Is she too big?

Hi. My name is Kaylie and I lease a chestnut/sorrel (chestnut in winter, sorrel in summer) QH named CC. She is around 15.2hh. I have asked for jumping critiques before and I recieved a comment saying that she was too big for me and it was affecting my leg position, and I should be looking for horses around 14.1 -14.2. I am 4' 10'' and around 108lbs-115lbs (it changes around a lot) and I very short legs.





Here are a couple videos for you to judge off of:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OFbjiteC...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi4jZ0xml...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMFHDf3dR...





So, do you think she is too big for me? It doesnt bother me, but is it affecting my leg position?





Thanks!

Is she too big?
don't listen to people who say she's too big for you... i'm 5'3" and have a 17.2 hand Hanoverian gelding and have won many A circuit eq classes on him.... you leg is a little lose but riding without stirrups will cure that in no time! good luck
Reply:Well from what you say on your youtube this is a first time for a lot of the things you are doing while riding. I honestly believe it isn't the horse and maybe that you just need a little more practice since you are somewhat new. Your height might affect you a little but maybe that will just make you work harder for that great leg and body position while in the saddle. If you yourself feel that your horse is too big then maybe you should find a more suitable horse to lease. It is really up to you. Maybe ask your trainer what he/she thinks if you value their opinion. Good luck!
Reply:No, I don't think the horse is too big for you, and I've never known of size to be a determining factor for leg position. You look very stiff and your balance is poor. That is understandable if you are a new rider. The horse seems very forgiving and you definitely need that at this time. You are much too far forward and ahead of your horse's movement. You are putting much too much weight on her forehand and this makes it difficult for her to move correctly. Get someone to help you with your posture, position, and flexibility. Relax a little and sink into your seat. Move with your horse like one being. Again, this is a very tolerant horse. Good luck.
Reply:I agree with the first comment. And if that's the case then I really should sell FJ (NOT!) your fine as long as you can handle her, you may look better on a smaller horse but i like to call that cosmetics of the horse world. You love Crystal Clear. that's all that really matters!
Reply:i dont think there is sucha thing as too big- just too much to handle. so obviously i dont think she is too big for you- i think you look very good on her BUT you a quite stiff in the leg and need more 'frog movement' as i call it. and your slouch in a bit and leaning foward- all of these things a contributing to your problem- but just keep working at it a one day it will just 'click'. well good luck and have fun!!
Reply:agree with Tina about your size vs horse.





You're leaning too far forward, riding her mouth (for ballance?), sit on your seat bones not your erm, uhh, curl your pelvis under, ride on your buttox. Don't jump "ahead of the horse" their movement should move you and still allow you to maintain contact with her mouth.





It would make a world of difference if the mare would collect for you instead of sticking her nose out evading the bit and your HANDS! But poor lease and/or lesson horses are used to having stupid humans yanking on their mouths.
Reply:You could fit on a smaller horse, but this one is not too big and strong for you. Work on stretching your legs down so you make your leg solid.
Reply:I don't think it will totally affect you but it could a little bit. But I think hes fine for you.


Don't worry about your still growing.
Reply:I think you look fine on her and you will do better the more you ride! Remember your still growing, too! Good luck!
Reply:I believe that there is no such thing as too big to ride, but there is too big to handle. Now obviously this is not the case. The reason people are probably say she's too big is because your very stiff in your legs and it become more obvious because of the horses size.





You need to loosen up those knees, don't let your legs swing forward over the jump. At the height your jumping I see no reason in making your stirrups longer to help you balance.





Now I can't see if your horse is pulling but your very hunched in your position, remember shoulders back, chin up.





It's a great start and I'm sure you two will have a ton of fun together. Balance will come with time and experience.