Heavy riders, who should speak out and when*spin off*

[joeanne]

I honestly cannot see anywhere that anyone has been rude.
I have seen people (myself included) say its the belief you are currently too heavy to ride the horse you have, but that is certainly not rude.
Since quitting smoking I too put on a whole bunch of weight. I lost it (and continue to do so) by eating sensible amounts of food.
If you cook food from scratch, you can control the amount of sugars in that food.
Its only processed foods that tend to be full of sugar, so avoid them.
Its possible to lose weight, but you have to change your attitude to food....eat to live, not live to eat.

 

[devonlass]

Actually immys, I disagree. There's no excuse for riding a horse that can't carry you comfortably. And plenty of obese people who simply need to exert will power.

I totally agree with this.I have heard so many arguments about 'food addiction',and have to say think most of it is nonsense.

There ARE people who have serious issues with food of course,and in those cases it probably is tied in with other mental health problems,and a bad relationship with food is probably a symptom rather than a cause.

For the majority of people though it is simply lack of will power and being weak willed with abstaining from something pleasurable.
I have struggled with weight most of my adult life.I have never been massively overweight,but my weight fluctuates a lot and I do find it difficult to maintain a healthy weight without quite a lot of effort.However the reason for this is quite simple,I enjoy my food,I eat 'nice' foods that are high in fat and calories and I eat more than what i need and I don't always do enough exercise to combat it.
It's not rocket science,I am greedy and often lack the willpower to deny myself something I enjoy.
Or I should say I DID do that,not any more so much.As mentioned before I decided some time ago to change my lifestyle,and it worked!!

No magical secret,I cut down on portion size and snacking,tried alternative foods to the high fat ones where poss (I don't go mad with this as feel cutting all the nice stuff out would be setting myself up to fail) and exercised more,mainly cycling as a means of transport (I even 'walk' the dog on the bike lol) as meant I didn't have to find extra time to fit it in.

Most peoples weight problems stem form a very simple cause,they consume more than they need.We just kid ourselves that it's more complicated so we can justify it and then not have to face it and tackle it.IMO and experience anyway.

 

[Big Ben]

You see I don't believe I am squashing him, and yes I have had an OP, and no I wasn't told to lose weight, we did discuss it, and yes I know I need to, but the surgeons words, "There is far more to weight loss than the medical profession currently understands" which was a strange thing to hear.

Ah what your surgeon is saying is that it is in your mind too...not just physical or metabolic as a lot of people suggest, metabolism does slow down as we get older and we have to work harder. We have all heard of "comfort eating", its in your mind. Now you tell me what happens during famine ie Ethiopia..lack of food/skinny. Now tell me about Anorexia?? food but a squew on body image etc/got rid off vomit, skinny. I am trying to demonstrate we doctors do know what food can do and without what it does. But he did discuss weight loss with you and you took his interpretation as he could not understand why yours hadnt worked. He probably in reality had not got a couple of hours to counsel you. He is a surgeon and wants to fix your immediate issue your knee? But am not being horrid to you by the way, you do realise you have a problem and if you work a bit harder at it no problem, just keep at it and then you wouldnt have to post what was posted originally. As I say be good to see you in six months time.Thats the challenge! Good luck your horse will last longer and so will you.


Factual, to the point, honest and absolutely great feed back.

Oh I get that you are not being horrid, but honest, and yes things will be different in 6 months, a lot of things will be different.

What was I thinking, well I took her over to my trainer for an assessment, I wasn't sure I was going to ride, because I was doubtful about her carrying me, but the trainer said she would be fine. That was though the one and only time that I have been on her, because I don't think it is fine at all,

Ah but who is paying the trainer.........money.

But who also has other horses, who will happily pay for the trainer to help me with my ground work, there is no need for her to say I'm OK with Wills.

I find it questionable op that your trainer okayed you riding the mare. And even if he is deluded, rather than just seeing £££ signs, do you do everything he says? If he said to ride a lame horse, or sock it in the mouth would you blindly agree? Because ultimately its your decision, & I think from your posts you know yourself that riding the mare is not fair at all, regardless of what any trainer says.

No I don't do everything she says, which is why I have said several times that I only rode Wills that one time, and when I saw the pics and the video I decided to put her on ice as far as riding goes until the spring.

I think it its relevant that you are only riding for 30 mins at a time (I am sure that is what you said) and not doing anything too taxing. I am not saying that your horse isnt struggling - he must be feeling the extra weight - (if I pick up something heavier than I can easily carry I feel it !) I am refering to the first picture - the horse in the second I wouldnt want to see more than about 13 stone on.

you know you need to lose weight (I know I need to lose weight) and if you stick at it you will lose weight - why not start hacking out - walk horse out for 20mins in hand and then ride back or vice versa - it may also help if you can get someone lighter to get your horse up to full fitness so that when you are riding he/she finds it easier to cope.

Maybe utilise lunging and loose schooling as well to build fitness/topline in horse.

you are very brave posting - good luck with the weight battle - I find that just by asking myself "do I really want to eat that fat/sugar?" it helps, its my choice and its just re-educating yourself to make the right choices - I have lost one stone but have another 2 to go and yes i do feel that my horse is going better for me losing weight - I am also more balanced (less gut wobbling about) but have a way to go.

Thank you, all good tips, and I will be using a few of them, with Ben I would have to ride out and walk back, living in a table top landscape with no walls, proper trees or any other mounting aids means that getting back on would be a struggle....I always mount with a block, whatever size I am BTW, but obviously until the weight goes down and the knee gets back to strength then the block is a need rather than a choice.

There will be lots of ground driving, that has started already, and also lots of 'games' in my friends indoor, when I can haul over there, walking and running on the sand is a good work out, and so many fu things to do with Emmy to get her trusting me to look out for her.

All these horses came to me having been stood in their respective fields for years, other people had given up on them for various reasons, so all this ground work, and building trust and respect is great for all of us, it means that hopefully I'll be ready for the girls when they are ready for me. Ben and I will continue our slow and steady progress, my aim is to be able to show him in the March tests, so 4 months, 16 weeks, a couple of stone lighter should be easy, hopefully a little better than that.

 

[ImmyS]

If I were you, I would watch the diet and literally long line your horse/s every where, no riding just long reining, will get you fit aswell as the horse so that you are both healthy and prepared for more riddeen work.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Or stop riding until have lost weight??

It always amazes me that the most obvious and simple answer to the problem get's ignored.

No, I already said this. I haven't been on my horse for months and won't til I drop enough weight.

I think there's a terrible conspiracy surrounding fat people. It is so rare to be told that I'm fat. Everyone bar the vet told me to ride my horse, he'd be fine, including another vet, an equine technician, my farrier, all my mates. I get 'he'll be fine' a lot. I refuse to risk him, he's too precious.

As for the addiction thing, four out of five siblings of the generation above me (mum) all have/had major addiction issues, booze, food, drugs. The fifth had severe mental health issues. Coincidence? Doubt it. I'm not making excuses for the state I'm in, cos I know I can drop the weight and keep it off, I just need to get back on the wagon.

 

[Big Ben]

I know I can drop the weight and keep it off, I just need to get back on the wagon.

It is still a hard wagon to stay on, smoking, booze, drugs, the choice is stay on the wagon, or fall off.

With food the choice is always with you, and it is far easier to choose abstinence over moderation, well for some of us that is.

 

[Camel]

It is still a hard wagon to stay on, smoking, booze, drugs, the choice is stay on the wagon, or fall off.

With food the choice is always with you, and it is far easier to choose abstinence over moderation, well for some of us that is.

I seem to spend all my life falling off that wagon and hauling my sorry ass back on again!

xx

 

[Cinnamontoast]

It is still a hard wagon to stay on, smoking, booze, drugs, the choice is stay on the wagon, or fall off.

With food the choice is always with you, and it is far easier to choose abstinence over moderation, well for some of us that is.

Do you mean not eat at all? Obviously this sends the body into starvation mode, thereby storing fat and defeating the object. Very foolish, although I generally did it on weigh in day, then treated myself that night.

With booze, fags etc, you can live without them, of course not with food, which is why bad eating habits are so hard to break. I sympathise, but would still stick with what I said about not riding until some of the weight has gone. Long reining is bloody hard work if done in a sand arena, give it a go, great cardio workout if the horse walks out.

 

[kerilli]

Do you mean not eat at all? Obviously this sends the body into starvation mode, thereby storing fat and defeating the object. Very foolish, although I generally did it on weigh in day, then treated myself that night.

With booze, fags etc, you can live without them, of course not with food, which is why bad eating habits are so hard to break.

This. Good for you for waiting till you are lighter. You are right about the conspiracy, or rather the 'don't want to be the horrible person who tells the truth' situation. It is ridiculous. Also, I wonder if people do it to make themselves feel better, "at least i'm not as big as x"... or something.
People are very odd. When i get down to my goal weight it is amazing the number of members of my family (all on the podgy side, tbh!) who suddenly make it their business to repeatedly say "that's enough", "don't lose any more", "you're too thin" etc (this is at 10 stone, 5'10", a v v long way from 'too thin'...) warped modern view, i think...

 

[Cinnamontoast]

When i get down to my goal weight it is amazing the number of members of my family (all on the podgy side, tbh!) who suddenly make it their business to repeatedly say "that's enough", "don't lose any more", "you're too thin" etc (this is at 10 stone, 5'10", a v v long way from 'too thin'...) warped modern view, i think...

I have this, too, being told I look 'gaunt'. I don't, it's just cheekbones and clavicles suddenly appear! It's normal!

^^ I like this pic, not too thin, not fat.

 

[Batgirl]

no excuse for obesity.

I absolutely disagree with this, addiction is a recognised problem when it comes to smoking, drinking, drugs. Food actually has a significant impact on your brain/chemicals and some people are actually addicted/crave food. It is not as simple as saying eat less, you have to be in the right frame of mind, you have to eat the right things, if I get to the end of the day so knackered because I haven't eaten enough I can't won't play netball/basketball/ride my horse, therefore exercise reduces and it turns into a vicious circle. 'Diets' are often aimed at sedentary people and don't work for me, I have got a referral to a dietician for my problem.

I am going to presume that you are not overweight Immy? nor a medical professional?

However I do agree with the sentiments regarding those who are simply wanting affirmation that they can ride their horse, I will never post that question as I don't want affirmation, I bought a horse specifically capable of carrying me easily and I do not want other peoples opinions, those that ask for them should be prepared for the opinions.

 

[FionaM12]

As someone else said, you can only make yourself heavier, not lighter!

To me that's just obvious sense. people who talk about "riding lighter" seem to suggest they feel less heavy than they really are to their horse. As I see it, they can feel heavier by riding badly. However by riding well, they can only feel lighter than someone of the same weight riding badly.

Are you saying becuase I have got fatter.... I should be giving up the horses.....perhaps?

If you have a horse which can carry your weight, not at all. But it must be able to carry the actual weight you are, not the weight you imagine your "riding light" makes you!

No chance on earth would I be seen dead wearing jods if I was the size of a whale.

I think this is a very unpleasant comment, mhorses. We're not talking about what people look like, we're talking about the effect of excess weight on horses. Not all of us are vain enough to let how we look in our jods put us off riding.

I honestly cannot see anywhere that anyone has been rude.

Just once I think Joeanne. See above.


The man of that grey is disgraceful IMO. The poor animal looks crippled in both photos. I'd like to think I'd speak out.

 

[Big Ben]

Do you mean not eat at all? Obviously this sends the body into starvation mode, thereby storing fat and defeating the object. Very foolish, although I generally did it on weigh in day, then treated myself that night.

With booze, fags etc, you can live without them, of course not with food, which is why bad eating habits are so hard to break. I sympathise, but would still stick with what I said about not riding until some of the weight has gone. Long reining is bloody hard work if done in a sand arena, give it a go, great cardio workout if the horse walks out.

I meant it would be so much easier not eating at all, if such a thing were possible, but it isn't.

I will though be losing much of the weight by using meal substitutes, just like feeding the dogs, or horses, a bag full of nutrition that gives you everything that your body needs to live. Yes it is Dr supported, drastic circumstances require desperate measures

 

[FionaM12]

I meant it would be so much easier not eating at all, if such a thing were possible, but it isn't.

I once tried to lose weight while my OH tried to give up smoking, we challenged and supported each other. However, a big difference was that he re-arranged his life so he could avoid being in the company of smokers or in situations where he knew he was likely to smoke. He felt that total abstinence was the only way to do it. He knew if he had one, he'd crack.

We both realised I couldn't do that with food. Which seemed a bit unfair IMO.

 

[BeesKnees]

BigBen, if you think you may have addiction issues, can you find an overeaters anonymous group near you? I used them when I was recovering from Anorexia, which sounds odd but there wasn't a group for undereaters and it helped to be around people who understand that food, (or in my case control of it), is an addictive substance for those with an addictive personality.

For those who poopooh the idea of food addiction, what you have to understand is that the process is about addiction to something, anything, that helps to medicate your emotions and pain. The hardest part of addiction is the psychological dependence, not the physical addiction. That is usually relatively quick to overcome, however unpleasant the physical symptoms (apart from alcohol which is dangerous in withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal is unpleasant but generally harmless).

With all addictions what is left after physical detox, is the habit and psychological dependence. For those who can abstain, the process is made a bit easier. For food addicts they have to learn moderation of the substance they crave. It would be like telling a hardened smoker just to have three cigarettes a day - for most people, that would be torture.

That is why food addiction can be so hard for people to manage.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Lighter Life or similar? Unsustainable, unrealistic. Do it properly. Everyone I know who used LL has piled the weight back on.

 

[ImmyS]

I absolutely disagree with this, addiction is a recognised problem when it comes to smoking, drinking, drugs. Food actually has a significant impact on your brain/chemicals and some people are actually addicted/crave food. It is not as simple as saying eat less, you have to be in the right frame of mind, you have to eat the right things, if I get to the end of the day so knackered because I haven't eaten enough I can't won't play netball/basketball/ride my horse, therefore exercise reduces and it turns into a vicious circle. 'Diets' are often aimed at sedentary people and don't work for me, I have got a referral to a dietician for my problem.

I am going to presume that you are not overweight Immy? nor a medical professional?

However I do agree with the sentiments regarding those who are simply wanting affirmation that they can ride their horse, I will never post that question as I don't want affirmation, I bought a horse specifically capable of carrying me easily and I do not want other peoples opinions, those that ask for them should be prepared for the opinions.

I just find it difficult to believe how people can become so overweight. I don't exercise alot and my diet isn't the best but no I am not overweight. Society has made people greedy in many aspects of living, peoples relationships with food is probably the most common issue, like someone else said many of us live to eat rather than eat to live. Having no excuse for being overweight is my opinion, I don't think there is any excuse for smoking, drinking, drugs etc.. you simply don't do it in the first place. And going back to horses anyway, horses are not designed to carry people so the least we can do is make it as easy for them as possible.

 

[vieshot]

I think we owe it to our horses to make them as comfortable as possible when being ridden. I don't want to get to the maximum weight my horse could carry. I want him to have an easy time so for that reason I don't allow myself to get overweight.


I didn't find any of the OP's pictures easy to view.

 

[FionaM12]

I just find it difficult to believe how people can become so overweight.

I don't. I have struggled with my weight since my teens. The causes originally were medical (steroids), but then it became compounded by psychological issues. Various extreme but fashionable diets and other factors ended up with me having a very problematic relationship with food.

I've battled with fluctuating weight and compulsive eating for 40 years now. I feel I mostly win the battle, and am not very overweight most of the time nowadays. But boy it's been a struggle and I can well imagine that I could easily have lost the fight at various times and become enormously overweight.

If you've never had such issues, lucky you.

 

[indie999]

It is still a hard wagon to stay on, smoking, booze, drugs, the choice is stay on the wagon, or fall off.

With food the choice is always with you, and it is far easier to choose abstinence over moderation, well for some of us that is.

Hey join a support group it really will help you and motivate you rather than keep getting told off. Look telling people smoking is bad for them and telling them to give up as they will die is not going to work. I spent years doing that only you can take that step.

But join one of the groups. You will need to find one that you like too ie a good leader who will encourage you day by day etc. and if need be on the end of the phone when temptation comes etc. Stick a pic on your fridge to remind you why you are doing etc etc

Go on off you go.... no more excuses. Do it. You train your horse now train yourself.

 

[chokablok]

Some people seem to think their horses backs are made of reinforced steel.

Riding a horse you are too heavy for is cruelty.

I think in this country people have a problem with the word fat. I wish people would use it more and speak out when they see a rider too heavy for their horse.


If you are too heavy for your horse, stop riding it and lose some weight. If you can't do that then stop riding and take up another form of exersize.

 

[Batgirl]

I don't exercise alot and my diet isn't the best but no I am not overweight.

You have a right to your opinion, and I am not picking on you, but this is why you don't understand because it hasn't happened to you. It is easy to say don't do it in the first place but weight really creeps up on you, particularly if it hasn't impacted on your life in a noticeable way. You also missed my point regarding the smoking and drinking, it was about the addiction once you have started doing them.

But you are right, back to horses, I would speak out in the case like the man on the grey horse, but in a grey area it is not really my place too, looking at someone doesn't tell you how much they weigh, or how much muscle they have or, well anything much at all. I have never had anyone guess within 2 stone of my actual weight, including doctors, diet specialists and people trying to be nasty who thought they were exagerrating. If a horse is showing discomfort I would say something.

 

[Sunshine]

S4Sugan raised a valid point - actual weight in kg isn't always as it looks in the body, and it was referred to earlier in the thread by someone who said 'not having a go at 6'2 rugby players' - why not?
I would guess that the fit, muscled rugby player weighs as much or more than the weight limits we are indicating to be the maximum we feel comfortable seeing on a horse. For example, I wonder just how heavy some of the mounted policemen are, especially in full kit, most of them would be over 5'9 and probably over 13st as an average male weighs approx this. I feel the perception of size is a problem, and a lot of the concern is about how it looks. Maybe this is what people are meaning when they refer to 'riding light or riding less' - the toned and balanced weight distribution of a strong wellbuilt rider is less of a problem to them than seeing layers of fat which may look like it is out of balance. And I weigh considerably more than I look to weigh, because I have broad shoulders and a lot of muscle rather than a big wobbly belly, large boobs or bum.
My daughter is 11, 4'10, all legs,and weighs 4st 5 so beautifully skinny and rides anything from 11hh to 16hh IDs happily but cannot ride the 11hh without comments on her height. One girl from RC is 12 yrs old, 5'5 tall, wears size 16/18 clothes and weighs around 10.5st, so is similar in clothes size/measurements to me (I am 3" taller) but I weigh more and people do not seem to realise that, by the opinions given earlier, I would probably be considered too heavy to ride, although many others have said they feel her weight is a problem.

 

[Mongoose11]

It has been pretty hurtful to read some of the naïve and arrogant posts about weightloss and obesity here. Sure it's just about piggishness isn't it, don't eat it if you don't want to be fat, do you really want to look like that in a pair of johds? Why don't you just say no? Food addiction - rubbish made up by fat people.

Spend one hour in my head. Go on. I'm sure you'll love it. Oh I do it all out of choice me - course I do.

 

[Big Ben]

If you've never had such issues, lucky you.

This, if you haven't been there you really don't understand the issues, I've said before we are all different, our bodies work slightly differently, and our minds certainly are all different.

No that is no excuse, but is is fact, so my journey will be slightly different to everyone else, I just need to do what works for me. I am making slow progress, at the moment, which is why I need to kick it up a gear, and will be starting the meal replacements for a while, LOL, it is kind of thrust on me in a way, having surgery in a while to have most of my teeth removed, so a liquid, soft food diet will fit right i with that, until I get myself straight again. SOunds like a tailor made solution to me

 

[Mongoose11]

Back to add - Yes essentially it is choice but it is also mental illness.

 

[chokablok]

Back to add - Yes essentially it is choice but it is also mental illness.

Okay so some people find it difficult to maintain a healthy weight - the argument is not over if someone should be fat but if someone should be fat AND ride a horse. The being overweight may not be a choice but horse riding is optional.

 

[Tinseltoes]

Too big for the dark horse and the man on the grey,well even worse.Why are some people pony squishers!!!!!
How would they feel if it was them carrying the horse?

 

[Mongoose11]

I agree Chokablok - the thread is about whether someone should ride if they are too heavy. So why the general hateful attitude towards fat people who just can't 'control themselves'? Not you - just some comments on this thread.

 

[FionaM12]

I just need to do what works for me. I am making slow progress, at the moment, which is why I need to kick it up a gear, and will be starting the meal replacements for a while, LOL, it is kind of thrust on me in a way, having surgery in a while to have most of my teeth removed, so a liquid, soft food diet will fit right i with that, until I get myself straight again. SOunds like a tailor made solution to me

Hooray! I so agree. The key is just that: what works for you. We're all different, and as long as you're getting your essential nutrients, just pick the plan that suits you, and go for it!

Maybe you could use this forum to help encourage you? Set yourself reasonable goals and come back and boast your success at reaching each milestone here. The resounding HHO cheer might help spur you on (to use a suitably horsey term ) towards the next one. You don't have to announce your weight, it could just be percentage of your bodyweight or other measure of distance to your goal.