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Member
Posts: 5
| 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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 Expert
Posts: 1612
  
Location: Cocoa, Florida | 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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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | 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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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| 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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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | 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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 Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | 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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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | 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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 Too Skinny
Posts: 8009
Location: LA Lower Alabama | 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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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | 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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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| 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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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | 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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One Grateful Mom
Posts: 2702
Location: wolverton,mn | 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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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| 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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Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | 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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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | 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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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 575
| 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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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 338
Location: NE TX | 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
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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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
Location: Dubach, LA | 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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Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7622
Location: Dubach, LA | 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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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | 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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