How does one determine the proper size horse for him/herself? Here is a formula with example:
Add up the total weight of the horse, rider, and tack. Our example: Horse + rider + tack= 1188 pounds
Measure the circumference of the cannon bone midway between the knee and fetlock. Our example: 7.5 inches
Divide the total weight by the circumference.
Our example: 1188 / 7.5 = 158.4
Divide the result by two. Our example: 158.4 / 2 = 79.2
Values below 75 are great! Values from 75-80 are acceptable. Values over 80 indicate weaker legs and a need to train carefully, especially downhill. At this level a rider needs a horse with more substance.
* Reference: The Heavier Riders’ Guide by Beverly Whittington and Rhonda Hart-Poe
How does one determine the proper size horse for him/herself? Here is a formula with example:
Add up the total weight of the horse, rider, and tack. Our example: Horse + rider + tack= 1188 pounds
Measure the circumference of the cannon bone midway between the knee and fetlock. Our example: 7.5 inches
Divide the total weight by the circumference.
Our example: 1188 / 7.5 = 158.4
Divide the result by two. Our example: 158.4 / 2 = 79.2
Values below 75 are great! Values from 75-80 are acceptable. Values over 80 indicate weaker legs and a need to train carefully, especially downhill. At this level a rider needs a horse with more substance.
* Reference: The Heavier Riders’ Guide by Beverly Whittington and Rhonda Hart-Poe
I have seen many TB’s with cannon bones like a deer and their legs lasted forever.
And I have seen many big boned TB’s and half breds with knots all over their legs, splints being the least of their problems.
So generalities are worthless.
I would also point out that cutting and roping horses are typically barely more than pony size and typically carry some pretty big men.
Go to the RFD channel, 345 on DirecTV, and watch them work. Those horses work hard and when they are changing direction so abruptly they are putting a lot of strain on their legs.
Chamberlain stated that the ideal cavalry horse was 15.2 to 16H and that the larger horses did not stand up well in the cavalry.
Someone posted that the cavalryman of that day weighed an average of 140 lbs., but forgot to mention that saddle, weapons, blanket roll and personal supplies probably brought the total weight to more than 200 lbs.....a guess on my part as I really don’t know what their equipment weighed.