how wee are eventers?

[AlpinePony]

I'm in shock, just back from CHIO aachen x and was shocked at how tiny the nags were. I dunno, I thought they'd be muscled beasts and most of them looked like a 4-legged wfp! ;)

[Callisto]

The trouble with big warmblood types is that they are not particularly quick on their feet and they tend to be a bit thick too (ime). Event horses need to be very bright (three separate diciplines to learn and keep separate), agile and quick thinking, and have lots of stamina. Also, a really fit horse has a similar profile to a greyhound, but the muscle is there. There is a big visual difference between a fit horse and a thin horse.

[AlpinePony]

Oh no, I didn't mean they were unfit, and I understand there's been a transition over the last decade or two away from warmbloods to thoroughbreds for time trials. I dunno, I suppose I've been spending too much time in Germany and there I was - faced with tiny 16hh "ponies".

Fwiw, my warmblood ain't fick, but she sure is slow! ;)

[Callisto]

No, I know you didn't mean they were unfit, but it is funny that when you're used to a certain type, other horses can look a bit weird. I work mainly with TB's, though we do have a vast hunter on the yard too, and warmbloods (and show hunters, cobs etc) all just look like blubber buckets to me. I'm used to that skinny TB look, and when I take DD to shows I'm aghast at the size of some of the show hunters - they look like they've had air pumped into them.

I remember when we were in Canada a few years back we stopped at a ranch and there was some kind of pretend cowboy thing going on. The horses were quarter horses at a guess, and they were too bizarre - teeny, tiny feet, legs and heads, and huge arses and shoulders. And the people riding (who all wore rhinestone in abundance) were making these horses canter at no more than a fast walk speed (I think it's called a lope). I was at the sight - I'm sure they all thought I was v admiring of their horses and outfits.

[Backinthebox]

I know what you mean. As you know , my best friend and I were 'backstage' at Badminton one year, and to see these creatures in the stables after XC day - bandaged up, with their heads down with exhaustion, and you realise just how small they are. Especially so when the year we went into the stables the competitors included Little Tiger (15.1hh) and Headley Britannia (15.2hh.) There was another really dinky horse we saw grazing out in front of the house too, can't remember the name. There are dozens out there at 15.3hh. And Theodore O'Connor was famously only 14.1hh.

The loss of the roads and tracks has completely changed the type of horse that excels at eventing. But, as you know I'd lay money on the 15 hander in my stable to wipe the floor with the former 17.3hh inhabitant in anything to do with jumping. The big one would win on his dressage though.

[FannyPriceless]

box you are just the expert I need for a 'controversial' problem I have posted elsewhere. Any chance you can tell me what you would do if you were me?

alps sorry to start a side conversation on your thread - you'd better tell me what you think too!

So other than shock at the size, did you enjoy yourself today?

[Loshad]

i'm used to it so no surprises, more always amazed at the mahoosive size of the dressage horses. best eventer i ever had was 16h 1/2 " in her shoes

[horseygeorgie]

i worked for an evanced rider, her horses ranger from 16.2 upwards to 17.3. all very lean though and not the biggest built horses. I've looked after and ridden Shear H2O and he is 16.2 but rides MASSIVE.
Most of them are small, bigger horses just aren't as maneuverable.

[horseygeorgie]

aaargh advanced

[rogersmellyonthetelly]

Anywhere between 15.2 and 17.2 generally. They are almost Always tb or tb cross, so tend to be a light frame and limb, and of course they are as fit as hell for that job.