Rider weight for backing and riding on - help please!

Spot_the_Risk

Spot_the_Risk

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I know we've had loads of posts regarding rider weight, but I've been thinking about our three year old, and realised that I have no idea what weight she should be expected to carry during the breaking and riding on proceedure.

She is a very stocky 3/4 Section D (if she wasn't spotty you'd think she was pure Section D), she's three in June and has matured a lot physically through the winter. She will only be about 14hh at maturity but very 'leg at each corner' and chunky, so as a grown up she could carry say 11 stone, but what could she carry at four and five?

Does anyone have any opinions on what weight youngsters can carry? I'd love to know peoples opinions and have some guidance on this please!
 
It's difficult to give a specific weight, but I would find as light a rider as you can without them being underhorsed ... I know that some people are tempted to use teens or children, but the most importatnt thing is that the rider is balanced and can support your horse rather than hinder him, considering the stage he will be at. So an 11 stone, balanced and 'light'-riding rider would be more preferable to a 9 stone who is a dead weight.
 
I should think 11 stone would be no problem as a weight for breaking if you take it slowly. Most 3/4 section D should be able to carry more than that as an adult.
 
funny, you posted that spot the risk, as I have just backed my andalusian, and shes just under 16 h, and 4 in May. (Ive been taking it very slow, as I feel, maybe Im a bit heavy, as im 11 stone, (5 ft 10). But I think, as long as your not going too quick, and give them time to build up muscle to support the weight, then your one should be fine, with 11 stone too !!
 
depends what your backing??
If its a shire, or heavyweight, then probably would be ok,
but for a leaner,lighter horse, then no. I personally wouldnt want that weight on a youngster, when they are still growing, and their backs are more fragile
 
He's a heavy weight cob, though I do intend to be lighter by next spring when I plan on breaking him in. I'm dubious about sitting on him at this weight tbh and won't do it
 
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