Morgans can seem way bigger than they actually are. Mine is 15 hands but regularly got taken for much bigger, and G-d help everyone if she got into “show-off” mode - most would guess 16 hands at least.
Like SharonA (who I know IRL) I really prefer smaller horses or large ponies. They can ne very much like little sports cars. The Morgan I’m considering now is 14 hands if she stretches, and it’s such a nice size - but I am 5’1".
OP if you feel more comfortable on a bigger horse, that’s fine.
I have two horses, one a 15.1 QH and the other a 16.2/3 ASB. Guess who takes up the leg better on taller people? 15.1 QH all day long. I put someone 5’11 on him and they complained about their leg was going to come down to low. Then I showed a pic and their leg barely came below his barrel. Then they got on the ASB and their leg was well below his barrel.
Depends on how the horse is built to how they fit.
Aww. They were a lovely pair.
What makes you say that? There are lots of Steady Eddies and Edwinas out there.
While I suspect age is in the equation, I am often the Empress of Wrong-ville.
Handsome dudes; lovely photos.
At 5’8", you would be a little big for my mare, but not by much. She’s around 13.2/3, a very stout 13.2. The only thing pony sized on her is her legs; she wears horse size harness. Anyone under 5’4" looks fine and the skinny 5’7" or 5’8".gal has ridden her. She takes up a lot of leg. (of course those pics are on my other laptop)
with old line Morgans often it is just the cannon bones that are shorter
OP, If you are now used to riding tall horses, be aware that you might have some discomfort with a smaller horse initially just because of the changes. Sounds obvious but when I changed school horses of different sizes I often disliked the feel of the new horse. Eventually I adjusted and they usually felt “right” ( My own horses have been 15.2, 16.2, 14.2, 15.2, and just under 15.1.)
I’m 5’9”, ALL leg, and not a short torso either.
My TB is 15.3, 16h on his tippy toes, but he’s built like a tank. Huge barrel, relatively long neck, just overall a big boy. I look fine on him in a jump saddle, though bareback my ankles and some calf hang under his belly. I imagine a dressage saddle would have the same effect.
My WB was 16.3 and also built like a tank, but with his short neck I almost look the same on him as I do on the shorter TB. I felt better on the WB though, because he was pretty uphill with his front end and kept me back in the saddle. The longer/lower neck of my TB make me want to get up in front of the motion a bit sometimes.
Basically, it’s more about the build than the stick height, like everyone else has said. I’m of the opinion though that you should buy what makes you happy - if you want a big chunky horse, buy the big chunky horse! I like a certain “type”, so when I’m shopping for myself I will pass on anything that doesn’t fit that type. Because I know I’ll wish I’d waited and found something that fits the picture in my head. (That said, I’m not chasing any specific competition goals, so I can care about color and build vs experience and training).
As has been said so much does depend on the individual horse’s build, barrel and neck shape in particular.
I have ridden some very stodgy 14.3 push push rides but my first guy was so nimble he could walk on planks.
Great pictures thank you!
Carrying on the Justin Morgan tradition of doing what can’t be done! Kudo’s to the trainer too.
This is just what I am finding with my current 16.1 mare, she has a comparatively small barrel and I think her previous owner had a shorter leg than I.
It feels like one: my heel is actually below her barrel and I have to almost bring my leg up to touch her,
and two: having to retrain the aids because she is used to feeling the aids much higher than I reach.
I am thinking of the height, if I get a 15hander probably won’t be jumping more than cross rails.
I’ve found that most 15 hand horses can pack around a 2’,6" course, even without talent or athleticism.
This is very true, I think it also depends on how the rider is built.
Don’t think that way! Large ponies, smaller than 15 hands by at least two inches, regularly jump 2’9" to 3’ in competition.
Look up Eventers Quartermaster & Theodore O’Connor/Teddy.
FYI:
Pony Club standard used to be 4’ from a standstill, so…
Ok so maybe I am operating in part under a misunderstanding, I thought there was a weight restriction in jumping…at my weight I would be too heavy for a smaller horse to stay sound jumping with me.
Yes, I do remember Teddy!
Pony Clubbers would be lighter weight children, even a taller teen wouldn’t have adult weight packed on.
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