horse to rider weight ratio

[sally2]

This is one for the older type of rider. I am an older man who has been riding for years but sadly my weight has gone up some since my youth i am just under 14 stone and 6 feet tall. My Cob is 15hh has 9inch cannon bone and weighs around 520/530 kgs and stands 4 square solid to the ground. Unfortunately i feel i am now to heavy for riding and am considering giving up as losing weight at almost 60 is very difficult even though i walk cycle and in general am very fit for my age. I would be very interested to here if there are any other old fatties out there who are in a similar situation and what the hell do you do when riding is out of your life.

 

[Spit That Out]

How old is your cob and what type of work do you do on him/her?

If your cob is fit and happy, apart from being a tall chap on a 15hh horse your weight shouldn't be a problem.

My instructor is 82 this year and still competing at dressage!!!

Carry on doing what you enjoy doing as your age doesn't matter to your cob

 

[galaxy]

don't give up because you of weight! I very much doubt your horse is struggling... Have you any indication he is? Have you had his back checked. You've got yourself a stocky weight carrying horse, not a skinny tb...

I very much doubt some of the professional male SJers on the circuit are lighter than you!

 

[sally2]

Thanks for the replies you are very kind. No the horse is not struggling i had other horses but cant part with my 16 year old cob we have been bonded for many years and i could not part with her and i have had many offers for her. We ride almost every day for about an hour and sometimes much longer. She is the most honest horse i have known in over 30 years and still keen to show a turn of speed to keep the youngsters in their place. I am encouraged to keep going but will just have to lay off the Guiness.

 

[Ella19]

keep going! She'll tell you when enough is enough. There is no reason why your little cob can't carry you so enjoy her still and have fun. People used to complain to me because I was on an exmoor (i'm only 5ft 4 and 8 stone) but they saw him as "a childs pony" they soon became quiet when he took off with me out hunting! If the horse is coping, and she definately sounds like she is, then carry on as you are.