The smaller dressage horse - 15.3...IS the market increasing for this size?

[Graymaresrule]

[QUOTE=MojitoMare;8908485]
I just bought a 2 year old PRE filly and size was one of the deciding factors for me. I wanted something that would be under 16.1 or 16.2. I think my girl will mature right around 16 hands, her sire is 15.3.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn’t look at Sophie until her breeder assured me she was not over the 16 hands advertised. She is at the very top of my range as I am 5’3"

[Scribbler]

[QUOTE=MysticOakRanch;8910406]
I can think of many different breeds that are under 16 hands and NOT Iberian. Including some of the Warmbloods. And GRPs (Warmblood/pony cross usually). My small mare is a Friesian/WB cross. I see Welsh Cobs, Haflingers, Iberians, Warmbloods, GRPs, Arabian crosses, Morgans at our area shows, and all are under 16 hands. Some are at the FEI levels, a few are even doing CDIs. So I don’t think we are talking “big Warmblood” vs “small Iberian” in this thread.

And when it comes to price, the Iberians tend to be as much or even more then a WB, even lacking the movement (something I don’t quite understand to be honest).

So I don’t quite understand your comment, I guess? There are many small horses with WB movement, and there are plenty of big horses (including Warmbloods!) who don’t have quality WB movement too.[/QUOTE]

I actually don’t see these horses competing locally (except Arabs at the Arab show), and I don’t see folks buying them who are primarily focused on competing. It’s good to know that they are out there!

[4wdNstraight]

I just wanted to point out that what really matters is how a horse responds to their rider. I believe I heard that Debbie McDonald said no to Brentina based on her size. Her husband convinced her to try the mare. Brentina listened to Debbie’s aids, and the rest is history.

I owned a 15.3 hand Hanoverian mare that rode like a very big horse. I have also ridden my trainer’s 17.2 hand mare that I was extremely skeptical since I am only 5’3. She was not too much. I guess it just depends.

FWIW, I just bought an Andalusian that is 16.2 at 3. They do come in all sizes, especially if bred for dressage. His movement is on par with the warmbloods too.

[ewells]

[QUOTE=MojitoMare;8908485]
I just bought a 2 year old PRE filly and size was one of the deciding factors for me. I wanted something that would be under 16.1 or 16.2. I think my girl will mature right around 16 hands, her sire is 15.3.[/QUOTE]

MojitoMare that’s exciting news as a local and fellow PRE owner tell me more you can pm me. I bought a 16hh 3yr old PRE and he’s now just a sciff under 16.2hh I’m 5’4" and yes size was a factor I do not want a 16.3hh horse again it is was just impossible for me to collect such a big horse. This guy with his breeding and size is at 5 easier to collect already by far. Congratulations on your PRE filly

[2tempe]

Not to sidetrack this discussion about size, but just reading the comments, its interesting to me the number of posters who have the PRE’s. I purchased a Lusitano about 18 months ago. In addition to his 15.3 hand height, he is really the most fun horse to ride and work and show that I’ve ever owned. I’m a decided convert to the Iberians.

[theautumnleaves]

I just wanted to post that I didn’t move forward with this mare. She had a pretty wonky left front from the knee down that only cam to PERFECT light when I asked for a walk/trot video straight from the front before I planned my trip. I also asked for photos just of the front legs and feet, and they never came. Sigh…and I’m not looking at super cheap horses!

A appreciate the helpful comments though!

[theautumnleaves]

I just wanted to post that I didn’t move forward with this mare. She had a pretty wonky left front from the knee down that only cam to PERFECT light when I asked for a walk/trot video straight from the front before I planned my trip. I also asked for photos just of the front legs and feet, and they never came. Sigh…and I’m not looking at super cheap horses!

A appreciate the helpful comments though!

[Spice_Girl]

I love my “little” dressage horse. At 15.2hh, he was overlooked by other riders due to lack of height, with one prospective buyer telling me (after I had bought Wonder Pony) that they needed a bigger horse…even though that person was much shorter than me! But guess who is out there now getting fabulous scores and regularly placing or winning against bigger horses. ???

[pryme_thyme]

I too am in the same boat, I had a 16h dwbxapp mare who I found was the biggest I would want. I found it difficult to really wrap my legs around her barrel (I’m 5’4 just!). Not an issue for hunters but as I got more serious in dressage and levels started getting tougher, things that were easy for my tall trainer, were hard for me. I just bought a APHA colt, hoping he will be 15.2. tops 15.3.

Plus, if you need to get on from the ground, 16h was a strreetch. :Lol:

[UXReins]

Yes, I think that we are wising up to the fact the bigger does not mean better - ar least not for everyone. My current steed is barely 15.3 and I may go smaller next time. ???