20% rule does this cover all ponies/horses?

[xTrooperx]

An idiots guide to the 20% rule does this cover everything, ie older horse, youngster, or your healthly fit horse only??.. Only reason is interested in a recently backed pony and with clobber on ( tack etc) I would only be 10 kg under this rule. Is it a no go.. Please note used weight tape not scales.

 

[*hic*]

One does have to exercise a certain amount of common sense - an animal with more bone and a shorter back is less likely to have problems than a one with fine legs and along back, the young and the old are less able than the "normal" aged fit.

If you are so marginal on a weight tape I suggest you get the animal on some scales to make sure. One of mine was nearly 80Kg out on a tape.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I do wonder this as well, I know it's common sense but iv got a highland who's a chunk standing at 14hh ( will make) and I'm 12 stone and 6ft.( iv lost 1.5 stone for him) I really worry I'm going to be to heavy for him but I love him so much I don't want to sell him.

 

[xTrooperx]

Thatsmygirl it's finally finding a pony able to take a longer leg and then it's second thoughts when u remember your weight :0(. Though I still worry my legs will dangle a little.

 

[Orangehorse]

Agree that common sense is needed! The back and neck are the last parts of the animal to mature. If someone is too heavy for a young horse they are going to protect themselves by either bucking you off, or bracing their backs, which can lead to schooling problems.

However, ponies - the chunky, leg at each corner type - are "over engineered" and weight for weight are stronger than their larger relatives. This is why ponies are much easier to keep sound and why larger horses expected to jump and gallop have soundness problems.

 

[abercrombie&titch]

thatsmygirl - I have a highland who is about 13.3, and I look tiny on her at 91/2 stone and 5'5" so I shouldn't think you will have a problem - they are meant to carry a dead weight after all so a considerate rider must be a breeze!!