Hi, and welcome!

As far as what weight you should be before getting back on a horse depends on many factors. A general rule of thumb is the rider and tack should be no more than 20% of the horse's bodyweight. That makes the average 1000 lb horse should only carry about 200. There are some who think a horse can carry 25% (and some can) making that about 250. If you have a fine bone breed (Arab/TB) they may not be able to handle as much, whereas a draft cross or a draft pony such as a Haflinger can likely carry a more substaintial rider.

How's that for a complete non answer?

Here's how I did it when I lost weight. I made sure I was under 225 lbs when I went back to riding. By that point in time I had exercised enough that I had some reasonable ability to balance and use my core again. One great suggestion I had was to ride bike (not stationary) as that will help to improve your balance similarly to what you will use on the horse. Call and see if the stables have a weight limit. Several of the riding horse strings I worked with out west wouldn't let anyone over 250 ride.

Good luck. I think for you it is less about weight and more about stretching, core strength and balance.

Pip

I rode my Sully at 345 with a 26lb Aussie saddle. My limitations were massive. I didn't do much trotting, no galloping, because I couldn't keep from slamming his back. But he's a 16.2 draft cross that weighs anywhere from 1600 to 1900 lbs depending on the quality of the pasture he's on I also went to great lengths to make sure he didn't become sore in his back and elsewhere. I think a larger rider has to know they're larger, and has to ride like they're larger and take their horse into consideration. That said, you'll likely run into a lot of discrimination from smaller riders who assume you don't have your horse's best interest at heart.

I'm guessing at 6' you likely carry your weight well. I do, as well. I'm tall and athletic under my fat, and I have good core, leg and balance. I also mountain bike, and it does help a lot. I'm down to 280 now, and Sully acts like I'm not on his back at times! It's nice to feel your horse respond to your weightloss.

I also go by the 20% rule. And keep in mind that a taller horse doesn't necessarily equal a stronger horse. If you can find a barn that utilizes some draft/draft crosses, you'll likely find a good match Good luck!

Any other competitive barrel racers in this group? I just joined MFP. Got two barrel horses running, a project going, and a beginner's lesson business I'm running. I'm very busy, get plenty of excercise, but I swear I'm ADDICTED to eating. Hopefully this will be the start to changing that.

Grr, I have better technique as a rider than I did as a 17 year old, but I'd sure love that body back....it really made staying with these powerhouses a lot easier coming out of the barrel! I really want to get in shape for many reasons, but I'd love to get back into some tight blingy Ariat jeans and blow everyone into the 2D cuz I'm so light my horse doesn't know I'm on it Let's face it, you never see chunky girls at the WNFR!

Anyone else find it difficult to workout for the sake of working out when you know you still have stalls, shelters, and pens to muck out?