In hand showing when rider weight an issue

[PinkRoses]

Hi all,

My lovely mare is finally back in ridden work (yay!). I was really hoping to get hacking this summer but unfortunately I’m just not loosing weight quickly enough and I feel as if I’m far too heavy for her (in hindsight I should have started 18 months ago but here we are!) She’s being ridden by someone on the yard for me so her rehab is continuing.

I’ve been quite active recently and have been exercising 4 times a week along with dog walks, doing stairs instead of the lift etc. I have lost weight but I haven’t been very good with taking my metformin but I’m going to be more dedicated from now on.

I would love to start doing a little bit with her and I was thinking of trying in hand showing but I’m not sure if I’m going to look silly doing it as I’m still a 16 and have a long way to go. I’m aware I’m bigger and with all the focus on rider weight at the minute I’m worried I’m going to be judged.

Is this a good idea or should I wait until I’ve lost more weight to go out?

 

[Carlosmum]

As long as you are capable of trotting the beast up for the judge, who cares what size you are. Go for it! No one is going to know you are/hope to be the rider.

 

[Surbie]

Good on you for being proactive! In-hand stuff is a great idea - you can do TREC in hand too. Personally I'd get out and doing - and not care what anyone thinks.

 

[Lurfy]

I think in hand showing is a great idea, go for it. Kudos to you for losing weight to ride. You sound like a very caring horse owner.

 

[rara007]

You are 100% not going to be out of place showing inhand at size 16 (approx uk average). Its roots are chosing the best breeding stock, ‘Match’ of handler to horse isn’t part of it.

 

[J&S]

I agree, get out there and show your horse! More movement and motivation the better and more weight lost.

 

[ycbm]

I can't help with showing advice but you deserve congratulations for the way you're attacking your health issues. I look forward to seeing photos of you back in the saddle and meanwhile good luck with the in hand showing. Have fun!

 

[Alibear]

Do it; good fun, you will not look out of place, and you can get your and your horses confidence up for trips out ready for when you do ride.

 

[JGC]

Definitely do it! I think you'll really enjoy it. I can only ride the mare in my avatar if I keep to a strict diet, so when I put on a few pounds, we do lots of long-reining, which is great for both our fitness.

 

[SEL]

You'll be fine in hand showing!

My friend shows a little native in hand and she must be around your size. No one is expecting her to match her rather lovely pony.

 

[abbijay]

I am happy to admit i can be judgy about rider weight but i would NEVER be judgy about the weight of an in-hand handler!!! You're not doing anything that has the potential to injure a horse therefore it's no one's business. The rider weight is solely about the force on their back and legs, not actually about people's weight per se.
Get out there and have a great time with your horse! And well done for all your hard work so far.