I am 5″4″, 103 pounds, and slim. can I still be able to ride a Belgian Draft Horse? ?
August 12th, 2010 | by drafthorse |
Equine L asked:
I absolutely love Belgian Draft horses, and I want to get one when I am older, but some people say that I might be too small to ride one. I never let my size get in the way of something I want to do, and riding a big Belgian Draft horse if something I REALLY want to do. Can you please give me your opinions on the matter? I would greatly appreciate it!
draft horse harness
I absolutely love Belgian Draft horses, and I want to get one when I am older, but some people say that I might be too small to ride one. I never let my size get in the way of something I want to do, and riding a big Belgian Draft horse if something I REALLY want to do. Can you please give me your opinions on the matter? I would greatly appreciate it!
draft horse harness
21 Responses to “I am 5″4″, 103 pounds, and slim. can I still be able to ride a Belgian Draft Horse? ?”
By Jess on Aug 15, 2010 | Reply
Yes i think you should beable to. =)
By Becca on Aug 17, 2010 | Reply
No never! im 5′1 and 130 lbs and i ride Percherons no problem go for it!
By selendag on Aug 18, 2010 | Reply
My sister (half) is very small, about your same size and she’s ridden more than one type of Draft and has done it very well. Don’t let people tell you nonsense like that…they just don’t want you to have cooler dreams than they do. Good luck and keep dreaming big
By Gatsbi007 on Aug 21, 2010 | Reply
You may look a little silly, but go ahead and ride one if you want. As long as he is properly trained and knows that you are the leader it shouldn’t be a problem.
By Arashi on Aug 22, 2010 | Reply
I like big horses too (but I fit my 14.2 connemara/tb as I am only five one with little chance of growing). I see no reason other than it probably being disproportionate.— if your legs are the longer part of your body (as compared to your torso and upper body) you may even fit one
— I’ve easily ridden several 17 to18 hand horses-some lighter and some heavier (and that was a good 7 or 8 years ago) so don’t be disheartened!!!
By MissesSkimmerDearly<3 on Aug 25, 2010 | Reply
Of course! Drafts are generally calm. You should be fine. A well trained one will be able to hear/feel the slightest gesture.
I think you will be perfectly fine! Drafts are sweet!
By Katherine R on Aug 26, 2010 | Reply
Ya! You could always get a cross if that doesn’t work out though.
By Kevin Says HPTS! on Aug 29, 2010 | Reply
I wouldn’t see a problem with it. You might look like Yosemite Sam but I say go for it.
By Marie111 on Sep 1, 2010 | Reply
Think of jockeys. They’re especially picked for smallness and lightness, and it doesn’t impair their riding at all.
It’s not the weight or size of the person on horseback, but the good riding ability and good control of the horse. And that comes with experience, not size of the rider.
A farmer who lives near me has a Shire draft horse, and they’re bigggg! But they’re the most adorable things. They’re very passive compared to other horses. You should see the size of their feet. Another neighbour had a Shire and it stood on his foot. He wasn’t very happy for a day or two
By horseplay_09 on Sep 4, 2010 | Reply
Yes, of course!!! At the barn I work at, there’s this lady is 4′9″ and rides a 17.2 hand Hanoverian!! so i’d definitely says it’s possible.
By Marcie on Sep 5, 2010 | Reply
no your not to small dont worrie i am like 5ft and i rode one in a show and he was great
By Tori F on Sep 6, 2010 | Reply
Noooo, you are NOT too small to ride one.. and plus, you said that this was in the future? You may still grow (depending on how old you are). I have ridden many draft breeds (Shire, Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron, etc) and they seem to be pretty calm. No one should tell you that you are to small … I say Go For It :)!
By DustyGirl on Sep 6, 2010 | Reply
It shouldn’t matter what size you are (unless you’re TOO big for a horse, which isn’t likely since you’re only 103 pounds..). If a horse is well trained just about anyone should be able to ride it, if they know what they’re doing. You might want to make sure the horse is well trained though, a draft horse isn’t exactly the kind of horse that you want to have to fight with if you’re that small.
I know a couple of little kids that started out in lessons on a big percheron mare, as long as they’re gentle anyone can ride them. Most if the time they’re gentle giants. =D
So go for it! I hope you get to one of these days.
By HunterJumper♥ on Sep 10, 2010 | Reply
yes you can. just find one on the smaller side, thats all.
they really are gentle giants : )
By mandi g on Sep 13, 2010 | Reply
YES, I’m 5′3” and ride a 17.3h draft cross…
By rach w on Sep 14, 2010 | Reply
as long as you feet reach atleast half way down his belly id say its fine
By TB Filly on Sep 14, 2010 | Reply
Yes! They are strong animals! Have fun!:)
By Fabio175 on Sep 17, 2010 | Reply
im 4′11 1/2 and i rode a 17hh warmblood perfectly fine so i think you could also do it just fine that doesn’t mean u have to look for the biggest belgian u can find to ride though and beware that you might look a little funny on him but as long as you have the ability to ride i don’t think there is any physical restriction there
By Driver on Sep 19, 2010 | Reply
You’ll be fine! I’m about your size and have ridden horses from tiny ponies to draft horses with no problems. I’m sure you’d get a few comments about looking tiny up there, but you will not have a problem with controlling the horse.
Here’s what 3′11″, 48 pounds looks like on a 17.3 hand Percheron:
It’s my son on his favorite summer camp mount. The instructors said he listened to my son better than most of the other bigger kids.
By AnimaInspired on Sep 20, 2010 | Reply
No problem. I’m 5′3 and about 140 pounds, and I’m a trainer. I’ve ridden everything from a 17 hand Warmblood to an 18.3 hand Shire…and I also purchased and retrained a Belgian Warmblood who was about 18.2 hands. The size of the horse shouldn’t matter so long as it is properly trained and “soft” enough in the bridle so that you have proper control.
By twhrider on Sep 22, 2010 | Reply
No reason that you can’t….only thing could possibly be comfort level. I’m 5′3 and relatively short legged and I have found that maintaining proper leg position on my hubby’s 17+ hand gelding can be a problem. It’s a stretch for me to get my heels in the right spot. I rode a draft once, and it was quite fun….he was a huge moosh ball that was so gentle he could be rode with a halter and lead shank. Rode him bareback, and it was like sitting on a huge sofa that happened to move. No way could I get my legs in proper position, but he was a tolerant soul that humored me. What the heck, give it a go and try a few and see if you’re comfortable. If you are, then who cares what anyone thinks? The horse will easily be able to pack you around, so enjoy it. I’d much rather see a smaller person on a huge horse than to see a huge person on a pony.