Rider too heavy

[TotalMadgeness]

[QUOTE="Still the best, most current research on this subject and well worth a read. It showed that 20% is way over what our horses should be asked to carry.[/QUOTE]

I found it a fascinating read. It was such a shame Sue made an unholy mess of the ethics as it effectively buried an eye opening piece of research. It blew the 20% guideline out of the water too.

 

[Gallop_Away]

It works both ways though - it's a good guideline and place to start, but it also gives people a get out clause to say 'well I am under the 20%' when they still shouldn't be riding the pony due to it's age, it's health, their height, saddle fit, it's fitness level, it's musculature, it's conformation, the workload, their weight when including the saddle & clothes, their weight that has gone up without them realising...

You make a good point. Like I say I use the 20% rule as a starting guide BUT you do need to apply a hefty dose of common sense, and I agree some people just take it as gospel without thinking it through. If you took it as an absolute rule a 850kg shire could carry 26st, which surely no one in their right mind would suggest. It's a useful guide but that's all.
My pony is carrying around 17% with me and tack included. He is a naturally stocky section C and is hunting fit. He has regular checks on his saddle and back to be safe.
I would expect the professionals I pay to check my boy's back to be upfront and honest if there ever was an issue and if they felt I was too heavy I would expect them to tell me. As much as I adore riding him, my boys welfare will always come first.