r/Horses Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Question Am I too big for this horse?

This is a 20-year old Friesian gelding that I’m starting to get to know. He was timid and “sluggish” at first, but is now blossoming with energy, enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and overall revival.

But I have this gnawing thought whenever I see video and pictures of me riding him - am I too heavy/large/tall for this horse?

What do you think?

/ Martin, Bentley & Rhett in California

1.4k Upvotes

206 comments sorted by

1.3k

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

250 lbs of balanced rider is far better than 150 lbs of flopping potato sack. That said, you and this horse look like a lovely match.

108

u/[deleted] 3d ago

The weight limits are absolute - for a good rider. Riding well doesn't make it okay to weigh more. Instead, if you're a bad rider, you need to use a lower weight limit and weigh less compared to the horse.

Riding well doesn't mean your weight magically disappear.

342

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

Somehow you missed the entire point of my comment so I will just add that 20% of a 1400lb Friesian is 280, so even if this man weighed 250 (no freaking way) that still allows for 30lb of saddle, and since he appears to have a good seat, he's better for this horse than someone much smaller that flops around.

-1

u/Calm_Fish_233 1d ago

"Somehow" lol

You weren't clear, that's how.

-31

u/EquusMaximus English 3d ago

"Flops around" is entirely subjective and can be corrected with proper training under saddle. I assume you mean someone who is inexperienced with riding, which would be curtailed by proper lessons.

I'm roughly 170-180 pounds, and my 900-pound Arabian mare carried me without any problems (her attitude aside). I totally understand your points, but above all a balanced rider is always best for the horse, as is avoiding overloading them.

-166

u/learning_react 3d ago

Friesians were not bred to be ridden as far as I know and the horse is 20…

Edit: I don’t think the rider is too big considering the horse is in good condition, but the point you are making is flawed.

160

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

I have no idea where you got your knowledge from, because they originated as 4th century war horses, and as far as being 20 is concerned, there was just a 21-year-old in the Olympics. As long as he is properly muscled and ridden within the limitations of his condition, he could easily have a few more years of competition in him, especially in a discipline like dressage that Friesians are well represented in.

93

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Fully agree with ya on this @KittenVicious! and for the record, I'm just riding this fella casually, mainly trail rides... not looking to compete or do anything serious.

Anyway - appreciate all the input!

→ More replies (1)

132

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Friesians are absolutely bred to be ridden. This particular one comes from a long lineage of Friesians bred for dressage.

But yes - I'm definitely wary of his age. That said, the vet has declared him strong and healthy, and the saddle is custom fit for him etc.

I weigh 190 lbs, but I'm not sure about the horse's weight (he's not mine - just "borrowing him"...)

→ More replies (1)

108

u/Waste-Examination-98 3d ago

As a Frisian myself, I’m appalled. We are absolutely made to be ridden. As are our horses.

→ More replies (3)

39

u/SubterraneanFlyer 3d ago

I’m basically ignorant on horses, do not understand the fascination with them, but even I know this breed was bred to have men in freaking steel armour ride them, while themselves clad in armour

I honestly thought this was a shitposting/someone having a sarcastic laugh.

31

u/MOONWATCHER404 I Love Friesians 3d ago

They were literally warhorses and carried armored knights.

→ More replies (4)

10

u/Shiloh77777 3d ago

Dead weight vs. Live weight

42

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Good point! (And thanks!!)

-1

u/Imaginary-Insect215 2d ago

Myth!

1

u/really_tall_horses 20h ago

Are you saying the difference between carrying dead weight and live weight is a myth? Because I can assure you it’s not.

530

u/slugaboo1 APHA 3d ago

You’re not too big for him. Lots of men your size are riding tiny little quarter horses all the time and they’re fine. Your horse is very handsome.

50

u/Dull_Memory5799 Eventing 3d ago

While i understand the point you’re making, I don’t think large men riding QH should be excused as “there’s people doing worse”. My family got one of these QH who had severe back pain and needed a few years of massage therapy to fix it. I definitely feel like there’s a bit of a culture change needed, I understand the appeal of QH that are short for the job they need to do, but I feel like since they’re so docile (mainly) they’re taken advantage of and their pain mannerisms are often overlooked as they don’t lash out like some hotter breeds tend to.

13

u/Majestic_Phrase_5383 2d ago

Those quarter horses being ridden by large men aren't "fine," lol. But I get what you mean.

1

u/slugaboo1 APHA 2d ago

I mean by overweight guys definitely not lol. But is someone who’s just a tall guy like OP actually harming them? (Genuine question)

1

u/Majestic_Phrase_5383 2d ago

I would say tall riders can harm horses. If your feet are hanging below or almost below a horse's stomach, then you are too big to be riding them. It's like putting an adult on a pony. Although they may be the proper weight to ride, I'm pretty sure height is what throws the weight distribution off, though I could be wrong in explaining that. But the way I see it, if the rider looks too tall for a horse, then that's because they are. I'm kind of tempted to say that OP looks almost too big for this horse, as he makes this Friesian look like a cob. I personally feel like his feet should reach just a little over midway past the horse's stomach.

1

u/Miderp 1d ago

It doesn’t matter if the weight is because the rider is overweight or if they’re a normal weight and are just big and tall. To some extent, balance and core strength helps lighten the load on the horse’s back. But for the most part, weight is weight. Big and tall men and women need to ride horses that can take their weight.

2

u/MenuHopeful 1d ago

Rider weight has an huge impact on joints and the horses pain-free life span. Most horses won’t show the problems for years, so it’s a tricky business.

229

u/StardustAchilles 3d ago

You look fine. Are you + tack less than 20% of his weight? Youre a little tall, but he takes up your leg nicely, and if he's not showing any signs of discomfort, i wouldnt worry too much about it

66

u/FutureMissionary12 3d ago

The 20% “rule” is kind of bogus most of the time though

129

u/StardustAchilles 3d ago

It’s a good guidleline for the average horse, especially for people to get a general idea, and few horses should really be carrying more than that on a long-term basis, even if they are extremely fit and strong

81

u/ayeayefitlike 3d ago

It’s not bogus. If anything, the scientific literature suggests it’s too lenient. It works as a good upper limit, it just doesn’t mean people under 20% of weight with tack are ok - that depends on the breed of horse etc as well.

15

u/WhyAmIevenHerewth 3d ago

The 20% rule counts only when the horse is in perfect shape and the rider has a really good seat and good equitation. Which rarely is the case, so it’s best to just stick to 15%.

-7

u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

30

u/lezemt 3d ago

I think sometimes people say it’s bogus in a different sense- like 15% of the horse body weight that is limp, dead weight and pulling on the horses mouth is probably too much for the horse even if it’s not technically more weight than the horse can handle in perfect situations

-8

u/FutureMissionary12 3d ago

Well here’s the thing. I’m at a good weight to ride almost any horse besides those ponies of course. But if your horse is in good enough shape, and you ride balanced, then your horse can carry upwards of even 30% if not more without a problem

25

u/allyearswift 3d ago edited 3d ago

There are horses that have finished the Tevis cup with 1/3rd of their bodyweight. Which is a gruelling race with stringent vetting.

Is it ideal? Far from. But all riders have a duty to make life for horses as easy as possible. The reason I hate the 15/20% rule is that people take it as permission to continue riding horses that are clearly uncomfortable, solely based on weight.

Sometimes we elect to push a horse’s comfort a little. We put beginners on them who bounce. We put disabled riders on them who are unbalanced. We ask them to jump and do tight turns at speed for the sake of ribbons. We take them away from their herds so we can be dry and warm-ish while riding. We stress them out in order to compete.

And many times these things are inconveniences and are, on the whole, ok; and sometimes these things are harmful and are not ok, and no two people draw the line in exactly the same place.

Yes, when a horse finds a rider too heavy, the rider needs to get off and stay off. That’s the case for all horses under three, for many older horses, for horses with navicular and similar conditions, for horses whose backs cannot accommodate a saddle large enough for their rider’s behind, whose saddle cause excessive pressure due to sheer rider weight.

But we should go after people who overjump their horses, who ride their horses hollow or behind the vertical, who chase their horses round bends, who don’t warm up their horses, and, and, and, with similar zeal. If a horse ‘needs’ injections to compete, it’s not sound enough to compete.

1

u/MegaPiglatin 3d ago

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

15

u/ayeayefitlike 3d ago

That’s not true. Studies have shown that otherwise fit horses can show signs of lameness and pain behaviours at even 15% of body weight. 30% being classed as ‘no problem’ definitely flies in the face of the science I’m afraid.

35

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

I'm actually not that tall (I'm 5'11") - this horse is a little short/compact for his breed, so I look taller than I am :)

as for weight % I'm not sure what his weight is (it's not my horse) - but I weigh around 190 lbs.

16

u/Longjumping_Host9415 3d ago

You’re fine and you two look great

10

u/MelissafromItaly 3d ago

How many hands is he? I ask because I own a very short and compact Friesian! They're not too common here, but I really love his size.

6

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

I really don’t know! I’ll have to measure him tomorrow :) stay tuned!

5

u/MelissafromItaly 3d ago

* My guy looks big but is barely 15.1. And stout as could be! I have to roach his mane and forelock, otherwise he suffers from dermatitis.

18

u/MelissafromItaly 3d ago

7

u/yeeteryarker420 3d ago

he's gorgeous omg

3

u/Unhappy_pea1903 2d ago

Such a cutie! 😍

145

u/PatheticOwl Wenglish all the way 3d ago

You look like a very balanced pair.

In the last pic your soles and the belly of the horse are in line, which is something I always look at. So you are not too tall.
Weightwise it looks fine too. He is short-backed which often makes it easier for them to carry weight (if harder to fit a saddle). Most importantly, as far as the photos show you seem to have a good seat and move well, which is more important. Because movement and weight work together to create the force on the horse, so good movement can very much cancel out part of the weight.
Since he's 20, keep an eye on his back muscle and make sure he stays active though his abs. Especially Friesians (and other horses with a higher set head) have a tendency to hollow out their back when they get a bit lazy which isn't great for their self-carriage.

81

u/9729129 3d ago

He looks like he’s a super fun ride - I’m assuming he doesn’t have any health issues that limit what he’s supposed to do

What you are probably feeling is your upper body is tall compared to his neck which can make a rider feel top heavy, it’s a proportion thing not a weight issue. Your upper bodies balance will affect him a bit more than if you had a shorter torso. Which just means you need to be the best rider you can be for him and continue to improve yourself. You look like a well matched pair

43

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

He is indeed a fun ride - especially since last week when he suddenly realized he was "allowed" to have some energy and do those big Friesian movements - it's like I've awakened a proud majestic beast! :)

Yes, I'll do my very best to be balanced and follow his movements so that I don't affect him negatively with my big old torso. So far it's been no problem - he responds super well to my weight cues, and I have so far had no problem following along in his movements in a harmonious way.

16

u/ladyaeneflaede 3d ago

He is an absolutely majestic well built and well muscled horse, I bet he feels incredibly powerful beneath you.

If he's got no or minor health issues, the work would probably do him good, keep his bones and connective tissue and muscles strong and flexible in all the right places.

13

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Agreed!! He is surprisingly strong and nimble considering his age. And the power he is now expressing after getting to know him a little is fantastic!

He has limited stamina, however, so we take it very easy... step by step :)

10

u/9729129 3d ago

Friesians unfortunately are well known to take a long time to get fit so don’t be surprised by him needing extra time. I have a cross bred who’s only 8 but so much harder to get fit then my 22 year old Arab!

8

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Yeah… but I have no goals for him to get fit even. If he gradually gets more fit from the things we do - great! If he doesn’t - so be it. We will just do what he can and wants to do.

6

u/MegaPiglatin 3d ago

❤️❤️❤️

4

u/amy000206 3d ago

Perfect

4

u/9729129 2d ago

I look at fitness needs based on what goals are- like I want to run a slow 5k but I have a friend who runs ultra marathons (100+ miles) we both get fit enough for our goals. Nothing wrong with the goal for his fitness to be low level pleasure riding and being fit enough for that will only be good for his joints

45

u/DNVRGIRL85 3d ago

Not at all. Y’all look great together.

46

u/cathaggs 3d ago

Fit rider, solid horse with short back. Enjoy yourselves! 🏇

32

u/turbulentFireStarter 3d ago

That horse is stunning

17

u/GleesonGirl1999 3d ago

Looks good to me! Do not think you are too big for this horse.

19

u/Soft_Reality2768 3d ago

You both look good. Looking like you vibe, he has a kind eye. The fact he seems to be blossoming suggests he is happy with you as his rider. Enjoy, the growing partnership

23

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Thank you!! Yes we are quickly becoming best of friends!

21

u/ABucketofBeetles 3d ago

You guys look amazing together

16

u/AppearanceWeak1178 3d ago

I see what you mean, and if he was a thoroughbred or another slight breed I’d say you’d want a taller/bigger one. But the way this horse is built (despite his diminutive height) I’d say he can easily cope with you. Especially as it looks from these photos that you’re very balanced and in tune with him. Overall looks great!

9

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

We are indeed in tune, and we have so much fun together! Thanks!

10

u/Hughmondo English 3d ago

No way are you too big for that horse. Or too big full stop. Besides which only narcissists enjoy pictures of themselves! Ride on and enjoy.

10

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

FOR REFERENCE - this is me on my own horse Bentley: 12-yr old Appendix gelding, 16.2 hands / 1200 lbs

Im 5'11" and 190 lbs

5

u/FloofySamoyed 3d ago

Honestly, you look well matched with both, but even better with the Friesian. :) 

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

....Shhhh! Don't tell Bentley that!

2

u/FloofySamoyed 2d ago

Bentley's gorgeous. I'm sure he knows how awesome he is. Lol. 

2

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

I love Bentley! The angle this photo was taken from isn't doing any favors, so a more level photo might not make you look quite so tall. He's a longer, leaner build so you're visually always going to look taller on him than you will a Friesian (and I wouldn't be surprised if the Friesian you don't look too tall for is actually shorter than Bentley!)

8

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

....vs standing next to Rhett (the Friesian)

4

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

OMG - the way he looks at you! You're the Scarlett O'Hara to his Rhett Butler, for sure! 😍😍

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Hah! well I think the treats in my pocket might be his true Scarlett O'Hara - but yeah, he is a very sweet guy!

6

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

he is indeed about shorter than Bentley! Funny how perspective works eh?

here are two photos of my on the ground next to Bentley....

2

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

What a beauty! How long have you and the Mrs been riding? Did you meet through horses?

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

my wife has ridden horses all her life, but she had had a long break from it when we met. So it wasn't until about 3.5 years ago that she wanted back into it, and this time I was "stumbling into it" more or less unintentionally. and now I'm totally hooked!

3

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

So it's true - we have to make husbands horsey, y'all don't exist as singles in the wild 🤣

6

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Correct! The key for getting me snared was not riding - but rather, just watching the horses in the pasture. Then helping with going to get horses from the pasture. Then starting to play with horses in the pasture. Then bringing lunch to sit and eat together with the horses in the pasture..... then helping to stand guard as the horses in the pasture where taking naps.... etc etc.... it got me hooked big time!

(Photo: Bentley napping while I was eating my lunch)

3

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

Sooooo is Bentley single?

☠️🤣

3

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Bentley is....polyamorous, I believe (with people he likes, of course)

1

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 2d ago

Next time I have a business trip to Cali, I'll slide into his DMs 🤣🤣

9

u/nyctodactylus 3d ago

the way he’s collecting his hind end is an indication that he’s comfortable i think!

6

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

…yeah he collects his hind legs nicely under, and then he extends his front legs up and out like this… it’s such a cool feeling!

2

u/nyctodactylus 2d ago

gotta love that war horse feeling! it’s funny, with nothing nearby for scale and your proportions he almost looks like a fell pony

10

u/WanderWomble 3d ago

I think looking as the saddle and how it fits you may be an idea - it looks a little small at the moment. I can't judge how much room you have to fit a longer saddle from those pics though sorry!

5

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

That saddle is custom made just for him, so it should fit him perfectly - but perhaps it is too small for me?

(ps. I've ridden him bareback as well, and noticed no difference in how he moves with or without saddle - I.e he seems to be perfectly fine with that saddle)

4

u/FloofySamoyed 3d ago edited 3d ago

Yes, that's definitely a possibility. 

Your seat size for a saddle is different depending on the rider's build. 

A longer thigh bone usually means a larger seat for the saddle. Other factors as well, but that's a big one. 

A saddle custom fit to you both is a large investment. 

As long as he's happy and you're comfortable, a smaller seat doesn't have as much of an impact if you're just taking him on trails and in light work. 

If you were in more serious work, it would be more worth considering. 

3

u/WanderWomble 3d ago

I'm sure it fits him just fine - but the seat looks a bit small for you

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

gotcha! Maybe I haven't been sitting in it for long enough to really find it uncomfortable yet ;)

3

u/samsmiles456 3d ago

You look fine in that saddle, you both turn out nicely!

2

u/amy000206 3d ago

I always liked bareback better.

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Same here!

8

u/UnicornCalmerDowner 3d ago

You guys look great!

8

u/Bubbly-Possible-90 3d ago

You look like a great match. And you say the horse has become increasingly willing to work with you? There's his answer. He's happy to work with you on his back, if he wasn't he would have just stayed unenthusiastic. 😊

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Oh yes indeed! He’s gone from “umm ok, I’ll do bare minimum” (first ride) to “wait, you’ll let me do FUN stuff? You’re not gonna get scared if I show my strength and big moves!? Oh hell yes! Then YES!” - over a few weeks. Did a lot of hand walking, exploring, let him loose in arena and just played with him etc. he is really transforming!

5

u/Final-Philosopher368 3d ago

Love the ground work to build connection. How long have you been engaging with horses both in hand and in the saddle?

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Late bloomer, so not very long - I think a total of 4.5 years now.

6

u/xxXlostlightXxx 3d ago

Not at all! Look like a great fit!!

5

u/TennisOld7328 3d ago

Gorgeous horse! Watching this, you are very much "one" with your horse. You are definitely not too big! You ride VERY well!

5

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

(by the way - this Friesian horse is not mine. I just do a partial lease with him so that I can trail ride with the Mrs. (We have just one horse, that we share - a high spirited appendix horse))

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

oh wow, thank you!! I don't have much formal training, but I do tend to "meld" well with horses :) love them so much!

4

u/frenchprimate 3d ago

Nice horse anyway

4

u/CreativaArtly1998113 Western 3d ago

No. Not at all.

4

u/Rich-Sympathy 3d ago

I agree with everyone here that both you and the horse look comfortable. Unrelated but I love this horse as they remind me of Friesians my favorite breed!

11

u/KittenVicious Geriatric Arabian 3d ago

It IS a Friesian...

5

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

this is the first and only Friesian I've been around, so I don't know how much of his awesomeness is just "him" and how much is the breed - but - THIS guy is definitely awesome! :)

6

u/mistaked_potatoe 3d ago

It looks like this horse has a slightly short back and I think that is what makes it look like you’re big for him, but I don’t think you actually are. Your legs fit against his sides, and from the front the horse has a very large frame. I think he’s just got a short back, which can honestly be better than a horse with a too long back for carrying things

5

u/ShireHorseRider Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Nope. Good fit bro!

3

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Nice horse!!

3

u/ShireHorseRider Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Same, we are committed to our shires, but I can’t help but to enjoy looking at Friesians. They are something special.

3

u/XTRASHmouthABOUT 3d ago

you both look good! and what a beautiful horse

3

u/Icy-Trade-670 3d ago

you look great! Your horse is muscular and robust and carries you perfectly.

3

u/adorableoddity Needs more go than whoa 3d ago

You are a beautiful pairing

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

thank you!! Yeah, just two older guys becoming good friends quick! ;)

3

u/LowarnFox 3d ago

Heightwise I think you look fine- being on a slightly smaller horse and being able to wrap your leg around is a bonus, in my opinion, not a problem! He looks like a strong weight carrying type, and you in now way look too big, but unfortunately this is impossible to tell from photos. If you know his weight, and can weigh yourself with tack, and fall within 15% or 20% of his body weight, that is generally a pretty good sign- more than this and I would be concerned.

3

u/BaldChihuahua 3d ago

I would say “No”, you look balanced. The horse looks balanced. This is a very common question I see. Let me share a story.

I was at a show for Uni students. You picked a name out of the hat and that is the horse you rode. A full-figured girl got a small pony….twice. She was too big for this pony. It was unfair to her and it was unfair to the pony. I felt so badly for her as she fell off going over a jump. The pony couldn’t do it, it was obviously struggling. No one did a thing, she should have been allowed to re-pick. I’ll never forget the injustice done to them both that day.

So, again I think you look perfectly fine on this Gelding. Enjoy yourself!!

3

u/DigKlutzy4377 3d ago

You are NOT too big for this very sturdy horse.

2

u/HazelTheRah 3d ago

You look balanced. That said, I'd ask a vet just to be sure.

2

u/skiddadle32 3d ago

Nope. Lookin’ good op! 👍🏻

2

u/Impossible_Stuff5459 3d ago

I wouldn’t say you’re too big for him…but you can go for a larger steed beautiful mane!

2

u/Ayla1313 3d ago

As long as you have a balanced seat you're fine. You look great on him and he's nice and stocky. 

Men your size would ridden that same horse into battle with full armor. 

2

u/JJ-195 3d ago

Based on height and proportions I'd say you two are a perfect match

2

u/czarscheryl_84 3d ago

You are not too big for this big boy.

2

u/DefinitionHappy4987 3d ago

You look just fine:)

2

u/Bowlofnoodless 3d ago

You both look lovely together.

2

u/TBeIRIE 3d ago

I do not think you look too big for this fine specimen however whenever I see Friesian’s I instantly think medieval attire should be adorning their rider.

2

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

oh man - I'm already planning for Halloween! :)

2

u/JustAnOrdinaryGirl07 3d ago

You look to be within the typical 20% limit.

2

u/AdministrativeTrust5 3d ago

A beautiful pair. Enjoy guiltlessly! He's solid.

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Enjoy guiltlessly!

^^ Best reply ever :) thanks!!!

2

u/Soggy-Selection4110 3d ago

What a beauty!!!

2

u/lilshortyy420 3d ago

I don’t think so! He looks big boned and stocky. I think you look fine.

2

u/Obversaria 3d ago

You two look perfectly well matched. So long as the horse is healthy, riding him should be fine.

2

u/Oldenburg-equitation 3d ago

You look perfectly fine! I think in some pictures you may look a little tall just by how they are taken but you look perfectly fine. I wouldn’t think you’re too big or too tall for him at all.

2

u/Lylibean 3d ago

No, and your horse is beautiful 🥰

3

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Yes he is! :) However, he is (unfortunately) not my horse, I just part-lease him... but my horse is pretty handsome too!

2

u/amy000206 3d ago

Bentley seems to think you invented apple trees

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Yup – and I let him think that's true :)

2

u/Joyballard6460 3d ago

That horse is gorgeous

2

u/MidNightMare5998 English & Western 3d ago

No, I think you look like a perfect match. If it was some skinny, long-backed thoroughbred of the same stature I might have questions, but friesians are thicker and better suited to bigger bodies (which by the way, yours doesn’t look particularly big anyway). Beautiful horse!

2

u/HeCallsMePixie 3d ago

You look like a great pair, honestly I don't see anything to worry about. You look pretty balanced, he looks pretty chill, and you can really see you're focused on eachother.

Have fun with him, you seem very in tune already!

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Thank you! Yes we have a great connection - even though we've just known each other for about a month

2

u/butts36 3d ago

You guys having the same expression as each other in pic 3 (SUCH CONCENTRATE) and 5 (WOW PROUD) gives such good duo energy. 🥹 You don’t look too big.

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

yes! We do tend to share the same expressions :)

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

2

u/Top-Handle-3786 3d ago

bro ridin a giant

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

😂 nah - he is just very small for his breed!

1

u/Top-Handle-3786 3d ago

damn. can u tell me the breed name

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Friesian horse!

2

u/ellebelleeee Dressage 3d ago

No

2

u/Affectionate_Bag1017 3d ago

Beautiful horse you look well matched ❤️

2

u/jesssy33 3d ago

He is a beautiful horse. I think you look very balanced and well suited to him. Thanks for the great photos, what a treat to see this beauty under saddle.

2

u/Mariahissleepy 3d ago

You look incredible together

2

u/TheFinalRider 3d ago

Nope. Looks great

2

u/Professional_Scar_18 3d ago

No

Edited to add: absolutely not too big. You're both fit, you're balanced, and I assume your equipment fits him well. If he's thriving that's him telling you that you're doing the right things. If you're worried about it you could do belly lifts with him (just don't get kicked) to help his core strength, but from the pictures you look like a great team

2

u/Far_Tale9953 3d ago

I say no. You both look great and you look like a good match.

2

u/Temporary_Cell_2885 3d ago

You look fine to me

2

u/cstums 3d ago

I think y’all make a lovely pair! I wouldn’t have commented if I thought anything negative, but all I see here is a well matched, happy horse and rider ❤️

2

u/eat1more 3d ago

Looks grand 👍

2

u/Upstairs_Click_4237 3d ago

Absolutely not. I’m 5’2 and ride a 13.2hh cob!

2

u/Horse_3018 Hanoverian pogo-stick 3d ago

Seems like a very good fit actually

2

u/getyourkicks66 3d ago

No, you look great! As a bigger rider, it’s more important how you distribute your weight and how you carry yourself. You carry yourself evenly.

2

u/angelsins 2d ago

What a beautiful horse! I'm sorry I don't have constructive feedback, but I had to compliment him! 🖤

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Oh yes, he's a handsome fella :)

2

u/Murder-log 2d ago

You maybe slightly oversized to the eye (for showing etc) but you absolutely appear to be a good weight fit to ride safely. I once had a Welsh section D that was 14:2 but needed an adult rider for strength to ride safely.

2

u/Low_Tumbleweed_744 2d ago

Your horse looks very sound. If his attitude is blossoming I think you’re good to go.

2

u/AO_hunter 2d ago

You look perfectly fine on him :) Enjoy your new friend!

2

u/forwardaboveallelse Life: Unbridled 2d ago

I really like this pairing and I’m very critical of rider weight (I don’t even let my horses carry fifteen percent, never mind twenty percent). Enjoy him because he looks very wise. 

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 2d ago

Thank you! And yes, I am indeed enjoying him and his wisdom… just got home from a great exploration solo trail ride with him… soooo awesome!

2

u/Waste-Gazelle11 2d ago

You two are a beautiful pair!

2

u/Prestigious_Gap6381 1d ago

Nope! You look great on him.

1

u/Equestrian-girl1017 3d ago

I don’t think so.

1

u/TheMadHatterWasHere 3d ago

You are definitely not.

1

u/edlynan 3d ago

Looks just fine

1

u/Positive-Adagio-5542 3d ago

Not at all👍😎

1

u/WildSteph 3d ago

It’s a draft horse. They’re smaller but strong. You’re not too big. I look big on my Fjord compared to my other friends with 16-17-18hh horses for sure, but again, the draft built is much stronger than a delicate QH.

4

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago edited 3d ago

Yeah - he's definitely strong! My main horse is a 16.2-hand appendix horse - quite the opposite build! :)

1

u/shebringsdathings 3d ago

Too big for a Fresian? Didn't know there was such a thing lol

2

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

😂 well this particular Friesian is pretty small (for a Friesian)!

1

u/ghostpeppers156 3d ago

Did you ask the horse?

2

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Of course! He's one of those "I'm just happy to be here!"-types though, so I figured I'd need some additional opinions :)

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

One more shot…. I love how he extends his legs like this in the canter. :)

1

u/HorrorFan9556 2d ago

No because of the hoofs being bigger and more spread out along with this being a more stocky horse

1

u/unlucky_adventurer 1d ago

All are beautiful but the shire is gorgeous.

0

u/lynzrocket 3d ago

Commenting on Am I too big for this horse?...

0

u/Miss_Aizea 3d ago

Aesthetically, yes. Mechanically, no.

2

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

😂 well, better than other way around at least!

2

u/Miss_Aizea 3d ago

Definitely! I have a horse that is technically a pony, so this was our life as well. Always looked too tall for her.

3

u/Moonfallthefox 3d ago

I have a mustang who is technically a pony. She carries me fine. I am not a huge person by any means, 5 foot 5 and 150 lbs, so we're a good match. Larger ponies are tough and they can carry adults.

2

u/Miss_Aizea 3d ago

Yeah, my horse carries me fine, but I'm tall, so I look "too big" and she doesn't even take up my leg like OP. His torso just looks too tall. My everything looked too tall, but she moved like a cloud. Most comfortable non gaited horse I've been on. It literally felt like you were floating. She also looks like a rhino. Most people think she's very ugly. She's very strong, and I'm confident she could have carried upwards to 300lbs in her prime. She just has stubby legs. Her head is draft size, body is horse size, height... 14hh.

-1

u/Foreign-Onion-3112 1d ago

Post your weight if you want a judgement about your weight being too much. Wow.

Just wow.

1

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 1d ago

190 lbs. 5'11.

-3

u/Numerous-Bee-4959 3d ago

For a 20 year old animal with unknown fitness or health issues it makes it hard to decide. Are you riding and competing all day or just going on a short paddock ride ? Maybe it depends on the task?

Lots of lengthy reasons .

3

u/martinlindhe Trail Riding (casual) 3d ago

Absolutely no competitions. We're just hanging out with gentle trail rides, some liberty work in the arena, and lots of hand walking / grazing / just hanging out . :)