Rider weight on smaller horses

[Mousesmom]

I'm about 65 kgs and I ride a stocky built 13.1 hand Welsh at the moment, am I too large for her? I'm meaning in weight, not height. I certainly look like a Jockey since I'm tall but I only trek so it doesn't really matter. No jumping, mainly walk and trot and the occasional canter or gallop.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Nah.

 

[sbloom]

The saddle is more usually the biggest decider, are you too big for the saddle, does you weight go where it should (ie not mostly at the back), can you ride effectively in it? For a heavier rider in a smaller saddle a sheepskin or impact protection pad is a good idea but if more than a few mm thick the saddle must be refitted to accommodate it as it will change the fit.

 

[Mousesmom]

The saddle is more usually the biggest decider, are you too big for the saddle, does you weight go where it should (ie not mostly at the back), can you ride effectively in it? For a heavier rider in a smaller saddle a sheepskin or impact protection pad is a good idea but if more than a few mm thick the saddle must be refitted to accommodate it as it will change the fit.

I think I'm pretty okay in the saddle, I sit about in the middle and the weight seems evenly spread. I always ride with a sheepskin as well.

 

[Polos Mum]

The very broad rule of thumb is 15% of their weight - assuming they are fit and well (not newly broken or old)

stock 13.1 would be c. 450-500kgs so your just on the right side assuming your not in a massive western saddle that weighs 10 kgs

 

[sbloom]

The very broad rule of thumb is 15% of their weight - assuming they are fit and well (not newly broken or old)

stock 13.1 would be c. 450-500kgs so your just on the right side assuming your not in a massive western saddle that weighs 10 kgs

15% is conservative but agree it must be only when fit and well, if overweight or undermuscled then the limit must be lower and those things solved before a heavy rider gets on. I would say for a healthy stocky horse 20% including tack should be okay, 15% is an ideal.