Minkymoo's post...HOW FAT IS TOO FAT?

I am currently selling my 14.1hh Connemara pony because I feel that I am being unfair expecting him to carry my weight of nearly 11 stone and a further 2 stone of tack, I weighed myself the other day with all my tack and riding clothes and I was just under 13.5 stone, which I believe is too much.

It breaks my heart to part with him but I feel it is for the best for him, I am seeking medical advice and counselling for my weight issues and intend to resolve my problem and get down to a more acceptable riding weight before I would consider buying another horse. I have now given up riding despite giving my pony the best attention and long walks in hand until he is sold to someone more deserving.

After going to see a lecture demo called Horses Inside Out I have come to realise that horses are not actually built to carry human beings and there must be an abundance of equines out there with untreated back problems.
 
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I think as a rule of thumb a well bred horse with the right bone can take the stone per hand. FGS I used to hop on the shettie to give my kids demos!! And I'm damn sure if the little monkey could tank off and get me off out the front door he wasnt struggling to carry me.

We have a 13.1hh NF arriving in a weeks time, and I specifically wanted a NF so it could carry me without being too big or strong for my child. I've had mixed reactions, one vetinary nurse was appalled that i was saying i was going to hack it out three times a week, and might attempt minimus jumping in the summer... apprently adults shouldnt ride "children's ponies".
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I don't think you would be too big or heavy to ride your son's new pony. Not at all. I also think it does ponies the world of good to have adults on them reminding them of their manners every now and then, especially when the child rider isn't riding much above novice level.

I must admit, and I'm not having a go honestly, I'm quite bemused by the "not too big or strong for my child" comment in relation to the new pony's choice of breed.

Surely any pony, of any breed, can be too strong for a child if they are only 7 and not a competent rider? Hannah's been riding for over 4 years and Oliver has gotten the better of her a few times over summer. She's almost 10 as well. Not being too strong for your son has alot more to do with it's schooling, than it's breed. He is, after all, going to look a dot on the new pony. Bless him.

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Sorry, I only just saw this.

The difference between Oliver and our new pony is our new pony isnt as young. She's in her teens and has taught many kids to ride (right down to 5 year old children) and has been there and done evrything. She's literally a "touch the mouth and stop" pony. I wouldnt have agreed otherwise... His safety is paramount. He does look a dot on her, but we've found a saddle to suit them both and having ridden her myself I'm more than happy that she's suitable. It's not the size that matters, it's the temperament and manners. And she has manners to die for.
 
I'm sorry, but unless you're a dwarf there is no way 11 stone is too fat!

If you want to lose weight for you the that's great (we could all do with losing a few extra lbs) but I cannot fathom why it would warant counselling? Can you not keep him until you feel you're an "acceptable' weight. You do deserve him, being a few lbs overweight doesnt make anyone a bad owner. I found your post really sad
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It is really kind of you to say so..... but unfortunately the problem does lie deeper than just weight issues and I do have an eating disorder....hence the Counselling but yes your reaction is the same as everyone elses, but trust me I feel absolutely huge !!!
 
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