I have an odd request.

My dad and I are going to construct somewhat of a mechanical horse. A saddle that is made of wood, simple. Something that would basically create a simple version of mounting a horse to help me build my strength.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me (whether by measuring, or what) the stirrup height of a horse that's about 15 hh, and the height that the saddle would be on a horse about 15 hh, as well as a general size (width, mostly) of the saddle, so I can kind of judge helping me get on.

If anyone is wondering, btw. My trainer is not that supportive with this, and it's frustrating a little. I can't practice on a real horse so I wanna get my leg-lifting muscles. (Even though I have access to ramps, I agree it's good to be able to do this, even with a stepstool). I wanna have the horse at a normal height and then add a step and then gradually remove it.

Without torturing your dad and making him build something for you, haha, you can simply do a lot of leg presses/leg lifts, if you would be interested in getting a gym membership or already have one. Or if you have access to a physical therapy or rehab facility with these machines?

But you would probably do best by practicing with whatever stirrup length and seat size fits you best. You can measure this by measuring the length from the tip of your middle finger to your armpit, and for a horse that's 15 hands high..... whats 4 times 15? That would be the highest point on a horse.

15
x4
-----
60 inches

60/12= 5 feet

So you would have to build a structure that's 5 feet at the highest, and then hang the stirrups probably about 4-5 inches off the sides.... I would suggest you somehow sit on the device and putting your legs in the desired position in order to find the best way to hang the stirrups.

It's confusing.

I swear I was /fine/ on a western saddle. That's because I was using a mixture of arm and leg strength. I get on from the right because I have issues and my right leg is stronger.

Though, seriously, he does project boats, and we're just mounting something to the side of the swingset, and it shouldn't be THAT big of a project. I have been doing squats, stuff with the ball, etc, but it's a lot different when I'm pulling my fat butt onto a 1000 pound animal.

So that's for the height. We were trying to make something to simulate the inability to grab that an English saddle eludes me with. Say maybe a foot just for something simple, for width, because I don't think it's that that's the problem I think it's actually getting me to swing up and over. But thanks for the armpit thing. I don't know how accurate it is considering I like my stirrups short, but I'll probably use a stool for a bit anyways. ^_^

I also like making things complicated. :P A lot of it is conditioning, and once I /can/ get on, just by doing it everyday will help my muscles.

If you're riding English, I would also suggest doing arm excercises then! Haha.

With a properly fitting English saddle, you should actually be able to fit your hand underneath the pommel so you could use that as a grab if you're mounting from the ground. From a mounting block, you would be able to just use the horses neck as a sort of lean. They also make grab straps that attach to the d rings on english saddles.

So he could attach a grab strap or perhaps make a groove sort of thing, or just make it look like a crane and have a 2x4 or something sticking out at the top?

As far as the width goes, I guess it depends on how fat/flat backed or narrow you want your horse to be. Ice is probably 2.5 feet at the widest point of his belly? But he has a very narrow frame.

I think if I have a bit stronger leg I should be able to do it. :P I'm going to try squats, I think. And actually I think my dad's trailer and boat are at a good height for this XDD So I think I can practice on that.

I must admit that this building idea is a little odd.

I'm not sure how and what kind of exercise would work to give you a leg strengthening workout. There are dozens of things you can do by either checking online or buying a couple exercise books or borrowing from your local library.

If you are absolutely set on owning something that resembles a horse, maybe you should consider finding a vaulting barrel. Might just do the same thing you want, but to be honest with you, I really don't get what it is you are trying to achieve with a horse looking structure.

Cheers.

^ She has a disability, M2G, and is looking to build up the correct muscles so it is easier for her to get on the real thing.

=/ Must I mention it's also hard to do squats with a sprained knee. Hopefully it won't take more than another week to heal completely (it only happened Wednesday).

I know a lot of people who have to use mounting blocks to get on their horses, so if you don't get beyond the use of a stool/ block that is ok. I actually think that what you and your dad are doing is a great way to practice mounting. Sounds like you've got a great dad! Its too bad your trainer isnt supportive of you.