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When dealing with horses, being tall sometimes helps. For those of us who are naturally under 170 cm, it can be challenging to perform daily tasks around the horse and in the stable. If you're not familiar with this struggle, you're one of the lucky ones. However, if you're a short rider and thus struggle to get the saddle in place, brush the horse's ears, or reach the top shelf in the cabinet, then read on. This article is dedicated to you.
You bring the horse in from the paddock and to your horror, it has rolled in the biggest mud puddle. You already know you'll need a stool to reach up. And even though you brush as you've learned, you still can't get it all. It's simply impossible to reach without a stool, crane, stilts, or lift! And it's just too embarrassing to ask for help. So your horse might not always be the cleanest. As a short rider, this is a widespread problem for you. And we haven't even mentioned the painful struggle of braiding rosettes. Talk about arm cramps! If it were up to you, rosettes would be abolished.
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"Damn it, horse, stand still! I can't reach!" When virtually all horses are taller than you at the withers, saddling up is quite a project. On the other hand, you have some good muscles in your arms, as you're forced to hold up about 10 kg of saddle with an outstretched arm several times a day. And then there's the thing with the bridle. Your horse has figured you out and usually sticks its head in the clouds when you approach. And there you stand with all your talents, jumping up and down in front of it.
– Which it probably is, if your legs are short. Keeping up with your long-legged trainer on the course is exhausting when your steps are half as long as his/hers. Several times you've caught yourself exclaiming; “wait for me!”
Why me? You've become quite tired of always being the one people ALWAYS turn to if the small, fat, and cheeky ponies need schooling. Maybe you almost feel a bit discriminated against because of your height?
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The struggle is real! Your ears turn red just thinking about it. All the lower saddle racks are taken by the kids, so you're relegated to the top shelves like all the other adults. Even though it's hard to get the saddle in place, you'd still not swap, as it's somewhat akin to being placed at the children's table at a birthday party. No thanks, rather suffer in silence!
Take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. There are many in the same boat out there. A good and solid stool is worth its weight in gold when you're a short rider – as well as plenty of patience!
Have a great ride!
