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Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?
RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 9:35 AM
Subject: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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So I have always been heavier, although I am only 5’3” I’m solidly built and have a bigger bust (lol) so I’m a bit top heavy but I have gained 20 lbs in the last two years (new relationship) and I’m very unhappy but am slowly working on getting back in shape. I’m 200 lbs give it take and I’m skinny at 150 but ideally I’d like to get back to 165-170 at least. Either way right now I feel like I’m to big for my mare, she’s 14.2 almost 14.3, she’s not a bulldog but she’s somewhat stocky. I’ve had her a year now and she’s only been in barrels a year and a half at most and I’m still only running 4D sometimes bottom of 3D. I don’t know if my weight is inhibiting her performance a lot or if I should buy something bigger that can carry me better. I’m torn because I reallllllly like this mare, she’s super athletic and has a motor and it has taken me all year to learn to sit up and stay with her because she’s so quick and catty. I know IM the problem, but as I’m almost 36 it’s not as easy to loose weight and time is a huge factor also.

I feel bad for my mare and I feel like I should get something bigger, someone told me the other day that I’m going to break her down faster bc I’m to heavy for her and that really hurt my confidence. I’ll try to share a pic. Please be honest!

Don’t know what to do
Click on links for pics
 photo A9F59420-7B60-4C60-88FD-035F4F9266AA.jpeg

 photo 77496A99-DE54-4648-8F35-1F4DBC7BD296.jpeg

Edited by RnRJack 2018-04-09 9:47 AM
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horsegirl
Reg. Feb 2004
Posted 2018-04-09 9:42 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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My weight fluctuates from 165 to 200. I'm at 195 right now, unfortunately. I prefer tall and big horses for this reason. Otherwise, I feel too big. I think the smaller horses are capable of handling it, but I just feel self-conscious. 
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rodeomom3
Reg. Dec 2007
Posted 2018-04-09 9:48 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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 I think the general rule is 20% of your horses weight?   The most important factor is if you ride balanced and quiet.  I think weight does play a factor but not sure how much. Btw, you are so pretty:). 
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horsegirl
Reg. Feb 2004
Posted 2018-04-09 9:49 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Also, I believe it was Ed Wright that said something to the effect of it doesnt matter your size, but how well you ride and how quiet you are in the saddle. Gosh I wish I could remember how he worded it. Someone posted it on here once after hearing it from him at a clinic.
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 9:52 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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rodeomom3 - 2018-04-09 9:48 AM

 I think the general rule is 20% of your horses weight?   The most important factor is if you ride balanced and quiet.  I think weight does play a factor but not sure how much. Btw, you are so pretty:). 

Aw thank you very much, I work very very hard to ride balanced, although I gained weight I’m still very strong in the core somehow lol!! This is a cutting bred mare that has taught me to sit up! I feel like she’s young and is going to get faster also.

It’s just always been struggle to stay slimmer
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 9:53 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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horsegirl - 2018-04-09 9:42 AM

My weight fluctuates from 165 to 200. I'm at 195 right now, unfortunately. I prefer tall and big horses for this reason. Otherwise, I feel too big. I think the smaller horses are capable of handling it, but I just feel self-conscious. 

It makes me self conscious when someone tells me how small she is or that I’m going to break her down, and I’m not one to run their legs off
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 9:55 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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14.2 is pretty small to me and if she is light framed thats really small, me I dont like riding a smaller horse I have always felt awkard on the smaller ones, they got to be at least 15 hands on up for me, but I'm taller and got long legs and weight between 155 to 163 at times.Since you say you feel bad for this mare carring you I think I would want a bigger horse. I would think your weight would be a bit inhibiting to her, I would want something build more heavier and more height. I hope this dont offend you but being honest even if you were asking me in person 
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ajs2002
Reg. Apr 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 9:58 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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I agree with everyone else that said it depends on how you ride.  A good balanced rider can make all the difference in the world. That being said if she has little spindley legs I would worry a touch. My last horse was about your mares size and I run on average during the summer months right around 160 lbs. I never ever felt like I was too big for her and usually in the spring when we started out I was closer to the 175-180 mark. She also never struggled. Ride your horse, enjoy each go, and ignore the haters.

 
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 9:59 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Your pictures dont work for me, theres alot of junk when I did click onto them.. I remember when you bought this horse I think, it was back in 2017 of April/May right? I remember shes a cute little mare.. 

Edited by Southtxponygirl 2018-04-09 10:09 AM
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rodeomom3
Reg. Dec 2007
Posted 2018-04-09 10:13 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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RnRJack - 2018-04-09 9:52 AM
rodeomom3 - 2018-04-09 9:48 AM  I think the general rule is 20% of your horses weight?   The most important factor is if you ride balanced and quiet.  I think weight does play a factor but not sure how much. Btw, you are so pretty:). 
Aw thank you very much, I work very very hard to ride balanced, although I gained weight I’m still very strong in the core somehow lol!! This is a cutting bred mare that has taught me to sit up! I feel like she’s young and is going to get faster also. It’s just always been struggle to stay slimmer
I know the struggle all too well. I am 57 and weigh 165, I should be around 150 but I’m OK with carrying an extra 15 pounds, I don’t want to do what it takes to stay at 150. I was up to 205 when my girls quit riding after high school and I wanted to start I knew I needed to get in shape so I hit the gym started eating right, told myself I would work as hard as my horses. As I lost weight I told my husband it was an ego trip to go workout because everyone was telling me I looked great, lol. That sure helped to keep me going.  I would lose five or 10 pounds and then stay there for a month or two and then lose another five or 10 and stay there a month or two, now it’s pretty easy to stay between 160 and 165. Oh, and getting older is quite the motivator my goal is for everybody to tell me I don’t look like a grandma :) plus an even bigger motivator is to be active as long as I can to ride with my grand kids. The main thing I learned from going to the gym and working out is I had always thought of myself as one of the unlucky ones who didn’t get the good “skinny genes”. The gym was not full of overweight people, it was full of those people that we think of as lucky and are just thin and healthy. I guarantee, although there are a few who don’t have to work at it, the majority of those we think are lucky work at it just as hard as we do.

Edited by rodeomom3 2018-04-09 10:16 AM
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 10:22 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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horsegirl - 2018-04-09 9:49 AM Also, I believe it was Ed Wright that said something to the effect of it doesnt matter your size, but how well you ride and how quiet you are in the saddle. Gosh I wish I could remember how he worded it. Someone posted it on here once after hearing it from him at a clinic.

Ed Wright sold a lady I knew a little 14.2 hand mare the lady was way to big for her, she weight about 200 maybe a little more but that little mare struggle with this lady the whole time to where the mare fell at the second barrel every time the lady ran her, I felt so sorry for this mare. After a year she sold the mare to a friend of mine and they were a good team she still has this mare that is retired to this day..And that was a really long time ago, I was a bit shocked that Ed sold this little mare to this lady in the first place, the lady was not a balance rider she could hardy ride anything. 
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 10:41 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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If pics won’t work here a video from dec/Jan I think

https://youtu.be/0azgwOWD1IQ


This was March
https://youtu.be/_ZAm4SVhITI

This was this past Friday night

https://youtu.be/u4DyLg9GGZw

Edited by RnRJack 2018-04-09 10:48 AM
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ajs2002
Reg. Apr 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 10:48 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Your fine. Would losing some weight help your riding... absolutely. Mostly because you have the extra up top thats a bunch to hold back when you get set forward. I don't have that issue when I gain I am still a c cup. It shows up in my booty and my thighs. So some core work outs are going to be your friend. Strengthen the core and it will strengthen your whole body and help you stay centered which will help her use herself better.  But she doesn't appear to be struggling to me. Enjoy your horse.
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Southtxponygirl
Reg. Nov 2006
Posted 2018-04-09 10:53 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



A Somebody to Everybody


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RnRJack - 2018-04-09 10:41 AM If pics won’t work here a video from dec/Jan I think https://youtu.be/0azgwOWD1IQ This was March https://youtu.be/_ZAm4SVhITI This was this past Friday night https://youtu.be/u4DyLg9GGZw

She is a nice little mare I like her, you ride her really nice, and the arena looks really nice/good ground, if you keep riding her please be choosey on the ground you run her on, with you riding her nice and good ground you two will be ok.  
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JLazyT_perf_horses
Reg. Dec 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 10:59 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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I gained 70lbs and since then I can't get my horse out of the 4D. Went from occasionally sneaking in the 2D to being consistent 3D and now can't get close. My saddle + my weight is more than 20% of my horse's body weight. He's 15.2 and 1150lbs and I'm 5'7". Trying to get back down to the 140 I used to be. My 4 year old I'm starting deserves better than me being overweight flopping on her back like a monkey, so I'm making a change this year. Getting back to running & eating better. Plus when I gained weight my horse's chiropractic issues shot up, he needs worked on at least once a month now minimum and my guy is $200 each time. I used to get by every 2-2.5 months, so it's hit my checkbook hard too. You're best bet is just to try to ride as best you can, balanced and quiet & try to get the weight off. My gelding is big boned and sturdy, but I slow him down quite a bit being heavy.
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Griz
Reg. Sep 2003
Posted 2018-04-09 11:12 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I think you're fine! I've seen some pretty big girls ride nice and balanced and I've seen some small girls flop all over the place. I think you ride her nice!
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Racer4eva
Reg. Feb 2009
Posted 2018-04-09 11:34 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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Think you look great!! Im 5'10 and pretty solid. My gelding is about 15 hand on a good day. Could i lose some weight yes, but does life get in the way sometimes yes. I just try and stay a balanced rider and he seems to have no troubles. I once had a chiro who worked on mostly english horses tell me i was to fat for my horse. I will always remember that. She was an anorexic woman who told me it would probably be better if my mom rode my horse (my moms 5'2 and 125lb) Since then ive always been ocd about his back, my tack and my riding. He has no troubles turning or running and i keep an eye on everything
Edited to add the woman who came out to chiro came out because he had hurt himself on a 2 day trailer ride and not because of me riding. Hes seen a chiro since and ive asked others and none have said I was too big for him

Edited by Racer4eva 2018-04-09 12:16 PM
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Meep.Meep
Reg. Jun 2017
Posted 2018-04-09 11:40 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I don't mean to be Debbie Downer but I do think it's unfair to make a smaller horse carry a big rider. You ride very well, but I do see her struggling on the backsides of her turns.
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3canstorun
Reg. May 2007
Posted 2018-04-09 11:43 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Your riding at this point isn't bad.  But, think of how much better it can be if you were to strengthen your core and loose some weight. 

I always think of Brenda Mays and how she was thicker for one NFR and then she made a change.  And, it made a huge difference. 

Losing weight now will only help you in the future, both in your riding and your overall well being. 

 
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WYOTurn-n-Burn
Reg. Sep 2004
Posted 2018-04-09 11:49 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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I'm a bigger gal, 5'9 and my weight fluctuates between 190-195, my horse is about 15.2 hands. By some people's standards I shouldn't be barrel racing or riding a horse that small. But you know what? I don't give two sh*ts!  Life is short, enjoy the cake and the horse because you're never promised tomorrow. Do what makes you happy!! If you feel like you could lose some pounds than do it. I can tell you that in the last year I lost about 50 and it changed the way I can ride dramatically (better balance).  But don't stop riding your horse in the process, just go do your thing gal and have fun!!
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Poteet96
Reg. Dec 2017
Posted 2018-04-09 12:13 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I'm 5'9" and 145lbs, and my #1 horse is 14.2h. I think the post about how you ride is more important than size is very true. I ride my 14.2 mare better than I ride my 15.2h gelding, and our times prove it. It's rare when my gelding runs as fast as my mare, never mind out-clocks her.
Who cares what anyone thinks. You love your mare and you're having fun, that's all that matters.
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 12:23 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Meep.Meep - 2018-04-09 11:40 AM

I don't mean to be Debbie Downer but I do think it's unfair to make a smaller horse carry a big rider. You ride very well, but I do see her struggling on the backsides of her turns.

I agree she could be quicker in her turns, I am still working on her also, this is the fastest she’s gone since she’s been started and things start to fall apart a bit. She was very front endy when I got her so I had to work with a trainer and get her working more correct, we still have a long way to go and loosing some weight will help her also. It’s not Debbie downing it’s the truth, but to help justify it a little she is not completely seasoned yet.
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 12:30 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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I agree with everyone who said loosing weight will help all around, sometimes I loose 30 lbs then gain it all back my weight fluctuates a lot I just want to make sure in my journey that for right now I’m okay and don’t need to go out and get a bigger horse. I’m afraid I’ll regret selling her when I do loose the weight. She’s only 7 and just started a year ago, I know a lot get faster with time also. Meanwhile I’m gonna start hitting the gym a lot more and making better choices with food, I just have a hard time saying no to sweets! I love being activ and working out but with a family and full time job plus riding it’s hard! (No excuses though I know) I’ve never been a skinny Minnie even when I was younger!
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OhMax
Reg. Feb 2013
Posted 2018-04-09 1:07 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I’m 5’9, 155-160 and my main gelding is 14.1, my colt is 14.3.

I’d like to lose 10-15lbs but I carry what I have very proportionally and my bone structure is broader so it may not happen - but I am shooting to gain core strength so I can be an asset to my horse instead of hindering him. I think in my case my height is more of an issue than weight, if I can’t hold my position in the turns he will step into the barrel.

Our horses range from 14.1 to 15.3 with most being 14.3-15.1. My husband is 6’4 and 260 and rides/has ridden all of them to rope on.
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fulltiltfilly
Reg. Dec 2008
Posted 2018-04-09 1:47 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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ajs2002 - 2018-04-09 10:58 AM I agree with everyone else that said it depends on how you ride.  A good balanced rider can make all the difference in the world. That being said if she has little spindley legs I would worry a touch. My last horse was about your mares size and I run on average during the summer months right around 160 lbs. I never ever felt like I was too big for her and usually in the spring when we started out I was closer to the 175-180 mark. She also never struggled. Ride your horse, enjoy each go, and ignore the haters.



 

^^This. You need to do what YOU feel comfortable doing. I personally think you ride the mare nicely. Remember, not everyone is meant to be a size 5. Good riders come in all shapes and sizes.   
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slacy09
Reg. Nov 2005
Posted 2018-04-09 3:06 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Southtxponygirl - 2018-04-09 9:55 AM 14.2 is pretty small to me and if she is light framed thats really small, me I dont like riding a smaller horse I have always felt awkard on the smaller ones, they got to be at least 15 hands on up for me, but I'm taller and got long legs and weight between 155 to 163 at times.Since you say you feel bad for this mare carring you I think I would want a bigger horse. I would think your weight would be a bit inhibiting to her, I would want something build more heavier and more height. I hope this dont offend you but being honest even if you were asking me in person 

Agree... 
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 4:40 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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OhMax - 2018-04-09 1:07 PM

I’m 5’9, 155-160 and my main gelding is 14.1, my colt is 14.3.

I’d like to lose 10-15lbs but I carry what I have very proportionally and my bone structure is broader so it may not happen - but I am shooting to gain core strength so I can be an asset to my horse instead of hindering him. I think in my case my height is more of an issue than weight, if I can’t hold my position in the turns he will step into the barrel.

Our horses range from 14.1 to 15.3 with most being 14.3-15.1. My husband is 6’4 and 260 and rides/has ridden all of them to rope on.

Before I got her she was a dayworking mans horse that was well over 200 lbs, maybe 220-230 and they rode for hours and hours for 2-3 years straight. She’s cutting bred and I’ve seen some big men ride cutting horses although they don’t ask them to run quite as long?

In response to all the chiro comments: her back is usually always good, I use a very good sports medicine vet from Ocala, Fl. Her neck is out sometimes and has had some si issues when I got her but she usually holds all her adjustments - I ride in a Tammy Fischer also.
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cowgalsissy
Reg. Dec 2008
Posted 2018-04-09 4:52 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Do I see a horse that is struggling, No. Do I think the horse is able to work to peak potential, No. While speed is the goal, this sport is about having fun so if you notice your horse getting sore then maybe it's time to help her out but otherwise let what others say bounce off. It hurts to hear but they may be trying to help if you were asking 
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-09 5:19 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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cowgalsissy - 2018-04-09 4:52 PM

Do I see a horse that is struggling, No. Do I think the horse is able to work to peak potential, No. While speed is the goal, this sport is about having fun so if you notice your horse getting sore then maybe it's time to help her out but otherwise let what others say bounce off. It hurts to hear but they may be trying to help if you were asking 

I absolutely agree, I know we can’t get to her peak potential until I loose some weight, I just want to make sure that the weight I’m at now isn’t hurting her
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luckyjo
Reg. Apr 2007
Posted 2018-04-09 8:17 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I'm definitely a believer in the 20% rule. Never expect a horse to perform to its best ability or hold up health wise with more than 20% of its own weight on its back. Tack plus the weight of the rider are ideally less than 20% of the horse's weight.
In terms of the horse's height, a tall rider on a short horse can make or break the horse's balance and speed around the barrels.
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Chandler's Mom
Reg. Jan 2015
Posted 2018-04-09 8:59 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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RnRJack - 2018-04-09 9:53 AM

horsegirl - 2018-04-09 9:42 AM

My weight fluctuates from 165 to 200. I'm at 195 right now, unfortunately. I prefer tall and big horses for this reason. Otherwise, I feel too big. I think the smaller horses are capable of handling it, but I just feel self-conscious. 

It makes me self conscious when someone tells me how small she is or that I’m going to break her down, and I’m not one to run their legs off

I want to say something very tacky about whoever told you that about "breaking her down" because of your size, but I'm not. Y'all know what I'm thinking anyway!!! I don't barrel race, but the main horse I rode for several years on trails is half pony and half Quarter Horse. He's probably pushing hard to be 14.1. I'm 5'9" and weigh probably 190. He had NO problems toting me up mountains, down creeks, jumping logs, you name it. I didn't "break him down". As a matter of fact I bought him a year ago from the girl that owned him. Shame on those people---and I say YOU GO GIRL

Edited by Chandler's Mom 2018-04-09 9:11 PM
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hotbear03
Reg. Oct 2005
Posted 2018-04-09 10:55 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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I think you and your horse are a good team. You work on your goals and your horse will be that much better! I don’t think you are going to harm your horse AT ALL,
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Griz
Reg. Sep 2003
Posted 2018-04-10 5:45 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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Chandler's Mom - 2018-04-09 8:59 PM

RnRJack - 2018-04-09 9:53 AM

horsegirl - 2018-04-09 9:42 AM

My weight fluctuates from 165 to 200. I'm at 195 right now, unfortunately. I prefer tall and big horses for this reason. Otherwise, I feel too big. I think the smaller horses are capable of handling it, but I just feel self-conscious. 

It makes me self conscious when someone tells me how small she is or that I’m going to break her down, and I’m not one to run their legs off

I want to say something very tacky about whoever told you that about "breaking her down" because of your size, but I'm not. Y'all know what I'm thinking anyway!!! I don't barrel race, but the main horse I rode for several years on trails is half pony and half Quarter Horse. He's probably pushing hard to be 14.1. I'm 5'9" and weigh probably 190. He had NO problems toting me up mountains, down creeks, jumping logs, you name it. I didn't "break him down". As a matter of fact I bought him a year ago from the girl that owned him. Shame on those people---and I say YOU GO GIRL

I can't IMAGINE telling someone that (about you're breaking her down) - people can sure be RUDE and MEAN. Sometimes people shouldn't say just anything that pops into their heads without first thinking about how hurtful it is.

Edited by Griz 2018-04-10 5:46 AM
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-10 6:05 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Griz - 2018-04-10 5:45 AM

Chandler's Mom - 2018-04-09 8:59 PM

RnRJack - 2018-04-09 9:53 AM

horsegirl - 2018-04-09 9:42 AM

My weight fluctuates from 165 to 200. I'm at 195 right now, unfortunately. I prefer tall and big horses for this reason. Otherwise, I feel too big. I think the smaller horses are capable of handling it, but I just feel self-conscious. 

It makes me self conscious when someone tells me how small she is or that I’m going to break her down, and I’m not one to run their legs off

I want to say something very tacky about whoever told you that about "breaking her down" because of your size, but I'm not. Y'all know what I'm thinking anyway!!! I don't barrel race, but the main horse I rode for several years on trails is half pony and half Quarter Horse. He's probably pushing hard to be 14.1. I'm 5'9" and weigh probably 190. He had NO problems toting me up mountains, down creeks, jumping logs, you name it. I didn't "break him down". As a matter of fact I bought him a year ago from the girl that owned him. Shame on those people---and I say YOU GO GIRL

I can't IMAGINE telling someone that (about you're breaking her down) - people can sure be RUDE and MEAN. Sometimes people shouldn't say just anything that pops into their heads without first thinking about how hurtful it is.

I have learned to let things go, yes it was a hurtful statement but I think she was just thinking of the well being of my mare, either way Like I said, I keep her in shape and usually only run twice a month since she’s all I have going right now. Yes I’m aware I can loose weight and we can get faster but I’m just a divisional barrel racer right now, I don’t have time to rodeo even if I wanted to nor do I think she’d be fast enough to be a pro rodeo horse. I still want to loose weight and get healthier for both of us of course but im being realistic about our goals and ability.
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rodeowithjoker
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2018-04-10 11:26 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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I have a 14 hand gelding and he has won a good amount of rodeo money with my 5-6, 145-150 pound butt on him. He's a very stout made, thick horse, but I darn sure wouldn't want to ride him if I were any taller. As it is now, I struggle to stay centered just because my center of gravity is higher than it really needs to be on him. He has no trouble carrying the weight, but the balance of height could be a problem for a monster midget like him.
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rpreast
Reg. Nov 2015
Posted 2018-04-10 12:09 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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RnRJack - 2018-04-09 3:40 PM

OhMax - 2018-04-09 1:07 PM

I’m 5’9, 155-160 and my main gelding is 14.1, my colt is 14.3.

I’d like to lose 10-15lbs but I carry what I have very proportionally and my bone structure is broader so it may not happen - but I am shooting to gain core strength so I can be an asset to my horse instead of hindering him. I think in my case my height is more of an issue than weight, if I can’t hold my position in the turns he will step into the barrel.

Our horses range from 14.1 to 15.3 with most being 14.3-15.1. My husband is 6’4 and 260 and rides/has ridden all of them to rope on.

Before I got her she was a dayworking mans horse that was well over 200 lbs, maybe 220-230 and they rode for hours and hours for 2-3 years straight. She’s cutting bred and I’ve seen some big men ride cutting horses although they don’t ask them to run quite as long?

In response to all the chiro comments: her back is usually always good, I use a very good sports medicine vet from Ocala, Fl. Her neck is out sometimes and has had some si issues when I got her but she usually holds all her adjustments - I ride in a Tammy Fischer also.

Those cutters are at 2 min & 30 sec of working time vs. less than 30 seconds of running barrels. PLUS a minimum of an hour warm up. Your mare has the good end of the stick running barrels. lol
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Flamin10
Reg. Nov 2008
Posted 2018-04-10 5:07 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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RnRJack - 2018-04-09 9:35 AM

So I have always been heavier, although I am only 5’3” I’m solidly built and have a bigger bust (lol) so I’m a bit top heavy but I have gained 20 lbs in the last two years (new relationship) and I’m very unhappy but am slowly working on getting back in shape. I’m 200 lbs give it take and I’m skinny at 150 but ideally I’d like to get back to 165-170 at least. Either way right now I feel like I’m to big for my mare, she’s 14.2 almost 14.3, she’s not a bulldog but she’s somewhat stocky. I’ve had her a year now and she’s only been in barrels a year and a half at most and I’m still only running 4D sometimes bottom of 3D. I don’t know if my weight is inhibiting her performance a lot or if I should buy something bigger that can carry me better. I’m torn because I reallllllly like this mare, she’s super athletic and has a motor and it has taken me all year to learn to sit up and stay with her because she’s so quick and catty. I know IM the problem, but as I’m almost 36 it’s not as easy to loose weight and time is a huge factor also.

I feel bad for my mare and I feel like I should get something bigger, someone told me the other day that I’m going to break her down faster bc I’m to heavy for her and that really hurt my confidence. I’ll try to share a pic. Please be honest!

Don’t know what to do
Click on links for pics
 photo A9F59420-7B60-4C60-88FD-035F4F9266AA.jpeg

 photo 77496A99-DE54-4648-8F35-1F4DBC7BD296.jpeg

I'm in the same boat as you, bigger everywhere including the chest. I am bigger than you are saying and my mare is smaller. I am also trying to lose weight and get down to 165-170 cause I think I will feel better and ride better. In the mean time, I had a friend run my mare back in October and she clocked on her about the same time I normally do, 3D-4D time. I do feel that my weight is harder on her since she is smaller and I am VERY self conscious, however my friend is shorter than I am and MAYBE 130lbs soaking wet and being that they clocked around the same D I usually clock it improved my confidence that while I work (and sometimes fail) to lose this extra baggage that I am carrying and making her carry, we can keep going out and having fun!
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CanCan
Reg. May 2004
Posted 2018-04-10 7:15 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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luckyjo - 2018-04-09 8:17 PM I'm definitely a believer in the 20% rule. Never expect a horse to perform to its best ability or hold up health wise with more than 20% of its own weight on its back. Tack plus the weight of the rider are ideally less than 20% of the horse's weight. In terms of the horse's height, a tall rider on a short horse can make or break the horse's balance and speed around the barrels.

 So what’s your degree? Your last published research? Peer reviewed? Probably a 5’2 110 pounds of solid A***H****.
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CanCan
Reg. May 2004
Posted 2018-04-10 7:17 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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You ladies quit shaming your bodies. Stop. If you are healthy and balanced and can ride and have fun, go do it guilt free.
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Chandler's Mom
Reg. Jan 2015
Posted 2018-04-11 12:50 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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rpreast - 2018-04-10 12:09 PM

RnRJack - 2018-04-09 3:40 PM

OhMax - 2018-04-09 1:07 PM

I’m 5’9, 155-160 and my main gelding is 14.1, my colt is 14.3.

I’d like to lose 10-15lbs but I carry what I have very proportionally and my bone structure is broader so it may not happen - but I am shooting to gain core strength so I can be an asset to my horse instead of hindering him. I think in my case my height is more of an issue than weight, if I can’t hold my position in the turns he will step into the barrel.

Our horses range from 14.1 to 15.3 with most being 14.3-15.1. My husband is 6’4 and 260 and rides/has ridden all of them to rope on.

Before I got her she was a dayworking mans horse that was well over 200 lbs, maybe 220-230 and they rode for hours and hours for 2-3 years straight. She’s cutting bred and I’ve seen some big men ride cutting horses although they don’t ask them to run quite as long?

In response to all the chiro comments: her back is usually always good, I use a very good sports medicine vet from Ocala, Fl. Her neck is out sometimes and has had some si issues when I got her but she usually holds all her adjustments - I ride in a Tammy Fischer also.

Those cutters are at 2 min & 30 sec of working time vs. less than 30 seconds of running barrels. PLUS a minimum of an hour warm up. Your mare has the good end of the stick running barrels. lol

I've seen Austin Shepherd ride some mighty small horses in the cutting pen for those 2 1/2 minutes, and they do fine. And he's a big guy. Your girl will be fine I bet, and I also bet you come back on here before long with an update talking about your weight loss---I just have that feeling
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RnRJack
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2018-04-12 6:21 AM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?



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Thank you everyone for your replies and support, I have decided I will probably sell her but not because I feel like she’s to small but because I have been riding a really nice otmr gelding who I get along with a little better. At this moment in life I can only have one horse unfortunately so it’s a hard decision but I will keep striving to get in shape for ME! And my horse of course!
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cow pie
Reg. Nov 2009
Posted 2018-04-13 9:12 PM
Subject: RE: Small horse, bigger rider, what do you think?


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Looks like your horse is plenty big enough for you..I have seen several large ladies run 14 hand horse for the win.don't let. It Get to you
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