Smurf's Gran
Well-Known Member
whats a PITA
Too fat to ride?
- Thread starter MamaPonio
- Start date
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
Yes, I know they're not all difficult but they do have a reputation, which I have so far found well founded
My friend grew up in Fell country too and always said the goods where amazing but there's plenty of awful (but pretty!) They do also ride far bigger than their measured size but still a 14hh Highland is a lot bigger than a 14hh Fell.Smurf: PITA = pain in the ass.
Orangehorse
Well-Known Member
If you weigh 8 stone, then anyone larger seems to be huge.
Highlands were bred to carry stags off Scotish mountains, stags are heavy, dead weight and mountains are steep, i.e. Highlands are weight carriers.
Fells and Dales were used to carry panniers of lead, they were heavy too, as above.
Halflingers also come from mountainous regions, and there was a Halfinger stud that did lots of endurance races, and the owner was, um, how can I put this delicately, larger than average. These were fit, taking part in endurance and being regularly checked by vets.
And how about Western riding where biggish men ride Quarter horses that are usually around 15.00. I can't even lift my western saddle.
Having said all that, I have recently lost one stone, and my 16.00hh strong horse seems much more lively.
Highlands were bred to carry stags off Scotish mountains, stags are heavy, dead weight and mountains are steep, i.e. Highlands are weight carriers.
Fells and Dales were used to carry panniers of lead, they were heavy too, as above.
Halflingers also come from mountainous regions, and there was a Halfinger stud that did lots of endurance races, and the owner was, um, how can I put this delicately, larger than average. These were fit, taking part in endurance and being regularly checked by vets.
And how about Western riding where biggish men ride Quarter horses that are usually around 15.00. I can't even lift my western saddle.
Having said all that, I have recently lost one stone, and my 16.00hh strong horse seems much more lively.
FfionWinnie
Well-Known Member
You've missed my point entirely. A vague description of a HW 15.2 doesn't mean its remotely able to carry more weight than a properly muscled fit cob or highland.
Also, bear in mind the cob pictured is completely clipped out, which shows you what you have, instead of a mountain of hair and fat making it look like a bigger, yet in reality weaker, animal.
I wouldn't go for a fell personally, and a Welsh D will not carry what a cob or highland will in my opinion, nor will it look like it can. Plus welsh Ds tend to be highly strung.
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
PMSL! This is encouraging me to get mine out of the shed and thrash it round a bit. Hope it doesn't buck me off!
My Thorowgood synthetic plus plastic stirrups weighs over a stone.
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
PMSL! This is encouraging me to get mine out of the shed and thrash it round a bit. Hope it doesn't buck me off!
My Thorowgood synthetic plus plastic stirrups weighs over a stone, or about 6.5kg, I think.
cobgoblin
Bugrit! Millennium hand and shrimp.
Yes, I'm still in two minds about what to doFunnily enough, I don't actually look that big and I'm not worried about saddle size. I'd like to think I'm a balanced rider who rides lightly or I was anyway, I haven't rode for quite a while.
I can't decide what to do!!!!
Just buy a horse that is of suitable size and weight carrying capacity for you now. You may lose a little or a lot of weight ( I hope you do), or , something may happen and you may gain some. You don't want to be consumed by guilt every time you ride because you're not sure if you're too heavy, nor do you need people sniggering behind your back.
I think you definitely need to look for something bigger than 14 hh. I didn't intend to have a 14 hh - he just didn't grow as much as expected, and I watch my weight like a hawk because it's not fair that he has to carry more than is necessary. Plus I want to give him every opportunity to stay sound for the rest of his life.
I know you say that you are not worried about saddle size, but you may wish to reconsider that when I tell you that I am a size 10-12, leaning more to size 10, and with a 17" cob saddle I have one hands breadth behind me. I might be ok in a 16.5" but definitely no smaller than that.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
Mine is 14.1hh ish, not 100% as I measure him with a B&Q tape measure and a whip :lol: He is a tank of a horse! I actually paid someone to come out and specifically assess him. There was no pressure on her to say "yes, ok ride him" as I wasnt riding him at the time and wasnt bothered either way. He is very wide across the loins and she said he has one of the best and most supple backs shes ever seen. She also said hes very correct conformation wise, something vets etc have all said, which helps. Might be her giving me flannel, but going on the fact the vets, another back person , an instructor etc, etc, all say to ride him, I'm inclined to believe her. Hes a compact little thing, but currently has a 17.5" GFS saddle. Its actually bigger than I would prefer as despite being fat, I dont actually have an enormous arse but it was a bargain so I bought it. It was professionally fitted.
I think its very hard for a lot of people to visualise what 14 stone looks like, and it really does seem an enormous weight if you weigh 9 stone
but it was a bargain so I bought it. It was professionally fitted. I think its very hard for a lot of people to visualise what 14 stone looks like, and it really does seem an enormous weight if you weigh 9 stone
Barnacle
Well-Known Member
Someone earlier posted 3 links to articles about the weight carrying ability of horses according to a controlled scientific study yet somehow everyone's still just throwing around personal opinions.
Get a horse that weighs at least 5 times what you do (healthy weight for it) and has a wide loin. Then it will actually be unstressed and not just 'look' able and you won't have to worry about it.
Get a horse that weighs at least 5 times what you do (healthy weight for it) and has a wide loin. Then it will actually be unstressed and not just 'look' able and you won't have to worry about it.
Highlands
Well-Known Member
My friend has a 14hh Fell. In fact there's a couple in the area. None are particularly good weight carriers and feel about half the size of a 14hh Highland! I'm tall but only 10st and happily ride various 14hh Highlands but don't feel comfortable on a 14hh Fell.
Plus they're also PITA's!
The Chestnut mare you linked looks a sensible type and does appear to have a decent back on her. She may look ( and feel) different in the flesh but if she's a big 15hh (as opposed to a 14.2-and-a-little-bit-but-15hh-sounds-better)) then she may be suitable. Go and see her if she's close?
P.s if you've got £2.5k to spend you'll easily find a nice Highland up here. It'll be a bit green but nothing wrong with it. Mind you it's a hell of a trek if you're
in Kent or somewhere equally foreign
Yes agree, you can find a highland cheaper, if you don't want to show consider one with a white foot or an ex trekking pony. Highlands keep their value too, yes for my gelding I paid over 3k as a three year old but he's won a lot. Both mares were less, unbroken but both weight their weight in gold especially my youngster who has a glowing report from her breaker! Transport is expensive but share loads are easy to come by.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
Mine isnt a personal opinion
My personal opinion was I was too heavy, but having been told I wasn't by several professional people, I paid someone to assess him, and her opinion was that I wasnt too heavy. I am yet to speak to a professional person who says I am too heavy, yet the majority on here would say I am. So who is right? I used to believe the opinions on here, but when the first vet told me I was stupid and just to get on a ride the damn thing, followed by countless others, I decided to at least try and decide for myself. My boy carries me just fine and goes better for me than anyone else. He can be funny about other people getting on, but stands stock still with a loose rein at the mounting block. He can also be nappy and difficult in the school for other people yet I have no issues.
I do still stress about it when I read threads like this, but then I remember that no one other than people on line say I'm too heavy, and that he goes significantly better for me than anyone else. I will no doubt be very sorry if he breaks down from carrying my fat carcass about, but I honestly dont think that is going to happen, so I wont worry about it too much
Pigeon
Well-Known Member
Perhaps the problem is people are too embarrassed to say it in person?
I'm sure you are fine, and the proof will be in the way the horse moves. But yeah, you do have to be objective about these things. I keep seeing the most gorgeous ponies but there is no way I could ride something smaller than my current horse, who is 15.1h.
I personally would feel a little weird dismissing scientific studies. I guess perhaps I'd listen to a vet's take on it, not an instructors. However! It's worth remembering that every horse can move better with no rider at all...
I'm sure you are fine, and the proof will be in the way the horse moves. But yeah, you do have to be objective about these things. I keep seeing the most gorgeous ponies but there is no way I could ride something smaller than my current horse, who is 15.1h.
I personally would feel a little weird dismissing scientific studies. I guess perhaps I'd listen to a vet's take on it, not an instructors. However! It's worth remembering that every horse can move better with no rider at all...
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rara007
Well-Known Member
My dad and my sister (both over 12 stone) share a 14.1 cob (146.3 LHC Obv without shoes). He easily takes them + a 17.5 inch saddle. He'd take 14 stone easily
https://sophiecallahan.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/millie-frankie-equine-photography-essex/
https://sophiecallahan.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/millie-frankie-equine-photography-essex/
risky business
Well-Known Member
Just as a side note...
Since when did riding gear add two stone in weight?! What are you guys wearing, lead boots?
Wearing my jods, a top, my jumper, riding hat and boots may add a few pounds but two stone.. I don't think so.
Since when did riding gear add two stone in weight?! What are you guys wearing, lead boots?
Wearing my jods, a top, my jumper, riding hat and boots may add a few pounds but two stone.. I don't think so.
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
They mean tack too. Although the arguing over detail of synthetic v leather +/- plastic stirrups and bridle is a bit of a moot point: if you've needing to contemplate such minor weight differences as the difference between Can and Can't then the horse isn't up to the weight in the first place!
Kat
Well-Known Member
My dad and my sister (both over 12 stone) share a 14.1 cob (146.3 LHC Obv without shoes). He easily takes them + a 17.5 inch saddle. He'd take 14 stone easily
https://sophiecallahan.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/millie-frankie-equine-photography-essex/
Now that is a good weight carrier! Beautiful pony.
OP, seriously consider the saddle size you require and what the horse/pony can take. We had this issue with my husband and our horse and ended up going treeless to give him more space (he's very tall not overweight). A too small saddle is horribly uncomfortable and it is very bad for the horse's back if you are spilling over the back of the saddle.
I am not against larger riders on smaller ponies, I am 5'8" and could do with losing weight but I ride a 13.2hh Fjord for a friend. She takes my leg up well and copes well with my weight but I couldn't manage in a smaller saddle. If I weighed 14st I wouldn't fit in the saddle without putting too much pressure on the cantle.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
Nope. I didnt ride him, and when my vet asked what I did with him and I said I didnt ride as I was too heavy, he told me not to be so stupid, in slightly harsher words :lol: I didnt believe him. 2 further vets said the same thing, as did a very well respected back lady, the saddle fitter, my instructor and randomly the dentist! All as part of conversations where I said I didn't ride him as I'm too heavy based on what I kept reading on here.
So I paid for another impartial person, a Mctimoney chiropractor and classical dressage instructor to come out and assess him specifically as a weight carrier, with the understanding that as far as I was concerned I was too heavy and didnt care about riding him anyway. She said he was absolutely fine, had good muscle tone and an amazing back that was incredibly strong and also very supple. So I gave in and rode him expecting him to keel over. He didnt :lol: He had been napping with his other riders and not standing at the block and just being a bit stroppy and unhappy. He doesnt do any of that with me and I've actually stopped anyone else riding him as he clearly wasnt happy with them.
I'll be honest, I dont ride him much, or for long. We do half an hour mainly walk hacks and some light schooling, with the odd 100yds of trot and I am very careful to be light and balanced when I ride.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
this is mine:
Its taken at a weird angle which makes him look like he has a huge much higher bum and no front, but hes a tank all over and pretty level now he has stopped growing :lol:
Its taken at a weird angle which makes him look like he has a huge much higher bum and no front, but hes a tank all over and pretty level now he has stopped growing :lol:
Mongoose11
Well-Known Member
How can it be moot? It's exactly the point. If a pony is good to carry 14 stone then it can carry 14 stone and within that the rider could be 13 stone if she could get her tack down to a stone (tough job but possible). If she is 12.7 and her tack 2 stone then that's half a stone over her ideal limit.
If the rider were nine stone then she could use a twenty pound saddle (and there are plenty of those). I don't understand your logic here. There are no minor weight differences when you start looking at shaving a whole stone off the weight of your tack by making some simple changes.
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Kallibear
Well-Known Member
If the difference between can and can't is only 1/2 a stone of tack (poss a stone at most) then the rider is too close to the border to be fair. Yes, synthetic lightweight tack give the horse a slightly lighter load but if a rider 'needs' the lightweight tack to be able to ride that horse then actually they need a bigger horse!!
If the OP (or any larger rider) wanted to shave a little off for a horse that carries her weight easily, regardless, that's great. But suggesting she can get away with a horse that's really too small for her by quibbling over less than a stones worth of tack isn't fair for the pony.
Smurf's Gran
Well-Known Member
Agree with this.
I would also say that just because a horse can carry more weight (more than the 20% guideline) doesn't mean it should do this on a regular basis with its main rider being over the one who is over the guideline.
cobgoblin
Bugrit! Millennium hand and shrimp.
Cc
I agree with this too!
If you have the choice, as the OP does, why buy a horse that is too small for your weight. Far better to have a bit of leaway for the peace of mind of the rider and the health and comfort of the horse.
Interestingly, In order to be a healthy weight at 14st, a woman should be a minimum of 6'2" tall. I wonder how many 6'2" women would contemplate buying and riding a 14hh pony?
I agree with this too!
If you have the choice, as the OP does, why buy a horse that is too small for your weight. Far better to have a bit of leaway for the peace of mind of the rider and the health and comfort of the horse.
Interestingly, In order to be a healthy weight at 14st, a woman should be a minimum of 6'2" tall. I wonder how many 6'2" women would contemplate buying and riding a 14hh pony?
MamaPonio
Active Member
My dad and my sister (both over 12 stone) share a 14.1 cob (146.3 LHC Obv without shoes). He easily takes them + a 17.5 inch saddle. He'd take 14 stone easily
https://sophiecallahan.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/millie-frankie-equine-photography-essex/
Wow, now that is a beautiful horse!! I think I'd trade my soul for him ;-)
Eta - *pony!! I hadn't realised he was so small!!
MamaPonio
Active Member
I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have to increase the budget, I can't find anything suitable for under £3K and to be honest, I'd rather spend the money on a horse instead of it going towards a holiday! I think it's between a cob and ID I've seen a nice 15.3 HW cob, 12 years old been there done it type who looks fab. I need to confirm with YO when the stable will be available then I'm going to start looking properly. Best to have something sufficient for this weight then losing weight will be a bonus for the both of us rather than an absolute necessity.
Wagtail
Horse servant
I think you are being very sensible! I would LOVE a pony but at 5'9 I would never buy one. I bought my little mare thinking she would make at least 15.2 because dam and sire were both around 16hh. But it is not to be. She's hardly grown at all and is still only around 14.3hh and a light/middleweight. I don't want to sell her and so I will need to carefully watch my weight for as long as I plan to ride her. I will also look very tall on her. Unfortunately that is not something I can change. So I say buy the horse that is suited to you NOW and it will save a lot of heartache later. Good luck.
JulesRules
Well-Known Member
Hi OP
Firstly, as many have agreed on you are not too fat to ride.
I'm just over 13 stone and have a 15.3 warmblood with plenty of bone, although she also carried me happily when I weighed a bit more. She suits me and I don't think I would feel comfortable on a 14 hander
Anyway, If you would like something smaller have you thought about looking at an Icelandic horse?
http://ihsgb.co.uk/icelandic-horses/
Firstly, as many have agreed on you are not too fat to ride.
I'm just over 13 stone and have a 15.3 warmblood with plenty of bone, although she also carried me happily when I weighed a bit more. She suits me and I don't think I would feel comfortable on a 14 hander
Anyway, If you would like something smaller have you thought about looking at an Icelandic horse?
http://ihsgb.co.uk/icelandic-horses/
Goldenstar
Well-Known Member
Hi again OP .
Your decision about the budget and buying a horse up to your weight is wise .
The cheapest thing you ever do is buy the horse the real expense is after that , keeping the horse .
You are not to heavy to ride the correct horse but a word of caution falling off is another matter , having been light and heavy and now in the middle I can tell you from experience that you feel the falls less when you are the correct weight for your height and build .
Start that sensible eating plan now look for ways to make your day to day life more active even pushing to do jobs quicker makes a difference parking at the back of the car park not the front etc .
I had great fun with my fit bit ( till I lost it riding ) increasing my mileage per day in every day life and I saw the difference in my size at once .
Your decision about the budget and buying a horse up to your weight is wise .
The cheapest thing you ever do is buy the horse the real expense is after that , keeping the horse .
You are not to heavy to ride the correct horse but a word of caution falling off is another matter , having been light and heavy and now in the middle I can tell you from experience that you feel the falls less when you are the correct weight for your height and build .
Start that sensible eating plan now look for ways to make your day to day life more active even pushing to do jobs quicker makes a difference parking at the back of the car park not the front etc .
I had great fun with my fit bit ( till I lost it riding ) increasing my mileage per day in every day life and I saw the difference in my size at once .
MamaPonio
Active Member
It's funny you should say that - I had a Charge up until losing it recently! I've still got the aria scales which link up with my fitness pal, that's a great motivation. I've managed to get down from 15 and a half by loosely sticking to healthy eating but I'm going to start slimming world for something more structured as the weight loss has plateaued of late. I doubt I'll ever be on the other side of 10 stone, I was a size 12 at 11.5 stone, I think I'd look awful at 8.5, it wouldn't be maintainable either without sticking to a diet for the rest of my days and I couldn't think of anything worse than a life without a few treats ;-)
MamaPonio
Active Member
I absolutely love icelandics but there wasn't many about when I looked the other day, definitely something to bear in mind though
Mongoose11
Well-Known Member
You're missing the point - the border is the border whether you go up to it with your fat, its fat or tack. What's the point of a 'limit' if someone is then going to say that you have to be within so much of it? I don't think anyone here has made a poor suggestion regarding a pony.
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