Weight

[windand rain]

Some people talk garbage of course not one is riding at 40% they would be too fat to walk themselves much less climb aboard a horse. The simple solution to all this weight is does the horse move short through its shoulder, fall over as you mount or take uneven short wobbly steps if so you are too heavy for it. It is the quality, fitness and bone strength that dictates how heavy a rider can be not some arbitary number or percentage. If the horse is at an optimum weight itself lean and fit in consistant work it can carry much more than a soft fat horse with round long cannons can. Conformation is key to everything just a 40% is rediculous so it less than 10 the average adult weighs between 8 and 11 stone and yes a heavy weight hunter is expected to be able carry upwards of 14 stone in the show ring and a Dales or fell pony is supposed to carry lead from the mines and highland ponies to carry deer from the hill a stag can weigh upwards of 15 stone and you wouldnt get much lead in a pannier if you stuck to the idea it could only carry 10 % of its weight it would be one small bit on each side not economic in anyones book. However as usual there are those you exagerate both ways. the ideal riding weight for most horses and some large native ponies is about 10 to 12 stone with some being able to cope with more and others with problems only manage less. As always it is the horse in front of you that counts