13 stone weight limit!!

Vindicated

Vindicated

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Well, I tried to recently book a 2 hour hack through Leicestershire based Susie Bowie Criollos, only to be then be told that there is a 13 stone weight limit in place:confused: I actually weigh 13.5.

I'm a 6,1 male who plays a lot rugby, so I'm gonna be a tad heavy, but I'm not "fat" by any mean. I find it strange as I've ridden a Criollo horse before while in Argentina, and have been reliably informed they are actually stronger than the quater horse.

Is it common to impose such weight limitis? I really miss those that little Criollo's and was really looking forward to riding one again.
 
Quite common, they are protecting their horses from heavy unbalanced riders. Some don't set this hard and fast and MAY allow a heavier experienced rider. These horses are their livelihood and need to be fit to work day in and day out.
 
Anywhere that hires out horses generally work on the side of caution. At 13.5 stone & able to ride you might be fine, but the 16 stone novice who lies about they're weight may not be. I think the hours they work is part of it too.
 
Vindicated said:
Is it common to impose such weight limitis? I really miss those that little Criollo's and was really looking forward to riding one again.
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It could be worse...the equestrian centre near me has a weight limit of 12st for all adult classes but apparently have ponies/horses from 11hh to 17hh... I weigh less but I don't believe it's exactly unheard of for someone to be a fit individual and weigh more...
 
13 half stone for a 6ft 1 is really light! Especially for a rugby player, considering muscle is heavier than fat! I understand that places want to protect their horses but that's not that heavy!
 
madmav said:
Yes, but he is a fit, 6ft rugby player who also likes horses. There are more hen's teeth lying around than that.
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urg, he's a student and a rugby player. You guys have no taste :rolleyes:

(no offence vindicated, though I expect you're big enough and man enough to take it!)

Anyway DB, I am one of the usual suspects :p
 
It's quite common unfortunately. This has caused a mass of grief for my husband trying to find somewhere for riding lessons. He is 6ft 4 and at his lightest was 12 1/2 stone which was far too light and is normally around 14 1/2 stone. So many riding schools told me they could cater for his height but as soon as I mention his weight it becomes a problem. The average weight limit around here is 12 stone! I can't imagine what he would look like if he weighed only 12 stone. :eek: I can understand the weight limits for reasons already mentioned but it irked me they said they could cater for tall men when clearly they can't. :(

There are places out there though, definitely keep looking. In the end my hubby bought his own horse who is distinctly the 'other woman' in our relationship! :p
 
If you are a balanced rider, what's the problem? How can they tell by looking or do they ask you to step on the scales? Just curious.

Don't forget you have to factor in the weight of the saddle and include all gear - hat and boots etc.
 
brighteyes said:
If you are a balanced rider, what's the problem? How can they tell by looking or do they ask you to step on the scales? Just curious.

Don't forget you have to factor in the weight of the saddle and include all gear - hat and boots etc.
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Apparently the equestrian centre near me weighs customers to check they're not over the 12st limit... Purely anecdotal though as I've not been there so cannot confirm... But the website does state the 12st limit for adults - group classes or private tuition...

My 14yr old, 5' 9", very sporty son who is as fit as a flea and doesn't carry any excess weight (string bean type) is about 11 stone... 12st is a tad conservative imo...
 
The Criollo horses that you speak of at the grange also wear western saddles and the ones they use weigh 28 pounds and up. The horses are only about 15hh so the weight of the saddle has to be taken into consideration as well as the weight of the rider.

In Argentina they do not wear heavy saddles.
 
omg that is so not too heavy for horses. didnt think some schools actually take the scales out and weigh you there and then :eek:. i would think you would be fine and wouldnt even mention the half stone. any strudy horse would have no problem with that. a good 16-17hh horse would be fine with that even a good strong 15hhs horse would carry that. go for it.
if you cant get on a horse something is wrong.
 
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