Very strange weight question.

[doodle]

How much weight difference do horses feel? I have lost 1 1/2 stone since last riding Robin. I hope to loose another 1/2 before I can get back on. Will he notice a 2 stone difference? I really want to loose more. The less weight he is carrying the better for his now poorly joints.

 

[P.forpony]

My mare clearly notices a 1/2 stone difference. Even when the heavier me is still well within what she ‘should’ be able to carry.
At the lower end I’m 14% of her body weight and the 1/2 stone more makes me 15%

 

[ycbm]

Well they slow race horses down in handicap races just by adding a few lbs, so I guess it must have some effect. I would think he would notice 2 stone quite a bit.

 

[doodle]

Getting tied in knots but I think that would make me 12% his body weight. That’s definitely much better for him. This is great motivation.

 

[Tiddlypom]

That’s a lot of weight that you’ve lost very quickly, K. You were riding him not so long ago. Don’t get carried away with the concept of even more weight loss = better for Robin, you won’t do your overall health any good.

If another 1/2 stone loss gets you to 12%, then you are already at a good weight for him.

 

[doodle]

I am still too heavy (bmi etc). If doing it for Robin makes me get my butt in gear to loose weight then that is good.

 

[canteron]

That’s great - really well done. I’ve lost 1/2 stone for my pony but you have really put me in the shade.
And yes, I’m pretty sure they notice, especially if not fully fit or mature.

 

[spacefaer]

They definitely notice it. It's an issue I've had with sharing our hunters - I do all the fitness work with them in the summer and autumn and they're all quite happy to carry me on a day's hunting.
When my OH starts riding them in the autumn, he's only a couple of stone heavier than me and they are definitely more tired after a day with him, than with me.
It affects both their aerobic and anaerobic fitness - ie both muscle strength and wind.

To be fair, they're all 17.2hh++ IDs so neither of us are particularly heavy for them - it's all comparative!

 

[Mrs G]

Really well done Kamikaze, Robin will surely feel such a difference!