What does 12 stone including tack actually look like?

[dafthoss]

That certainly is true. But then how do you decide what is overweight? Because as previously mentioned I was told to watch my weight when I was 10 stone by a health care professional and I really think that was ridiculous. If they can't offer sensible advice what help is there for the rest of us?!

I was told I was obese when I was at school by my pe teacher and I wasnt one of those people happy enough in my own skin to laugh it off, my parents were fuming.

Wouldnt your boobs account for quite a bit of your weight? I dont have much in the boob department but they are generally heavy arnt they?

 

[AntxGeorgiax]

I completely understand where you are coming from, and yes I know my horse cannot talk, but I have had her old 9 stone rider on her, and me on her and had a vet look, and an instructor and have both said I need to lose a little weight yes but I'm not doing any damage riding her. They have basically said that of course, the thinner and fitter the better yes, but I am not causing her any harm or pain riding, and the more I ride the fitter we both get, the more muscle she builds and the more weight I lose. Win win situation.
When I say work, it is mainly walking and trotting on hacks, and some basic canter work in the school. It is not hard work, more like light work. She is not emaciated and has a good enough covering of muscle and a little fat all over her so I'm not hitting her bones. I tend to ride bareback for comfort and I don't have a bad seat. However I have just come off and slipped a disc so I won't be riding for a while anyway, so no damage can be done whatsoever!

 

[kerilli]

Kerilli I'm interested in this HIT thing, I've been trying to run 3 days a week over summer (know running isn't the best exercise for riders but I take the dog with me so it's a case of two birds/one stone), but can see that being tricky once hours of daylight are reduced...
Plan on trying to run once during week and once at weekend and contemplating getting the bike out of the shed but all need to be 30 mins plus of daylight so anything that can be done in less time with good effect would be handy!
How does the HIT work?

There was a programme on T.V. about fitness a few months ago, Professor someoneorother investigated H.I.T. 30 sec sessions, he did it on an exercise bike (but anything would do - skipping, cross trainer, running, whatever), it has to be 100% effort for 30 secs (he had someone yelling at him to keep him going for the last 10 secs!). 3 sessions per exercise session, twice a week.
Far easier on joints etc etc... it's sort of very extreme cardio!
Rationale - well, they didn't get into that, but they said the tests they were doing (Loughborough Uni) showed that it had the same effects as long sessions in the gym etc...
Rationale according to Gabriel (see: 'The Gabriel Method'), settle in...
He says that our most basic animal hindbrain, in each of us, has made a decision, 'do I stay skinny to be able to run away and predators, or do I get fat to survive famine'? This is our basal metabolic level. Unique to every one of us.
If it has decided to get fat to survive a famine, you can shock it out of it by doing 100% effort...
He tells the tale of his pet cat, big fat sedentary thing for years. Then 1 day next door's dog very nearly got it, it only just escaped. It lost weight dramatically and stayed skinny and lithe...
fwiw my ancient JRT Mole did exactly the same thing this summer. She's been fat (in spite of diet and exercise, proper old-age-spread) for years. Then Daisyhorse chased her across the paddock and jumped on her (arggghhhhh), luckily although v bruised and sore she survived... and the weight has dropped off her, she now looks great again, has a proper 'waist' and looks 10 yrs younger!
In those cases it only took 1 extreme 'I can't get away' brush with near-death to switch the basal level thing.
I really do believe in this, in fact I was sprinting down the road (as much as I can) last night with the lurcher trying to reset mine!

 

[kerilli]

Agreed. But given that we've managed to convince a 15 year old that she has to lose weight for her horses sake I thought it might be nice to try and give some normal advice rather than compounding the problem further.

Well, yes, and a couple of us have said that as she's 15 she should be very careful about weight loss.

 

[Mickyjoe]

I really do believe in this, in fact I was sprinting down the road (as much as I can) last night with the lurcher trying to reset mine!

Ha ha ha ha!! That's hilarious, because I have been doing exactly the same thing over the last few weeks (got a few funny looks) - basically building high intensity sprints into my runs to increase my speed and capacity and OMG do you feel it working!! You're knackered after it, but it's amazing how much stronger and fitter you feel in your very next run.

 

[BeesKnees]

That certainly is true. But then how do you decide what is overweight? Because as previously mentioned I was told to watch my weight when I was 10 stone by a health care professional and I really think that was ridiculous. If they can't offer sensible advice what help is there for the rest of us?!

Sorry JT I missed your response

It isn't about simple weight. Obviously it relates to your height, and the BMI that gives you. Whilst not perfect, BMI is a useful guideline for most people.

I'm sorry I can't remember what height you said you were so I don't know if your BMI at 10 stone was high or not. If it was borderline then the HC prof may have just been highlighting the fact. Perhaps they were insensitive in the way they did it? Did they tell you to lose weight or just be aware of not putting it on?

The reality is that weight is now implicated in so many diseases that I think HC profs have to address. In your case perhaps it was unnecessary.

 

[Littlelegs]

Antxgeorgiax- I think for now you should just split your meals. As said, 1 or 2 a day slows your metabolism. I bet if you split the same food into 4 meals you'd see a difference. And at your age, I don't think its healthy to get hung up on diets, mentally or physically. If you want to lose weight quicker than just by splitting your meals, look at upping the exercise rather than reducing the food for now.15 isn't a good age to get interested in diets imo.

 

[BeesKnees]

I was told I was obese when I was at school by my pe teacher and I wasnt one of those people happy enough in my own skin to laugh it off, my parents were fuming.

Wouldnt your boobs account for quite a bit of your weight? I dont have much in the boob department but they are generally heavy arnt they?

Sorry to hear about your experience at school. There needs to be thought about how best to address weight in youngsters. I think at the moment people either run a mile as its so sensitive, or blurt out in a rude and often devastating manner.

Yes, breasts can be heavy, but as they have a high fat level, they will usually increase or decrease according to overall body fat levels. Many women moan about the fact that they lose weight off their face and boobs, rather than off their hips!!

 

[Jesstickle]

I was told I was obese when I was at school by my pe teacher and I wasnt one of those people happy enough in my own skin to laugh it off, my parents were fuming.

O my days! If you're obese there really isn't any hope for the rest of us at all!

 

[BeesKnees]

And at your age, I don't think its healthy to get hung up on diets, mentally or physically. If you want to lose weight quicker than just by splitting your meals, look at upping the exercise rather than reducing the food for now.15 isn't a good age to get interested in diets imo.

Agreed 100%. Healthy eating and exercise is the way to go (once your back gets better!)

 

[Littlelegs]

Interesting about the body deciding whether to run from predators or survive famine, never heard of it that way. My body clearly thinks it lives in an area populated by cheetahs!
Agree we're getting fatter. As the mum of a 7yr old, I'm continually shocked over not just the size, but the attitude to food & exercise some young children have.

 

[kerilli]

^^^ yep, ditto that, I have never yet seen a woman with a natural Barbie figure!
While it is dangerous for children and teens to 'diet' per se, I do think it's a thin line, because the old 'puppy fat' saying isn't necessarily true either. Those who were overweight throughout (maybe due purely to bad diet, taught by parents) can just become very overweight adults. Hard to change the habits of years and years...

 

[3BayGeldings]

Indeed. Fat parents = fat kids.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Well heres 14st +tack and winter woolies on a 14.3hh Welshy X

Im now sitting at 10stone + tack and he doesnt really feel all that different still bouncing and ready o take off Although i feel different as there is actually room in my saddle

 

[Jesstickle]

I certainly don't look like barbie but anyone who doubts that I have bigger than average boobs whatever I weigh is more than welcome to see for themselves if they want. I can post photos

 

[Jericho]

This is me at just over 12 stone and 5ft 7" in a very unflattering picture (I am rather pear shaped and my thighs are erhmmm are rather prominent in this photo).
I think I look quite big in that picture but i think its more to do with camera angle. Would defintely feel better being a stone lighter - I certainly dont want to look any bigger on her. My mare is 15.1hh.

 

[BeesKnees]

I certainly don't look like barbie but anyone who doubts that I have bigger than average boobs whatever I weigh is more than welcome to see for themselves if they want. I can post photos

Of course it is possible, I do too. At 5 foot and a BMI of around 21, I have 32E boobs (well hubby is pleased even if I get sick of them ), but they have fluctuated with weight loss/gain. Most of us women have bras in a variety of sizes in the drawer as we have changed shape.

As with any 'average', it is a continuum - there will always be people at either end who appear to buck a trend, but that doesn't mean that the 'general rules' aren't correct for most people.

 

[Mlini]

In this picture I weigh around 9st12. Plus all clothes and tack, it'll be nearly 12st. I think a 12st weight limit is outrageous, I am 5ft6 and a size 8! I must say the riding schools around here have a higher weight limit.

 

[kerilli]

I certainly don't look like barbie but anyone who doubts that I have bigger than average boobs whatever I weigh is more than welcome to see for themselves if they want. I can post photos

I bet the photos would be very popular!
As BeesKnees says, it's about the continuum. At 5'3" with a curvy figure (i.e. boobs instead of a boyish torso like mine!), I'd imagine you would struggle hugely to get to 'skinny'... and probably look terrible if you did!

 

[Mince Pie]

OK here is me at 10.5 stone + tack on a 13.1 welshie. Never had back problems in all the time I had her. (I'm wearing a BP under my hoodie!)

And 9.6 stone plus tack on a 14.1 cob:

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Indeed. Fat parents = fat kids.

Not so!

My mom and dad were skinny and so was my sis, I was the big, fat daughter who came into puberty before any of the other kids in the class and who's first bra at the age of 11, was a 36C (and SHAME on the horrible men who used to lear!). My mum fed us the same things and we always played outside. Even now, my sis is bones and I'm not. Some people just aren't skinny same as some horses are good and poor doers.

 

[kerilli]

Not so!

My mom and dad were skinny and so was my sis, I was the big, fat daughter who came into puberty before any of the other kids in the class and who's first bra at the age of 11, was a 36C (and SHAME on the horrible men who used to lear!). My mum fed us the same things and we always played outside. Even now, my sis is bones and I'm not. Some people just aren't skinny same as some horses are good and poor doers.

Yes, this can be true. My cousin's mum was like a little stick insect (still is), her dad was tall and thin, she took after his mum and was always chubby as a kid and just got much chubbier as an adult. I've also known a brother and sister who each took after 1 parent (boy took after mum and was tall and skinny, girl took after dad and was much bigger). It is in your genes too, definitely. Which is why I am fighting mine!

 

[scarymare]

Yes, this can be true. My cousin's mum was like a little stick insect (still is), her dad was tall and thin, she took after his mum and was always chubby as a kid and just got much chubbier as an adult. I've also known a brother and sister who each took after 1 parent (boy took after mum and was tall and skinny, girl took after dad and was much bigger). It is in your genes too, definitely. Which is why I am fighting mine!

Agree totally but you can fight it. I was always the class fatty and really bullied for it and my sis was so skinny my (obese) parents got called in thinking I was stealing her food! Both sets of grandparents clinically obese too. Wind on 40 years and everybody is obese or was before departed - except me. TBH I don't even have to fight that hard, I'm 11 stone like all the piccies and 5'6'' but cos I'm muscley am a size 12

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

LOL, I'm fighting mine too but my body don't make it easy as I have other medical problems that make it a bit tricky.

 

[Littlelegs]

Agree to a certain extent its the way your made, but lifestyle has a huge effect too. My daughter has a friend who is very overweight, at 8 I would only put her on a stocky 12hh pony or fit shetland, despite being short. Her genes may dictate she won't ever be a beanpole, but her parents habits are why she's an unhealthy weight. Their lives revolve around food & they are lazy. Don't get me wrong, my child can't half eat. But this kid is obsessed, just like mum & dad. And thinks a 10min walk is torture. And instead of realising this, the parents moan that their average height kid can't get clothes the right width in the right length.

 

[Jesstickle]

I bet the photos would be very popular!
As BeesKnees says, it's about the continuum. At 5'3" with a curvy figure (i.e. boobs instead of a boyish torso like mine!), I'd imagine you would struggle hugely to get to 'skinny'... and probably look terrible if you did!

Doubtful. They're well balanced by my lardey rider's arse!

I'd love to be more straight up and down. It seems like a much more practical shape to be frankly!

 

[Wagtail]

Yes, muscle is denser so takes up less room. So, a stone of muscle will be a lot leaner-looking than a stone of fat. Hence the deceptiveness of some photos.
BeesKnees is right, as a society we are getting much fatter. It's shocking if you're old enough to have noticed the gradual creep. When I was at school there was ONE token 'fat kid' in the school. Honestly. Out of hundreds of us, one kid was truly fat, the rest of us were middling or skinny. Now it is probably 50% or more.
As I said above, being overweight or obese is totally that person's choice, nobody else's business, as long as there isn't a living breathing injure-able animal involved. But if there is, i truly believe that the rider owes it to that animal to work at staying light enough to make its life easier, and longer.
Oh, and I forgot... when my far-too-heavy-for-my-mare cousin (my bad) was riding her, the first inkling I had that she had a problem, was stepping down off the curb onto the road to cross it, she tripped. She never tripped, she was 100% surefooted and well-shod. That extra 7 stone of weight surprised her and she lost her balance for a second... very easy to do damage, if overladen...

I agree about horses not letting you know they are struggling. Not my mare though. My beginner husband was riding her on a hack. She is only 15.3 and medium build but a good strong solid mare. We went out on a hack and had lots of canters. Husband is 15 stone so probably more like 17 with boots, saddle etc. Just as we neared home and decided to have another canter, she dropped her shoulder and humped him off. Poor thing broke his collar bone. She hadn't shown any sign before that of him being too heavy, but decided enough was enough! After that we got him a big solid 17.2 HW and he was fine on that.

 

[kerilli]

Agree to a certain extent its the way your made, but lifestyle has a huge effect too. My daughter has a friend who is very overweight, at 8 I would only put her on a stocky 12hh pony or fit shetland, despite being short. Her genes may dictate she won't ever be a beanpole, but her parents habits are why she's an unhealthy weight. Their lives revolve around food & they are lazy. Don't get me wrong, my child can't half eat. But this kid is obsessed, just like mum & dad. And thinks a 10min walk is torture. And instead of realising this, the parents moan that their average height kid can't get clothes the right width in the right length.

Poor kid. And bad habits with food are the worst culprit. As said above, sugar (in all its forms) makes us fat. And doing naff all, which is easy nowadays (unless you have horses!)
I totally agree that it is fight-able. My dad was a huge guy, very tall and never light (not obese but not exactly skinny) and my mum's not tiny. I fight it, tooth and nail. The heaviest I've ever been was 11 stone 4 (I was riding an 18hh+ mediumweight wb at the time, in my defence) but I feel and imho look so much better a stone or so lighter. It's 100% worth the effort. I'd much prefer to exist on chocolate, sweets, cookies and cake, but if I did I'd just get bigger and bigger. My choice, 100 choices in fact, ever day... but it's worth it.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I agree about horses not letting you know they are struggling. Not my mare though. My beginner husband was riding her on a hack. She is only 15.3 and medium build but a good strong solid mare. We went out on a hack and had lots of canters. Husband is 15 stone so probably more like 17 with boots, saddle etc. Just as we neared home and decided to have another canter, she dropped her shoulder and humped him off. Poor thing broke his collar bone. She hadn't shown any sign before that of him being too heavy, but decided enough was enough! After that we got him a big solid 17.2 HW and he was fine on that.

Out of interest how do you know it was his weight that caused her to buck? Did she have a good moan about it later ?

 

[Wagtail]

Out of interest how do you know it was his weight that caused her to buck? Did she have a good moan about it later ?

Yes she told me. But to be fair, I don't know for sure, only that she was the type who would only buck in the first canter, if she was going to, and it was an excited buck. But with my kids she never bucked. They learnt to ride on her from the age of five. She really looked after them. I think she knew my husband was a beginner and looked after him to start with, but after 1.5 hours of quite fast hacking (typical man wanted to do lots of canters before he was really balanced), I think she just decided she would dump him.