU WERE TOLD RIGHT. 16. + IS ESSENTIEL. IF YOU HAVE A TRAINER, ASK HIM/HER TO HELP YOU FIND A SUITABLE HORSE.
Probably a 16.4hh, you might want to get one at 10-12yrs as they are well schooled and won't spook at usual things.
If you're really looking to go big you should be looking 16.1 on up. Most of the horses with the temperment and ability to event at that level are in that height range. They're just big breeds. You have to move at a certain speed and a smaller horse needs to work harder to maintain that rate and gets more fatiged towards the end of the course. I think that has a lot to do with it because a 15.2 15.3 horse can jump high and well but it's the whole course that counts. Good luck
Around 16 hands or a bit higher would work just fine. But really it's all about the talent and athletic ability of the horse! I've seen tiny little ponys jump amazing hieghts at shows! So while theres a better chance you will find a capable, alhletic horse at around 16 hands or more (since its easier for them to jump the higher jumps), and they also look nicer going over the jumps and can handle doing high jumps more often (because its easier for them), it really does just depend on the horses ability. Good luck!
Anything 16.0 and over would work for you. At 5'6" you are not that tall and your leg is not going to take up that much space on a horse.
It is more about the horses ability to handle the things your are wanting to do than breed or size.
it about more than just the height of the horse you have to look at his build, and especially his personality!!
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