Too heavy for occasional hack?

[Bobthecob15]

I know this has been done to death...what is an acceptable % weight for occasionally hacking a horse for up to an hour? My daughter has a pony who is 14.2ish, she's a lightweight Irish sports horse, 430kgs ish. My daughter who is 8 rides her regularly, jumps, hacks etc...I'd love to be able to ride her occasionally for a short hack but I think I'm too heavy? I'm 5ft 7, weight variable! Usually around 12 and a half stone...now to me that seems too much but its within the 20% rule thing including tack. I'm never going to ride her more than the odd hack..in walk mainly, occasional trot!

I'd like to lose a good half stone in any case, at 12 stone would it still be a bit much do you think??

 

[Abacus]

I think if the pony is fit and strong you’d be ok for gentle hacks but it’s more a matter of feel - does she seem to be struggling at all as she may be fit but only used to the weight of an 8 year old. Does the saddle fit you, because it is significantly more weight (sorry) than her back is used to, on presumably a saddle of maybe 16”?

 

[Snow Falcon]

If you've done the maths to include tack then it's just about doable for an occassional ride at the 20%. As long as you are comfortable and the horse is too I can't see it being a problem.

 

[cobgoblin]

I'd say you're too heavy I'm afraid, plus as said above, you are unlikely to fit in an 8yr olds saddle.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I think if the pony is fit and strong you’d be ok for gentle hacks but it’s more a matter of feel - does she seem to be struggling at all as she may be fit but only used to the weight of an 8 year old. Does the saddle fit you, because it is significantly more weight (sorry) than her back is used to, on presumably a saddle of maybe 16”?

Ah yes good point! Its a 16" saddle! Hadn't considered that my bum is probably too big!

Will see how the weight loss goes and try the saddle unmounted! The girls on the yard think it would be ok but not convinced myself!

 

[webble]

I would say you are too heavy and just as importantly would be too long for the saddle

 

[Bobthecob15]

I would say you are too heavy and just as importantly would be too long for the saddle

Thank you!

 

[Sossigpoker]

I agree, I'd say you're unfortunately too heavy for this pony and the saddle would be too small for you so would further push your weight towards the back of the saddle.
I'm 5ft7 and weigh a bit under 11st and wouldn't ride anything smaller than my 15.1 cob

 

[expanding_horizon]

I’m 12.5 stone, and it works out 13.5 stone in boots, hat, holding tack. My horse is 16.3 /17hh snd 626kg. I don’t see how I could fairly ride a slim build 14.2hh.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Thanks all, you've confirmed what I thought!

 

[Melody Grey]

What about getting out and about in hand or long lining? Might give the pony some variety and be Useful?