Following on from the ''overweight riders'' post...

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Horsey_Gal

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I've just read the post on ''overweight riders'' . I'm a little concerned after reading this. I bought one of my horses just over two years ago and i was the right weight for her etc etc (according to vet & saddler). Recently i have put on quite a bit of weight (which i am unhappy about) and i am a little concerned i'm too heavy for her. She a 16.1hh TB, 7yo. I'd like to think i am a reasonable rider. Anyone any ideas on how much weight she could carry? or would you need to see her to tell?
 
I would like to comment. But would like to see the horse first!!!
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Horsey_Gal - go on how your horse acts; you would know if she was having trouble. as iv said before, my mare is 15.2hh, of light build, and i weigh 12 stone; she carries me just fine! (well, i hope u think so anyway - in siggy pics she looks happy enough to me!) dont get worried by the opinions of those who have never had to struggle with their weight - you will know by instinct what is best for your horse!

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How does she seem with you? If she seems perfectly happy carrying your weight, then don't worry.
 
I remember not so long ago when all the 3 day eventers had to carry 11 and a half stone around the XC regardless of size, so I think alomst any horse is capable of 12 stone if the rider is balanced
 
Well, i haven't ridden her for a long time to be honest (long story). She is getting ridden but by one of my experienced yard girls. So since i've put on the weight i haven't ridden her but i am going to start riding her again very soon as i have a lot more time due to a change in circumstances but the ''fat riders'' post made me wonder...
 
I really wouldn't worry. The thread about overweightness was I think refering to proportions relative to that of an elephant balancing on a beach ball - ie beyond all natural levels. I seriously doubt you are the size of an elephant no matter how worried you are about your weight! I think we get far too caught up about weight. Shetland ponies for example can carry a fully grown man (if he can keep his feet off the ground!) so I shouldn't have thought your TB will be worrying about a few extra stone here and there. Stop worrying and just enjoy your horse!
 
The main criteria is how you ride, not how heavy you are.
As an overweight rider I am always careful about how I get on (mounting block and land very softly in the saddle), do not thump about when riding and make sure you can ride above the saddle up hills if necessary, and generally in balance with your horse.
Believe me I have seen many many 8 stone riders their horses loathed due to their bad riding positions and unbalanced seat..
You enjoy your horse, if she was unhappy she would soon let you know!
 
As I posted before, at the FEI 100 mile endurance rides, all horses have to carry a minimum of 165lbs (11stone 11lbs). These horses are mainly lightly built, small Arabs and complete these rides at fast speeds. They obviously cope well with the weight as their welfare is paramount with veterinary checks throughout the 100 miles. Your horse should be able to carry 12 stone easily, if not more.
 
Hiya I dont know if this helps but my 15.3hh lightweight carries me at 13 stone fine or at least he doesnt complain and I wouldnt say I am the best rider by any means but he recently went on loan to somebody who was 12 stone and wasnt happy about her.......so I think they let you know if they arent happy
 
I am absolutely shocked and appauled by the recent posts about heavy weight riders!

I am a heavyweight rider, im not going to hide that fact and as much as i love my big draft horses i refuse to be a stereotype.

The two horses i have personally owned have been a Arab x Connemara and currently a TB. Both have and do carry my weight fine!

I have grown up concious of my weight (i have PCOS) and have been reduced to tears by peoples cruel jibes some of which i have recieved while riding.

It got to me so bad i actually approached my vet and asked him to watch me ride to monitor indi so that he could varify if i was too heavy (can you imagine how humilliating, upsetting and embarrasing that was!!!) and he confirmed that my 17hh Ex racer carries me fine!

It was only when i got commented on my riding by a BD Instructor and rider that i started to understand i wasnt that big. She told me that yes im a big girl but my seat is soft and i ride beautifully! still hard to believe but sod it :P

People should not comment about peoples sizes and ability to ride, some people take it to heart like me. It will take you 2 seconds to say it but a lifetime for someone to forget it.
 
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