Trickywooo
Well-Known Member
I think it is important to remember people are overweight for many reasons. Mental health, hormonal issues, health issues and whilst I do not condone overweight riders on horses that are incapable of carrying them, that's not to say the situation should not be handled with the utmost care and respect.
I also think it slightly unfair that women tend to get more slack for this than men. A 6ft man weighing 14st will carry it a lot differently to a 5ft3 woman. How many professional male riders probably weigh in excess of 13st upwards jumping warmbloods and sports horses? Yet if a female weighing the same was competing at the same level she would likely be torn to shreds.
The 20% "rule" is a load of tosh in my opinion. By that logic a 16.2 thoroughbred weighing around 600kg can carry around 18st..... a bit of common sense is what is needed surely
I also think it slightly unfair that women tend to get more slack for this than men. A 6ft man weighing 14st will carry it a lot differently to a 5ft3 woman. How many professional male riders probably weigh in excess of 13st upwards jumping warmbloods and sports horses? Yet if a female weighing the same was competing at the same level she would likely be torn to shreds.
The 20% "rule" is a load of tosh in my opinion. By that logic a 16.2 thoroughbred weighing around 600kg can carry around 18st..... a bit of common sense is what is needed surely