I really love tall (anything). And I certainly love tall horses.
But I've been a tad disappointed by the lack of...shall I say..."spectacular" height of the draft horses that invariably hold the title of tallest living horse.
I was a rider for many years, and rode some very tall jumpers. I showed a lovely, black Hanoverian stallion who was 17.2hh. I trained and showed a Trakehner stallion that was 17.3hh. I trained a grade mare who was 18.1hh. And many show jumping fans will remember Big Ben, who was 18hh, I believe.
So these were the tall, but normal, horses I rode. When I was looking for a new horse, I was only looking at ones 17h or taller (since I prefer them tall).
So, that's why it's a wee bit disappointing for me. A 19h horse is just 4" or so taller than many of the horses I rode and showed. Sure, a 20h+ horse is 8 or more inches taller, which I would probably notice. But I'm kind of hoping I'll get to see a 22h horse, one day.
As a long time Great Dane owner, I'm keenly aware of the difference between a typical 36" Dane, and the record holders just under 43".
My husband is also just under 7'. So I really notice when someone is over 7' tall, but can tell when they're not quite.
But I've been a tad disappointed by the lack of...shall I say..."spectacular" height of the draft horses that invariably hold the title of tallest living horse.
I was a rider for many years, and rode some very tall jumpers. I showed a lovely, black Hanoverian stallion who was 17.2hh. I trained and showed a Trakehner stallion that was 17.3hh. I trained a grade mare who was 18.1hh. And many show jumping fans will remember Big Ben, who was 18hh, I believe.
So these were the tall, but normal, horses I rode. When I was looking for a new horse, I was only looking at ones 17h or taller (since I prefer them tall).
So, that's why it's a wee bit disappointing for me. A 19h horse is just 4" or so taller than many of the horses I rode and showed. Sure, a 20h+ horse is 8 or more inches taller, which I would probably notice. But I'm kind of hoping I'll get to see a 22h horse, one day.
As a long time Great Dane owner, I'm keenly aware of the difference between a typical 36" Dane, and the record holders just under 43".
My husband is also just under 7'. So I really notice when someone is over 7' tall, but can tell when they're not quite.
What can I say? I like big things!