Horse owners

Bigwig236
Bigwig236 Posts: 74 Member
edited October 2 in Introduce Yourself
Any other overweight horse people out there trying to do something about it??

Replies

  • Bigwig236
    Bigwig236 Posts: 74 Member
    Naturally, I meant the owner, not the horse.
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    I hope this doesn't come off wrong its an honest question, but do horses have a weight limit. I was watching americas funniest home videos and this lady got on a horse and the horses back legs buckled a bit, I work at the spine institute so I am extra cautious when it comes to anything spinal. I did not find that funny at all. It just got me thinking what is the weight limit for a horse? I am sure some of it depends on the horse but is there a rule of thumb?
  • debswebby
    debswebby Posts: 326
    I would like to know that too. I would love to go horse riding but at 17 stone I feel it would be cruel.
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    Yes! My riding has improved significantly as my weight has dropped.

    Horses don't have a particular cut off for weight. Different breeds can handle different weights. Some finer-boned horses like Thoroughbreds can handle less weight than a quarter horse of the same size. Shorter-backed horses can hold more weight than longer-backed ones. Some little ponies, bred for hauling coal out of the mines, can handle extreme weights, even though they are tiny.

    But for me, my balance is better, my seat more secure, and that's more comfortable for my horse, and I look better on her.
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    I would like to know that too. I would love to go horse riding but at 17 stone I feel it would be cruel.

    What is 17 stones in pounds? What breed of horse do you anticipate riding? What sort of riding do you want to do?
  • statia152
    statia152 Posts: 558
    I have a Standard breed (mom is 20) and a Standard / Walker (baby is 7). I had to stop riding about 10 years ago due to back issues. I'm sure there is a "rule of thumb", but I don't know what it is. Most of the riders around here use a mounting block, to prevent injury to the horse's spine. Maybe if I can lose more weight and strengthen my back, I could ride a little?
  • morganadk2_deleted
    morganadk2_deleted Posts: 1,696 Member
    I would like to know that too. I would love to go horse riding but at 17 stone I feel it would be cruel.

    What is 17 stones in pounds? What breed of horse do you anticipate riding? What sort of riding do you want to do?

    238lbs 14lbs = 1 stone
  • Bigwig236
    Bigwig236 Posts: 74 Member
    They most certainly do. That beast of mine is a 17.2 hand Irish Draft cross. He can carry up to about 17 stone, but I wouldnt want to be more than 15 stone on him. Most stables dont like you riding at above 90kg (200lbs)
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    There are lots of horse people here!

    Not all of us have a huge amount to lose, but we are all feeling better riding the more fit we become! :smile:

    p.s. One of the horses I ride is a 17.3hh Irish Draft imported from Limerick!
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    This article gives the rule of thumb for weight: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Much-Weight-Can-a-Horse-Carry?&id=341252

    But keep in mind it will vary by horse, rider abilities, and type of riding. In my opinion, a "husband horse" could safely pack around a 230 pound man, and tack, on a simple trail ride over easy terrain. I would not have a rider that same size, who doesn't know how to properly trot, slamming into the horse's back, for any period of time.

    And in truth, I'd rather see a rider that is heavier, but rides well, than a lighter rider who slams all over the horse.
  • jumperchick
    jumperchick Posts: 79
    the general rule i have heard is they can carry 20% of their body weight. but it also depends on breed.

    i own 3 horses ! feel free to friend me horse lovers =]
  • _Khaleesi_
    _Khaleesi_ Posts: 877 Member
    the general rule i have heard is they can carry 20% of their body weight. but it also depends on breed.

    i own 3 horses ! feel free to friend me horse lovers =]

    That is also the rule of thumb that I have heard. Keep in mind that a horse is more comfortable carrying a heavy weight when the rider is balanced and has profficent skill. :)

    I have a 9 year old QH palomino mare. :) Feel free to add me horse friends!
  • ellycope
    ellycope Posts: 80 Member
    I would probably say that, although weight is an important factor, fitness would alsobe key. The fitter you are the better you carry yourself and can hold your position better so you're not affecting the horse and its balance so much by wobbling about in the saddle. So if you've been exercising more but the weight hasn't come off yet then you'd still probably be better for the horse than someone lighter who had a weak position.

    I ride a cob who can easily carry way more than my weight but my riding has definitely improved since I've lost half a stone (7lbs) and got fittened up.
  • geeksrule
    geeksrule Posts: 143 Member
    Although I only ride the odd time, my daughter is just getting back into it after 4 years. She's just a beginner - but I was lovin' being around all the horses at the farm this morning - they made me smile as they all lined up for their apples!!!
    :happy:
  • Hootsmamma
    Hootsmamma Posts: 254 Member
    I have Three, but do a limited amout of riding right now due to two main reasons: 1) The heat (I live in the desert where summer time heat is in the triple digits) and 2) I have MS which affects my balance (esp when I get over-heated!). Two of my 3 horses are fairlly good sized for Paints (my Mare is 16 hands and my Gelding is almost 17 hands)., the smallest horse I have is a stount/short backed Palomino Qtr Horse who I ride (for short periods of time and only at a walk) while I'm working on getting my leg strength back, and continue to lose more weight. Several people have mentioned on here that while weight does play an important factor in riding, it's more important how secure and balanced your seat is (esp if you weigh a lot)--so that you're not bouncing around all over the horse's back and kidneys. Also, I Always use a mounting block to avoid causing my horses any uncomfort while I mount.
    Any Horse owner/lovers..feel free to friend me if you like. Horses are amazing creatures! :heart:
  • nanberube
    nanberube Posts: 112 Member
    I love riding my baby, but I have not been able to mount her. My butt is too heavy to lift up and on to the saddle. Now that I have lost some weight, I could try again. I was so embarrassed the last time I rode; it took two people to help me up. I have not tried since because I was too traumatized. Now that my weight is down, I need to strengthen my back & stomach muscles before I mount a horse again. Maybe next season.
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