Thought someone on this forum could help! I’m looking at draft crosses as my next riding partner, but my (double) knee replacement dictates smaller horse since I can’t bend enough to get on one over about 15.3H. Found some smaller horses for sale, but YOUNG - as in 4. So, will a 15.2H 4 year-old turn into a 16.2 5 year-old?
Mine in general have grown 1 -2 " in height between 4 and 6, bulked up in their 7th year.
Obviously huge variations, but geldings grow for a long time. After they stop growing up, then they grow out, might not finish until 7 or even 8. I think the heavier breeds finish later, too.
My Clyde-X didn’t completely finish till she was 8. Fortunately, she stayed short at 15.2
I bought a 4 year old TB/Perch cross, who was 15 hands. At age 8, he stopped growing at 15.3. Mine definitely looks more like his TB half. His sire was over 16 hands, and his dam over 17, so he is small for his breeding. I think the crosses can be hard to predict, but also think a lot of them make excellent amateur horses. Mine has a great brain and work ethic, and I feel safe on him. :yes:
Well… a 16h PerchxTB at 3
Turned into an almost 18h gelding. He stopped growing about his 6th yr.
Wore a 68" girth with his jumping saddle. Outgrew 3 trailers.
[QUOTE=JanWeber;7274975]
Thought someone on this forum could help! I’m looking at draft crosses as my next riding partner, but my (double) knee replacement dictates smaller horse since I can’t bend enough to get on one over about 15.3H. Found some smaller horses for sale, but YOUNG - as in 4. So, will a 15.2H 4 year-old turn into a 16.2 5 year-old?[/QUOTE]
Given your lovely new knees, I’d not compromise on the age/experience of the horse - any young horse is going to have young horse moments 
Keep looking for that 7-8yr old (& up) horse that is not going to give you any surprise growth changes & is already doing the things you want to do with this horse.
Both of mine grew till about 6 but bulked out in their body till 7ish… neither got really big - both are 15.2 - 15.3…
