Weight limit question

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emilyjeff

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Apologies if this is a silly question, I know there's no exact science to it but...

I have a 14.2 traditional cob, 13 years old, reasonably fit. I'm a lightweight rider so have never thought about his weight limit before. Now, I have a friend who used to ride when we were younger and I know she would like to get back in the saddle, but she's considerably heavier than me so I'm just wondering whether she would be ok to ride him or not. Roughly, what do you think his weight limit would be?

It would only be a potter around in the school nothing too strenuous.

Thoughts please?

Thanks x
 
As a general rule, he can carry roughly 15% of his bodyweight without too much issue. (That is rider & tack combined).
For short stints of easy work, up to 20% is considered acceptable.

Obviously also use common sense, does he look like he is struggling? If a horse were older/younger/had health issues this would alter things.
 
I use 15% maximum including tack. However I can tell you for a fact many people on here will disagree and say that's rubbish and far too low. How much bone has your cob and what's his rough weight? Personally I'd draw the line at about 10 stone without knowing any more.
 
If he’s a ‘proper’ 148 traditional and not too fat 15% will put his weight limit including tack at around 14 stone, though for what you’re saying 20% (just over 18 stone inc tack) would be appropriate if you have a suitable saddle. ‘Traditionals’ vary from pretty poorly conformed hairy things to true weight carriers, our 146cm hogged traditional is one of the best weight carriers about (not that he’s asked to) but confirmationaly there’s not much of a better weight carrier about!
 
You really haven't given enough information for me to have an opinion, it depends on so many things - conformation, rider ability, tack fit to name but a few. I'm right on the upper end of my welsh D's theoretical weight limit, but no-one seems to have told him that, however a year or so ago we got him to take my friend's small daughter for a pony ride on the start of a hack I normally do & although there was almost nothing of her her lack of balance had him noticeably struggling to the point he looked lame & quickly became very grumpy - proof that weight isn't the only issue.

Unless you're certain that she'll be too heavy or too big for your saddle then I'd say give it a try & watch his response.
 
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