8 struggles only short riders will understand

Aston H/T 08.08.19 Sect . D Allstar B _ Ross Canter No. 188

(Image credit: trevor-meeks-photography.co.uk)

From being on permanent lookout for the nearest mounting block, to being mistaken for a child, here are just some of the problems faced by the vertically challenged riders among us…

1. It doesn’t matter how much you let down your stirrup, there’s no way you’re going to manage to get on your horse from the ground. But you can relax in the knowledge that all the hours spent teaching your horse to sidle up to the nearest gate, fence, fallen log or whatever item you choose to use as a mounting block were well spent.

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Amanda Vlietstra is a freelance writer and editor who’s worked for a number of national magazines and websites. Having thrown herself back rural living with gusto since moving from London to Buckinghamshire in 2012, she juggles her horsey life with work and two small children. She claims to do dressage, but really just potters about having fun on her 14.2hh Belgian Warmblood mare, Roxy. She also enjoys a good gossip over a coffee in the tackroom!

8 struggles only short riders will understand

3. Finding long riding boots that fit is a nightmare for the short-legged. Most of them cut you off – painfully – at the back of the knee, even when you’ve got a pair of extended heel raisers in place.

4. Jodhpurs, breeches – in fact, all trousers – are an issue too. It’s not that you’ve got fat ankles, it’s just there’s at least three inches of excess material tucked away inside your boots.

5. No, you don’t have aspirations to be a jockey, thanks very much for asking.

7. But when you do ride something over 14.2hh, everybody double-takes when you’re out hacking, wondering why some overly ambitious parent has put their child on such a huge horse.

8. And who thought it would be funny to give you the highest saddle rack in the tackroom? Although on the plus side you’ve developed incredible abs from having to lift your saddle over your head after every ride while simultaneously trying not to drop it on yourself.

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