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.
We're not necessarily talking about damage to the legs, which anyway is more a question of tendon and ligament damage than bone damage. Most of the issue is back pain, or pain that's referred from the back to the shoulders and hindquarters. I don't think the height or weight of the horse are a good guide in any except the most general sense; conformation is essential in considering appropriate size. (Ponies, for example, are structurally stronger than horses and can carry a larger percent of their body weight without discomfort.)
Thanks for your comments. Before today I knew absolutely nothing about the subject of this thread, so I did a little research and got some input from both of you. Now I know more than I did yesterday. That’s what I like about this forum and what keeps me coming back.
Cheers,
Otter