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A question of size!

3523 Views 29 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  Cari123, 
Cari123
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Hi everyone,

I just joined and am looking for some reassurance honestly. I'll try to post in the welcome area right away too. Sorry to rush right into my question!

I recently fell in love with and bought a lovely little (tiny) warmblood mare. She's a gem and young at 3. Fantastic personality, manners and a joy to work with. I'm not regretting the purchase but her size is nagging at me! She's 14.1. Her former trainer swears by the string method and believes she's done for height. She was being sold due to her height (or lack there of) by a show jumping barn.

I was looking for a sweet, eager personality and athleticism for a trail partner. I didn't question her height until looking at pictures some time after... Is she too small? Would it bother you? Do you think she may yet grow??

I'm an experienced rider with 15 years under my belt, however it's been a long time since I purchased a horse and I admittedly got carried away. My experience is primarily with ottbs and Appaloosas. Pictured is the trainer- slightly taller but slimmer than me. I'm stocky and muscular at 145 lbs and 5'4 with short legs. She carried me well and will not be worked heavily until she matures. We do work within the 20% weight ratio but ug... I just don't know!

Thanks so much.

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Cari123
Thank you so much everyone! You've all been awesome at putting my mind at ease :) she's such a sweetheart I'd hate to be constantly questioning this as we work and progress. And thank you for the compliments on her!

You mare is lovely egrogan and thank you for the trail tread link. I'll definitely post pictures as we explore and move along.
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Cari123
Interesting thought! I don't think we have much jumping in our future but you never know. She was privatly owned at the stable and bought as a first horse for her adult owner who dreamed of jumping with the big guys. They were excited by her jumping ability but devistated when she quit growing. She sure looked out of place in that barn of 17hh horses lol! Whatever we end up doing together you're right and I'm sure we'll make tons if wonderful memories.
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Cari123
Thanks bsms! Wow you must have tons of trails and places to ride where you are, it looks like it goes on forever! I'm almost 30 but I understand where you're coming from. I used to love riding everything that was big, hot and a handful; but now with work, wedding planning and juggling schedules I don't want a chalenge each time I go out. Im totally all for a quirky, sound and sane mare on the smaller side. Super glad she doesnt seam too small though :)
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Cari123
Hey everyone, sorry for the delay! Work and stuff got in the way.

I don't know her breeding honestly. I'm curious as well. No papers.

Smilie, thank you for your posts! Lovely horses. Charlie looks massive in that last pic!

LoriF, the string test that was used is described well in this site (I just googled string test, horse and height). I love your mare!

Determine Horse Mature Height

HorseF, you have no idea! The school is a Taj Mahal. Multiple barns- some private and some rented by various trainers. Numerous outdoor arenas. One massive indoor with bleachers, offices etc. It's quite something.

DanteDressgageNerd, I've never ridden anything close to 18.2. I can't imagine it! Thank you for your words and bringing up Theodore O'Connor. I hadn't realized his rider was 5'6.

Thank you everyone!
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Cari123
Hey Loosie, not too worried about fashion on the trails either :) she won't be worked hard until she matures. Thanks for the saddle tip you may be right! It was the trainer's saddle and we'll certainly be looking for something more suited to her with a better fit.
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Cari123
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That's not me Jaydee, that's the trainer! I'm not that slim. I'll attach pics. I do hope she grows a bit yet and you guys are right she just might. Thank you LoriF, I'll try and and see what we get.

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Ok guys so the measurement along the cannon from mid knee to her coronet is... 15.25! More than I expected for sure! For fun I measured my 15.2hh 14 year old Appaloosa as well and got 15.5. Thanks again LoriF seams to be a great system. We'll see if it works with her I suppose.
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