I tried out a mare today, and I am in LOVE with her. But is she too small for me? I'm 5'6", and she 15.2 (keep in mind, she's only 3, so she's still growing!)
<a href="http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2415155810102994787VjpJgu"><img src="http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/37551/2415155810102994787S500x500Q85.jpg" alt="DSCN2836"></a> ^Sorry about the bad quality...
And I really do love her, from what I've seen, but I don't want to get her if she's too small for me.
Well, she is a draft cross, so she will be chunky and thick.
Anonymous2009-01-25T12:00:03Z
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Either you're not really 5'6" or she's not really 15.2. You look a little big on her, but I think a lot of it is your winter riding attire. She might grow another inch, depending on her breed and bloodlines. It also depends on whether she's gonna fill out and get round. Your stirrups are a little short in the picture, which also gives the illusion that you're taking up more of her barrel than you really are.
I'm 5'6" too and I ride a 14 hand pony, but he's real round and stocky. When I'm on him people can't believe I'm 5'6" because they say I fit him very well.
When it comes down to it, a good match counts more than a few inches. If you're sure she's the right horse for you, go for it!
I'm pretty sure she's not to small for you as you said she is still growing & will proberbly mature to about 15.2/15.3hh so i'd say you're ok, put it this way i'm 5ft 9" & I own a 14.1hh gelding, he's fine, yes i'm a little to big but he can handle my weight due to his breed, i'd go by how strong he was not what you look like on his just think even though some horses are small they can be strong than the bigger horses, so if you think she's right for you then why not as if you can lease/loan her out for a few weeks so you can really find out & if you think she's perfect then buy her =]
There is no way that horse is 15.2 if you are 5'6". Remeasure the horse. Make sure she is on level ground, preferably concrete, and use a wooden or metal ruler, not tape, to get a more accurate measurement. Right now, even if she grows, I think you will look big on her. But, I am 5'8" and have a 15h horse. I look a little big on him, but because of his build I do not look too big. I love him, so I don't care if I look a little bit big. It is all up to you.
I can tell you from the picture that if you are 5'6" tall, this horse is not 15.2 hh. I'd put her closer to 14 to 14.2 hh. at most. How did the owner arrive at that height measurement for her? You do look too tall on her. Also note that at 3, her growth in height is probably complete, and the rest of her growth will be in length.
I think you guys will be a fine pair. Some ponies are able to carry people larger than you! If you plan on doing any jumping I think that might be pushing it unless she grows to be at least 16 hh. For now, I would stick to riding her on the flat. She looks strong and well built, so you're probably okay!
-P.S. She is a cutie pie! And sweetie, try to work on yoor position a little, that will make you and her more comfortable!