UKa
Well-Known Member
Hi, how can I spot before it is too late when someone is too heavy for a horse, i.e. signs that may be very subtle that I should not overlook not any consequences when it is too late?!
weight bearing question
- Thread starter UKa
- Start date
brackenhappy
Well-Known Member
when the horse is on his belly?!!!!!!
seriously i wouldnt know!! not unless it was really obvious like a 20stone person on a section A!!
UKa
Well-Known Member
Thanks I find it really hard too hence question ...
brackenhappy
Well-Known Member
havin a daft moment!!!!
i would find it hard as some people carry their weight a bit better than others!!!
unless it screams at me that the person is way to big then i'm useless!!
again though if its a good stocky breed capable of carrying someone heavy then i wouldnt like to ask that person!!!
pixiebee
Well-Known Member
it depends on breed/build/age/fitness/what is required of the horse who is carrying the weight eg jumping hacking and also how well the rider can ride. for example a 18 stone person on one horse might be easy as the rider can balance themselves whereas 18 stone on that same horse can seem difficult if the rider is a novice. so conclusion...no idea!!!!! my 13.2hh pony will carry 13 stone happily. maybe even a bit more for short periods.
gemmaw
Well-Known Member
good point rachelthegreat!! dito everything you said, nothing worse for a horses back than someone who bangs about and rides 'heavy' even if they arnt actually heavy themselves. they do much more damage
dun_in
Well-Known Member
It's good that you asked. A very small number of people seem oblivious to the fact that they are too heavy/asking too much of the horse/pony in relation to their weight. Seems to be a particular problem with complete idiots, and those who can't accept that they've outgrown the pony that they've owned since they were 10.
However if your horse is foward going, seems happy and hasn't become reluctant to co-operate/shows behaviour changes e.g. pulling faces when tacked up/unwilling to be caught/uncharacteristic bucking/kicking/napping when ridden then it is probably ok. Do remember though that most people are far too reluctant to tell somebody that they are underhorsed in case they get thumped/become unpopular!
However if your horse is foward going, seems happy and hasn't become reluctant to co-operate/shows behaviour changes e.g. pulling faces when tacked up/unwilling to be caught/uncharacteristic bucking/kicking/napping when ridden then it is probably ok. Do remember though that most people are far too reluctant to tell somebody that they are underhorsed in case they get thumped/become unpopular!
UKa
Well-Known Member
Hi, have asked question because there is a friend of mine who I would love to offer some regular rides on my mare but having seen her on her she just seems a little too big and heavy (my horse is a very light TB, the total NON weightbearing type and I am pretty lightweight ...) - I just wonder if I am just paranoid as my girl had bad back before and dont want to risk anything but I dont want to wait til it is too late ... also was once advised to use lightweight (synthetic saddle) so maybe daft to get slightly heavy rider on her ...
dun_in
Well-Known Member
It probably depends how often/how long your friend wants to ride but it seems silly to risk your horse, especially if she has a history of back problems. It could result in pain and give her a cranky disposition as a result. Very hard to judge though on limited info.
Also I forgot to mention stumbling/even falling as a sign. If your friend had an accident as a result of being underhorsed you could be sued.
I have actually seen a small pony sag at the knees when an adult rider got on, (-I don't think she noticed), but luckily it now has a new owner.
On a different but related subject, I don't want to start a new topic but I'm amazed how many people lead their 16/17hh horses around a concrete yard with toddlers on board!!!!!!
Also I forgot to mention stumbling/even falling as a sign. If your friend had an accident as a result of being underhorsed you could be sued.
I have actually seen a small pony sag at the knees when an adult rider got on, (-I don't think she noticed), but luckily it now has a new owner.
On a different but related subject, I don't want to start a new topic but I'm amazed how many people lead their 16/17hh horses around a concrete yard with toddlers on board!!!!!!
dun_in
Well-Known Member
It probably depends how often/how long your friend wants to ride but it seems silly to risk your horse, especially if she has a history of back problems. It could result in pain and give her a cranky disposition as a result. Very hard to judge though on limited info.
Also I forgot to mention stumbling/even falling as a sign. If your friend had an accident as a result of being underhorsed you could be sued.
I have actually seen a small pony sag at the knees when an adult rider got on, (-I don't think she noticed), but luckily it now has a new owner.
On a different but related subject, I don't want to start a new topic but I'm amazed how many people lead their 16/17hh horses around a concrete yard with toddlers on board!!!!!! Extreme overhorsing.
Also I forgot to mention stumbling/even falling as a sign. If your friend had an accident as a result of being underhorsed you could be sued.
I have actually seen a small pony sag at the knees when an adult rider got on, (-I don't think she noticed), but luckily it now has a new owner.
On a different but related subject, I don't want to start a new topic but I'm amazed how many people lead their 16/17hh horses around a concrete yard with toddlers on board!!!!!! Extreme overhorsing.
dun_in
Well-Known Member
Apols for posting twice, but this site is so slow that I thought it wasn't working.