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Discussion on Size of horse for endurance
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Monday, Aug 7, 2006 - 3:52 pm:
I have an Arab gelding that I was hoping to use for endurance, competative trail or treking.
He is 2yrs old and 14.2 hands. He might grow another inch, I'm praying for 2.
Since I am 5-7 and 170lbs I am thinking maybe I should stick with dressage.
I know Arabs sre good weight carriers but within reason.
Seriously, is my height/size unreasonable for a horse of his size?
Thanks
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Member:
Sross
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Posted on Monday, Aug 7, 2006 - 4:08 pm:
Most Arabians I know are tough as nails and can carry a lot more weight than you would think given their small size. Does he have a broad back or is he more slimly built? My friend's Arabian has a very broad back (requiring EXTRA wide saddles), while my 1/2 Arabian is not quite as wide. Hard to tell with him so young, do you know about his parents' build?
Arabians excel at endurance! I don't think your height/size is unreasonable for a stocky Arabian. Now if you were 6 feet tall and over 200lbs 
If this is a concern for you, is losing a few pounds an option?
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Member:
Jojo15
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Posted on Monday, Aug 7, 2006 - 4:25 pm:
Lori it has alot to do with weight displacement of the riders body too.. if you are a rolly poly 170 than sometimes that makes a difference. is the weight all in the middle? or evenly distributed across the body? (being general here, not to have you give a specific description)... I think it all has to do with your body frame too. Are you really long legged? or torso long? figure out how your body sits on the horse. Now of course if you were 270 than it doesn't matter what your frame. It probably would be uncomfortable for most smaller horses.
And what is interesting for me, i would prefer a heavier muscled person ride my horse than a lighter fat person...(did that come out right?) and muscle weighs more than fat. so i would prefer a lean 170 on my horse, than a fat 140. the one with muscle will be more apt to ride smoother, post easier, control more, etc...
And take into consideration the horses training. is he a weekend horse? or in good muscle? plus all that sandra mentions above...
All these things factor into your question. Just be truthful with yourself...grin..
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Monday, Aug 7, 2006 - 4:57 pm:
His structure is on the slender side, I likely won't have trouble getting a saddle to fit.
I don't know anything about his parentage.
jojo, what you said makes perfect sense.
I use an 17.5in dressage saddle, I have no difficulty picking up a 50lb salt block an carring it in one arm, my waist is 30in.
But...competeing against a fit rider of 120lbs on an equal size horse....seems there would be no real competion.
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Member:
Vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 8, 2006 - 7:39 am:
A friend of mine who weighs lots more than you do rides average-sized Arabians exclusively, on 4 hour trail rides and for team riding. Another friend of mine used a small Arab very successfully for endurance riding, and her weight at that time was somewhat less than yours. Try to stick with a light weight saddle that fits good. Those Arabians with better conformation and the shorter back will hold up the best. When and if you begin riding this horse, do your conditioning gradually.
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 8, 2006 - 11:26 am:
Lori,
You have two years before you can compete him, I'd wait and see. I'd start working him on trail rides next year slowly working up to 6-8 miles rides and see how he handles the work. Not every arab has the heart for serious endurance and he may like NATRC or arena work better.
I've seen arabs this size carry larger riders than you and act like it's a walk in the park.
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Maggienm
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 8, 2006 - 4:36 pm:
Thanks Alden
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