how does rider weight affect a horse

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Megibo

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just wanted to know...

I have a 13.3 and I weigh 12st. She's a chunky welsh cob and has no problems carrying me.
However, had a saddle checks today as it's not been checked for 6 years.
It fits her but sits too low at the back when I ride (due to seat not being big enough, my bum just fits in it but she cant take a bigger saddle and why should she have to?). long story short it fits with a prolite rear raiser and she'll be fine all year round with that fat and thin etc

my question is, even though she can carry me now will she find it much easier and more comfortable if i weighed less?

NOTE: I AM currently on a diet and aiming to lose about three stone anyway but am curious if it will have any benefit...if its any relevance i'm 5ft 3
 
It really depends on how you ride.
My instructor once said that the skin of a horse weighs a tonne, the reason they don't feel it is because it moves with them.
If the rider moves with the horse he won't feel you and you'll be harmony, move against the horse and you will be obstructing.
 
I think that you've answered your own question. By losing weight you will feel better about yourself and your pony will be able to work better too! Also it will help your saddle - I assume you discussed the problem with the saddler. The very best of luck with your diet -from one dieter to another!
 
Apologies for perhaps being un-PC but yes....and you will feel much, much better as well.

(Speaking as a 5'6" 47 yr old who was 13st in my 20's - now 9'7")
 
Well done for going on a diet to loose weight. Not only will it help your health but I definitely think it will benefit your horse too. Weight does impact a riders ability to balance, and when that weight is also concentrated on a smaller area, eg small saddle as you describe, any saddle imbalance is also magnified. Good luck
 
I think you'll both notice a difference. I lost 5 stone a few years ago, and it made such a difference to how I felt when I rode. Horsie didn't complain either! :o

Best of luck with it :)
 
I went to Weight Watchers. Needed the motivation/ threat of being weighed every week, and it was costing me money so that was motivation too! Would recommend them. You could buy the starter pack from Ebay and follow it yourself if you're very disciplined! :)

Is that your Welshie in your sig? She's very pretty! I have a Welsh Sec D.
 
ohhhhhh yes it willl in sense horse carrying less - but ok i had - till 2 yrs ago - opposite prob i could not put weight on . im 5'7 ish and at one point weighed 6 and half stone - taken me 2 yrs to get to 8st - trust me be thin is as bad as overweight when riding big lad lol - no energy look **** but mmm i have a clevage now be itl little pmsl
 
magichorse said:
I went to Weight Watchers. Needed the motivation/ threat of being weighed every week, and it was costing me money so that was motivation too! Would recommend them. You could buy the starter pack from Ebay and follow it yourself if you're very disciplined! :)

Is that your Welshie in your sig? She's very pretty! I have a Welsh Sec D.
Click to expand...

ahh i see, i'm trying slimming world! :D

yeah that is her, she's also a D technically but really just an overgrown C ;) bless :rolleyes:
 
babymare said:
ohhhhhh yes it willl in sense horse carrying less - but ok i had - till 2 yrs ago - opposite prob i could not put weight on . im 5'7 ish and at one point weighed 6 and half stone - taken me 2 yrs to get to 8st - trust me be thin is as bad as overweight when riding big lad lol - no energy look **** but mmm i have a clevage now be itl little pmsl
Click to expand...

you feeling alright ? :rolleyes: :p
 
Yes! You will be amazed at how much better your pony will go for you. We are lucky as horse riders that we have a great incentive to lose weight. I have to keep below ten stone or I cannot school the 13.3 hh and 14 hh ponies on my yard. I would therefore lose some of my income. I ride very light and am an instructor but I would consider myself too heavy if I went over ten stone.
 
Wagtail said:
Yes! You will be amazed at how much better your pony will go for you. We are lucky as horse riders that we have a great incentive to lose weight. I have to keep below ten stone or I cannot school the 13.3 hh and 14 hh ponies on my yard. I would therefore lose some of my income. I ride very light and am an instructor but I would consider myself too heavy if I went over ten stone.
Click to expand...

Okay :D i'm definitely going to crack on with the diet :o
 
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