Re: exercises?

["Becky Huffman" <tos@htcomp.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Marlene Moss <marlene.moss@wcom.com>>
> Her current prospect is 15 hands, but that's a lot of withers, so he's>
closer to 14.2.  She is 5'2", a little overweight (around 150).  She is>
pretty tough, but just has a very difficult time mounting.  I've

This is a confusing issue for me.  I am 5'6 and the biggest horse I have
ever owned was just under 15 hands.  My best, strongest horse was about 14.3
and I am currently riding a (barely) 14.2.  My weight has fluctuated
(between 135 and 210 - 2 kids! <G>) I've ridden 'ponies' as small as 13.2-3
and have not felt that I overpowered them. I've been on bigger horses that I
enjoyed, but none that could make me trade in my little guys. I rode a mare
today that is a half inch over 14hh and she is about as much horse as I have
ever been on.  I have no doubt that she could easily carry me, or someone
bigger, 50 or 100 miles or more.  I have friends and have known many people
who insist on having a horse that they have difficulty grooming, saddling
and bridling because the horse is too large (IMO - not humble) for them. -
not to mention the problems they have getting on!  I have seen short-legged
people on horses that I didn't think could have effective communications
with their legs!!

Why don't you get your mom a horse that she can really enjoy?!?  If she is
5"2' - why does she need a 15hh horse?  I know that seems to be a magical
number, but there are a **lot** of good (short!) pleasure, trail *and*
endurance horses out there that (IMO-again<G>) would be much more
comfortable for her.  13.3-14.1 is plenty big for someone that height and
weight, especially if you look at the *old*-style bred Arabs or Paso Fino
(speaking from personal experience - I'm sure there are others!).  If you
haven't bought the 15hh guy yet....  do a little more shopping.  I'm not
saying "don't get him", I'm just saying you should TRY some of these smaller
guys - you (and your mom) may be very surprised - and she could end up with
a real friend that she can spend time with, not someone who scares and
embarrasses her!!!

Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas
Huffman's Arabians ~ The Original Series ~
http://www.htcomp.net/Huffman/

"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from
doing something worthwhile."
   --Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865--1940)