What weight can my small horse carry?

[Rachaelpink]

Just wanted people's opinion on what maximum weight my horse can carry see: http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.showadvert/index-1032477748/3d83b55c.html for a pic. She's 14.2/14.3 appaloosa, not fine but not cobby 14 yrs old, nearly 15.

Had someone contact me about trying her but they are probably over what she can carry although apparently their trying to loose weight which makes me not want to rule them out.
Thanks

 

[horseandhound]

I would say upto 12 stone as long as the rider was very balanced. It all depends! A child bouncing around on a horses back must be more uncomfortable than a heavier adult with good balance and centre of gravity.

 

[naza]

12 stone really?? i would only just about put that on my 15.2hh appy cross

 

[Divasmum]

It is hard to say from the picture but prob 11 or 11 and a half stone stone. I never want to put the maximum weight on any horse all the time anyway.

 

[alainax]

I'm gonna stick my neck out on the line here, but i disagree.

Most horses are more than capable of carrying more than most riders imagine.

A good rule of thumb is that a horse can carry up to 20% of its own body weight without any problem. It will be able to carry up to 25% or even more when the rider is skilled and considerate, and the horse fit.

Of course the general build of the horse must be taken into account, too, and any weaknesses considered carefully. And of course tack is also counted in this calculation.

So bearing all that in mind, working things out on the lowest estimate (since he's going out on loan and you may not know how he's getting ridden all the time), he theoreticaly could carry 182 lbs (12.5 stone)

Based on the usual weight range of an Appaloosa is from 950 to 1250 pounds, so lets say hes 950 ( just to be conservative), he could carry 190 lbs, minus lets say a huge maximum of a stone for his tack.

Bear in mind thats all based on absolute minumin , and he could probbaly cope easily with more.