Need to ask 'sensitive question'

alsxx

alsxx

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Have advertised my mare for share, she is 14.1 and due to a previous injury (soft tissue damage in feet) is only really suitable for hacking at the moment. I have had an enquiry from someone, however I want to ask how big they are!

I guess I should have put this on my advert.... as although she's perfectly capable of being a weight carrier (NF x), I don't want anyone too heavy on her.....so how do I ask how much someone weighs without sounding really really rude??? Or should I just leave it and if they come and see her assume if they were really big they wouldn't want to ride a 14.1er?

Sorry very strange question for so early on a Sunday am!! :-)
 
I would ask her to come and see you and the horse to go through some finner details. Then you can see her size without having to ask and make your decision from there.
 
I would explain that she has had foot problems and that you have a self imposed weight limit of 20st (for example) and would they fit this criteria. That way, you're not out and out asking them how much they weigh :).
 
quirky said:
I would explain that she has had foot problems and that you have a self imposed weight limit of 20st (for example) and would they fit this criteria. That way, you're not out and out asking them how much they weigh :).
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When I went to see a loan horse she had a tendon injury. The owner therefore said that the maximum she could carry was 12st without putting unneccesary strain on it, as she had been informed by the vet.

I thought that was a clever way of saying it, because then I told her my weight and said not to worry. But had I been overweight I would not have dreamed of riding her, I wouldn't want to injure her!

I think it is fair to set in your head a top limit, then even if the vet has said nothing, bring up her medical condition, a top weight and the word vet in the same sentence ;)

If someone is genuinely intersted in the horse they would reassure you, I'm sure!
 
When people phone you to enquire about her I would just say "If you don't mind can I just ask what you weigh?" I wouldn't offended if someone asked like that, (and I probably weigh more than most people on this forum). You need to think of it as a practical question rather than a personal question.
 
One of my liveries is an ex-dressage horse on loan to a friend. He came with a "weight limit" of 10 stone and we all honour that (which means I can't ride him - drat!) No offence will be taken if you stipulate a weight limit for your horse
 
I would echo the suggestion of putting a limit on the ad, explaining that this is because of her injury, because that way people will know you are not being fussy for the sake of it and hopefully it will put anyone thinking of trying it anyway off, as they will see the reason behind it:)
 
I wouldnt be offended if someone asked my weight, height etc. Think its better you ask before they come as it saves wasting both of your time and also would be less awkward to say it before hand just incase the person was too heavy for your horse. It would be awful to have to say that to them once they'd turned up :)
 
quirky said:
I would explain that she has had foot problems and that you have a self imposed weight limit of 20st (for example) and would they fit this criteria. That way, you're not out and out asking them how much they weigh :).
Click to expand...

20st on a 14.1hh? Really??:eek:
 
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