What type or size of horse for large framed beginer rider?

drnotwhoyouthinkiam: What type or size of horse for large framed beginer rider?
Everyone in our family is 5’10 or taller and relatively hefty. The lightest of us is 220 lbs. We’re interested in finally bringing a horse to our property but were worried we may be too ‘giant’. None of us have any riding experience but our daughter is experienced in horse behavior and care and we have a friend willing to work with us over proper riding techniques and we have a trainer lined up for any horse we bring on. We’re just wondering what breed of horses should we look for. Or if breed doesn’t matter, what height or ‘hands’ should we look for? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Answers and Views:

Answer by mike093068
I am 6′ 3″ and weigh 290 and ride everything from 13.5 pony to a 17hand paint. Paints, and Quarters would be my recomendation. They are just good all around horses and tend to have very good dispositions, good endurance and are usually eager to get to work. But hey I breed paints so I am biased LOL

Answer by dukefenton
Here’s a dirty secret of the horse world – draft breeds make great riding! Barring that, you might want to look at one of the ‘warmblood’ breeds. Most of them are easygoing to work with. Problem is, they all eat a lot and they’re kind of tall to mount from the ground.

Answer by Jeff Sadler
First of all even a relatively small horse (not a pony) can still carry a pretty heavy man.

What you want will depend on how much you ride, where you ride, your age, your personality, and whether you want a gaited horse or not. I suggest gaited if you are going to do much trail riding, but some people trail ride with ungaited horses (they just get left behind if they ride with people with gaited horses).

My wife and I and even my 5 year old ride 300 to 500 miles per year. This year a broken shoulder will probably limit me to 250 to 300.

Since this will apparrently be a family horse with more than one rider, I suggest a horse in the 7 to 10 year range that is VERY gentle. One that has been trail ridden extensively, and that is placid. In other words one that stands when tied and looks bored, will not act up and would much rather walk then run. Most people prefer 14.2 to 15.2 hands high but very few 16 hand horses are actually 16 hands. When measured they turn out to be much shorter. Most people do not like the idea of being up any higher than 15.2 and that would be plenty big enough for anyone as far as carrying even on a long trail.

I can not explain all the correct conformation for each breed. I suggest taking someone with you that knows the breed. Feel free to e-mail me if you like. I do not know where you live but I am in south central Missouri.

Though the breed does not matter mush there are a few that as a beginner you may wish to try and avoid. Clydesdales are subject to hoof problems. Drafts horses are actually too large for most people to ride comfortably and the feed bill is huge. Old breed quarter tend to be calm but watch the new breed ones as they are often breed for the race track with too much fire for someone who does not know what they are doing. Morgans tend to be good choices, as do Missouri Fox Trotters, and Tennessee Walkers. Rocky Mountains are good and the associated offshoots such as the spotted saddle horse BUT many are actually just fox trotters with a higher price tag. And of course do not forget the unregistered mix. They can be quite gentle. The main thing is to get one with a good disposition and conformation.

Answer by chloe s
It all depends on who the rider is! she is better off with a standard bread that is 16-17 hands high

Answer by Strive for Perfection
A relatively small horse could still probably carry you, they’re strong, you’re not going to break them with your weight as long as you’re not doing anything too demanding. I’m a relatively heavy rider, not that much but still heavier than most you’ll see jumping, and personally I just prefer big horses. But I have ridden a 15hh mare who packed me around with more ease than the big horses carrying tiny girls.

I would suggest 16hh+ though, out of personal bias and from knowing that alot of other heavier riders prefer larger horses. Warmblood breeds are usually good, and drafts are actually quite a nice ride as long as you don’t plan on competitively jumping or something. Really just look at calm, well trained horses in the size you want and don’t worry about breed as long as they’re healthy and strong.

Answer by J and M
Try a Clydesdale. They make great riding horses and are so comfortable. Some people have mentioned that smaller horses can still carry large adults, and they can, but if several large adults will be riding the same horse regularly, then to be fair to the horse a larger one would be better. It is harder getting up, but a good mounting block can solve that. Other draft breeds would be good too but I am more familiar with Clydies. They are really lovely animals. Don’t worry you are definately not too ‘giant’ for riding!

Answer by Mulereiner #
A friend of mine was rather large and bought a well broke riding clydesdale that she adored. That horse taught her so much.

I would check into a draft or draft cross and even one that was maybe trained to drive single, that way if any of your family is maybe too heavy to get up on him, they could always drive.

A draft would definately cover all your needs and not leave you with any worry of being able to carry the weight.

Answer by COUGAR
warmblood definitely warmblood amazing horses uve got your sport horse aswell as a strong horse with the excellent height… im 6ft and have a gorgeous 16.1 hh warmblood he is amazing although me being all leg look lanky on him he carrys me easily and he can go for miles but isnt a real fast horse so perfect for begginers they r worth every cent:)

Answer by neoskya
Welcome to the worked of riding! And good for you for having a professional out there ready to help as soon as you get your new horse!

Horses can carry up to 20% of their own body weight without having any ill impact. For example a 1,500 lb horse should be able to carry a 300lb human. If a 350lb human rides him though that is where the trouble comes in. One ride even can do irreversable damage to their spine and back muscles.
A great first horse for you all would be a draft horse. They are usually gentol, smart, and safe which is exactly what you want from a first horse. Look for a Clydesdale, Percheron, etc that has been broke to ride (that is key because a lot of people just drive draft horses).

You can do an advanced search and put in that you want your horse to be over 16 hh (you guys are so tall that you need something at least that tall or you will look silly) and how ever heavy it needs to be. Hope that helps and good luck.

Answer by Raise It!
I think a draft horse would be great for all of you.
They are “gentle giants”, and would have no problem with the weight. On the majority are very mild tempered and level headed. Granted they are bigger so there is more to feed.
Otherwise anything big & stocky with thick strong legs would work well too.
I hope you find one that suits you. Welcome to the family.

Answer by PMU Owner
Get a PMU draft cross. The are big and sturdy, weight should not matter. Plus they are gentle, kind, and tolerate beginners.

Answer by Danielle B
stout Quarter horses, paints and draft/draft crosses are probably the best. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t ride a draft- they will usually be the calmest horse and I ride mine first level dressage- drafts can do riding work.

Height doesn’t matter- they just need to be stout with muscular legs. When you sit on the horse, you should feel his back able to support you. It should not dip in a lot (unless it is the first time the horse carried a heavier rider). The horse should be able to walk, trot, canter with ease. If it is losing it’s balance and tipping, the horse is not strong enough to support the weight.
Most horses can carry up to 220 with no problems, as long as they are accustomed to it. (I am around 200 and can ride everything from arabs to drafts).

If any of your family is over 300 or so, your best bet is a draft horse. My dad weighs about 280 and can ride a QH with no problem, but I think he is reaching the upper limits for a normal horse. Draft horses have been used to carry over 400 lbs on their back (drums and a person, for instance)

Answer by michaela_wenger
get a quarter horse. they’re very strong and reliable. they are great western horses and englishtoo. they can also jump.

Answer by littlexmissxrandom
clyde, shire, suffolk punch.

Answer by meagan1001
I would get maybe a Draft X Quarter horse. You would be getting the strength and bulk from the draft and the stamina and speed from the QH they would blend nice I have seen some very good looking draftXqh’s. Plus if you mix with a draft you wont get that big height it will be taller but not as tall as it would be if it was just pure breed draft. Very beautiful horses I must say. The Canadian Horse is also a good breed and would some what similar to a draftXqh. Good luck

Answer by allison k
i would definately get a draft breed lol, not to be rude, but they would be the best for you if the lightest is 220lbs
get one at least 15.2.
you could get an irish draft if you want a lighter built draft horse, even a shire or a clydie are sweet to ride if a bit clumpy.
there are lots to choose from

Answer by westerngamergirl
a 16. 2+ size horse should be perfect… quarter horse, appendix, paint… stock type horses