I would DESPERATELY LOVE to learn to ride but am I too heavy? Would it be fair to the horse? Serious answers.?

Question

Please don't ask me what I weigh, but I'm not 25st or anything like that (I'm less). I have a very petite friend who has her own horse and who is encouraging me to learn to ride but I'm too embarrassed to ask if she thinks I'm too heavy. I had a little ride on another horse who is stabled where my friend keeps her horse - obviously, in the presence of the other horse's owner and with her permission. The other owner didn't look horrified when she saw me but maybe she was just being polite, knowing I would only be on her horse for a few minutes. I don't know if it's relevant but I want to learn so I can hack, I don't know about anything else at this stage. Who knows, I might not even like it, but I've always wanted to learn so much. I'm frightened to go for a lesson only to be told they haven't got a horse that's capable of taking my weight. Before anyone suggests it, I know the answer is to lose weight but that's easier said than done and riding might actually help me to do it

Answer 1

Racing thoroughbreds are required to carry between 50kg and 75kg for a sprint and do that without much trouble.

If you're not making the horse sprint or do an endurance run then it can tolerate more weight relatively easily. 20-30% of the horse's body weight for light work isn't unreasonable.

To put that in perspective, a 25 hand thoroughbred in good condition might weigh 500kg, so could carry 100-150kg for light work (that includes the saddle by the way). If you're talking about a pony then the weight they can carry will be less.

If you're considering a big warmblood or draught horse they they can carry something towards the 200kg mark.

It's just a matter of finding the right sized horse.

Answer 2

Look you can ride at 250 or 300 lbs if you have the right horse.  In fact some horses can carry more (much more) but this I am not going to tell my weight nonsense prevents us from giving you an educated opinion.  You do not know us so what is the big deal if we know your weight.  It is not as if we are going to tell any of your friends or recognize you at the mall and poke fun at you.

Here is what you can do if you really do not want to tell us.  Make up a new yahoo ID and come back and re-ask the question stating how much you weigh.  Erase this question first so no one will make the connection (pay attention to the advice first though).  But we will then be able to help you much better than now.

Just realized that 25 st meant 25 stones.  OK so you do not weigh 350 lbs.  Still what do you weigh?

Answer 3

Why so embaressed? All you have to do is call some stables and ask about lessons, be sure that you tell them your height and weight though. They should have a larger horse suitable for you. You're actually kinda lucky, I love bigger horses! They're just like big teddybears! :)

Answer 4

The best way to avoid any embarassment is to call the stable where you are interested in taking your lesson and explain your situation. Give them your height and weight (don't be shy about it) and ask beforehand if they have a lesson horse that can carry your weight comfortably. I have a male friend who weighs 225 pounds and he has a very sturdy horse that is in good condition and is able to carry him without any strain. There are quite a few riders out there who are above average in weight, and a strong horse like a cob or a draft-cross make exellent mounts for heavier riders.

One thing to keep in mind is that when you learn to ride well, it's much easier for a horse to carry you. A well-balanced rider who knows how to distribute her weight and post properly is going to be a lot easier for a horse to carry than an unbalanced rider of the same or lesser weight.

Answer 5

I have known 20st people ride horses, and I'm sure heavier people do too.

You just need to find the right horse, for instance a heavy horse as appos to a light breed such as a tb. Give a few schools a call and they'll let you know if they have something suitable.

Answer 6

ring around, I'm a heavy girl and I have a cob who is more than capable of taking my weight, when I first started riding a good few years ago, a lot of my local schools didn't have a horse suitable, but the population is getting heavier, and I've found, now, that more and more schools are stocking bigger boned animals to take more cuddly people, don't be embarrased, it's not about how heavy you are but about how light you are in your seat, if you can carry yourself in the saddle you'll be fine, and I'll tell you what, when I fall off, it doesn't hurt half as much as my skinny mates as I have got superior padding.  I can't emphasis how important it is for you to have proper lessons from a qualified instructor, it will set you up better for the future.  I'm the fittest I've ever been in my life because of my riding even though I'm still big, don't let it stand in your way, be proud and go for it. XX

Answer 7

The less you weigh, the easier it is on the horse's back.  Many places that rent horses will not allow a person to ride if they are over 205 lbs.  

Hope this helps answer your question.

Answer 8

I wonder if you are just suffering from a self confidence crisis.  Believe me if an owner decided you were too big for their horse there is no way you would be allowed on.

Many schools have larger horses capable of carrying weight and you just need to look around.  I used to be about 15 stone until I lost a lot through various injuries and even though I was training as an AI I was taught.  Obviously not on the ponies

You may even start to lose weight if you try and help your friend with her horse.  And ride a bit too.

Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 9

Any one can learn to ride if they really have the heart for it. As for weight, i would really only worry about the horse what breed/size/what type of ridding. Ask your friend how tall the horse is and what breed. There is a big diffrent between a Pony and say a TB.

Hope this helps!

Answer 10

hey, horses can carry a lot more than you give them credit for, as long as you dont ride a 12"2 pony, there wont be a problem, any breed such as an irish draft or cob will be fine, around 15"3 /  16"0 hh  go for it!!!!!  Good luck

Answer 11

I had the same problem as you. I thought oh gosh im going to crush the horse. but it all depends on what type of horse you ride. dont go for small horse i ride big horses such as shires and horses like that. now im an advanced ridder who jumps and gallops and all sorts. :)

xx

Answer 12

there is no such thing as too heavy you just have to find the right horse try your local riding shcools

Answer 13

The answer is simple - make some phone calls to your local riding schools. Tell them that you are interested in lessons and tell them your height and weight so they can decide if they have a horse that is suitable for you. No need for embarrassment. Many places do have horses for larger riders and asking the height/weight of a person is not unusual when booking lessons over the phone.

I doubt you will have a problem finding somewhere.

Have fun.

Answer 14

Think about it this way, it's what I tell everyone.

When you ride a horse, it is working very hard. In fact, it is doing all the work. Wouldn't you feel bad putting extra weight on a horse? It's not fair for an unfit person to ride. If you plan to work the horse hard, you yourself should work out as well. I work at a trail riding barn and some of the people that come out are RIDICULOUS! If you are too fat to walk, what makes you think you even deserve to ride a horse. Many horses will grunt and stumble with a 190lb person.

If you do plan on riding, you'd better get a horse that matches your level. Something big and sturdy, and likely fat. If you are unable to accept the fact that you wont be able to ride a thoroughbred, a warmblood or a finer-built horse, then you shouldn't ride. And don't even think about jumping it, that's just cruel.

Being fat and unfit is way too much work for a horse to carry around.

Weighing a bit more, but being in shape and the weight being muscle is a slightly fairer job for the horse.

I don't know what stones are, but it says on the conversion thing that 23 stones is equal to 322 pounds!!! YIKES! No horseback riding at that weight, ever!!!

My limit is 250lbs max. on the big belgians ( I would never ever let them ride any of my QHs, appies etc.. just the FAT, tall, belgians). Half the time, they can't even get on the poor horses. In my opinion that is completely UNFAIR. Go to gym, get your fitness level up and lose weight before you decide to make some poor horse lug your weight around for an hour!!

Answer 15

I do not see why it is out of the question. If your weight does not impede you from normal function than you should be fine. Select a stout horse with good bone structure or perhaps a smaller draft that would offer more support for your size. and yes, riding horses or being involved with them will help you lose weight because it is a very physical sport. Don't be deterred by your weight situation just approach it with some optimism. Best of wishes in your endeavor!

Answer 16

If you are that concerned, try a larger horse. Perhaps a draft cross. Horses are very hearty and strong. People don't give horses enough credit when it comes to the weight they can carry.

Answer 17

many riding schools do have a weight limit, purely due to the horses they have available. I know a school I go to has a 12-14 stone limit (sorry, don't do lbs!), they are a show jumping school with mainly quite light horses and not big cobs or draught crosses.

as long as you find the right horse, they should be able to carry you, the larger cobs or draught crosses are tough animals and are able to haul big chunky men around, i'm sure they'd think nothing of you! native breeds such as welsh and connemara are a lot tougher than things like thoroughbreds.

just call around the schools near you and see if they have a horse available for you, specialist schools are less likely to than general purpose ones. just find yourself a nice big cob and you're set for life, and they don't come huge either, a 14.2hh-15hh chunky cob should be fine. or if you are slightly larger, seek out a clydesdale or shire cross, there are plenty about and make fantastic riding horses!

Answer 18

horses are a lot stronger than you think....even the tiny Shetland pony is capable of carrying the weight of 8 full grown adult men on it's back!

i'm sure you'll just be like a feather on the horse's back...lol

i'd say call a few stables and ask them...this will put your mind at ease :)

have fun!

edit: Loves the Ponies answer is lovely :)....it really is all about making sure that you're comfortable on the horse that you're riding, and that you'd be safe....most good stables have horses for riders of any level :)

Dawn J....if that's all that you can come up with on the matter then rather don't say anything....have you ever heard how strong those animals really are?! maybe they just get grumpy because they are used to carrying a certain weight...that doesn't make them weak and fragile...but i suppose everyone to their own oppinion

Answer 19

The main concern with a rider's weight is safety.  Please don't think I'm trying to be rude, but this is how you can determine whether or not you are too large to ride.  If you are as round as you are tall (figuratively), you could be putting yourself in danger by riding.

Here's why.  Short, round people have a hard time controlling their bodies when riding.  The result can be falling off or causing injury to the horse from the breast strap rubbing against his chest.  

As the horse moves, a rider has to be able to move his body with the horse and not against it.  Short, round people seem to have a difficult time with that.

If you are tall, but heavy (6'4' and 300 lbs.) you should be fine.  You'll need a taller horse and may feel more comfortable on a thicker, sturdier horse, but you should be okay.

That being said, there are horses out there that can carry a heavier load...halflingers and fresians and quarter horses.  These breeds tend to be pretty stout.

Start off slowly and for short periods of time until you can manage yourself on the horse.  Stay on flat ground until you have a really good grasp of riding, as hills can cause some shorter, heavier people to become unbalanced and fall off.

You will find that riding will help tone your body, especially abs and legs.  To achieve maximum toning while riding, modify your eating habits and exercise when you aren't riding.  I believe you can do this!

Answer 20

well, a horse can carry 20% of it's body wieght, and so you can compare to me (i'm used to being embaressed about my size so its all good)

i'm 5'6 and atm i'm 235 (when i was riding i was 200-210). . . i rode my horse that was 16.2 hands and about 1,100-1,200lbs. . . it IS possible for heavier people to ride and be really good at it (i've seen some heavier riders ride better then a smaller rider)

why i say not everyone who rides is a size 0 (no offence to smaller riders)

anyway, i'm sure they can find a horse that will fit you just right, and with riding you may loose alittle and will get fit and feel better. . . i know i felt better when i was riding.  horses seem to make you feel better.

good luck and have fun!

Answer 21

horses can carry alot of weight! welsh ponies were bred to carry fully grown 6' odd men up mountains!!!

dnt worry about it at all!! ponies are very strong-shetlands but are little **** bags!

personally i would start off going to a riddin school as they have a very wide selection of different horses of abilities ages etc. they are all sane and know what there job is. im a horse owner and i have seen very large women on horses and dont really think much of it!

dont worry about anything go and have a try and see what you think! but for heavens sake DONT WORRY ABOUT YOUR WIEGHT!!!

XXXXX

Answer 22

Guinnell, don't listen to people who tell you not to ride.

The rule for using the measurement of the cannon bone and such is more like what we use in this area. The 20% rule does not take into account for the condition of the horse, the breed or the type of riding you wish to do.

I, too, am larger than the usual rider. My horses, Arabians, were chosen in part by the fact that Arabians can carry more than other breeds despite their size. I (and my vet) take into consideration the fact that, for now, it is simply pleasure riding in the ring without jumping or running.  I am also working on increasing my horses' muscles by lunging and walking backwards.

Simply pay attention to the signals of the horse while riding and watch for soreness in its back for the next couple of days. Try to stay with the larger muscled horses and consult with someone who is knowledgable about the horse and its' physical condition. Just for short, easy rides, there should be no problem.

And you are correct about loosing as you ride. I've been mucking stalls, working them on the ground and lunging and have lost 25.5 lbs in the last month.

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/Articles/HRi...

Answer 23

Make some calls around to different schools. Tell them that you are looking into learning how to ride. And tell them your height and weight....

If it comes down to people not wanting to teach you how to ride because of it, you can always learn to drive.

You may also be able to talk to some of the stable owners and tell them that you would love to learn to ride but your weight is a concern. And ask them if you could volunteer at the stables, mucking stalls, grooming, etc...To help you loose some weight and learn about horses at the same time.

Since I don't know what you build is, I think you would need to get on a good shorter, stocky horse. Most riding schools have taller horses, like tb's ect...Try finding a place that gives western lessons.

Answer 24

I don't know much about horses but I found this on a webite.

One very simple guide is to take the horse’s weight and divide by six to give you the total weight, including rider and tack, the horse can carry. Given this, a 1200 pound horse could carry up to 200 pounds.

Another quick and popular method is to use the 20% rule. You take 20% of your horse’s body weight and the result is the amount of total weight your horse can carry. For example, a 1,000 pound horse should easily carry 200 pounds of rider and tack. The 20% rule typically applies to competitive or otherwise “hard” riding. For pleasure riding, many use a 30% rule, so this 1,000 pound horse could carry 300 pounds for shorter pleasure rides.

Measuring a horse’s cannon bone is used by some in determining the approximate weight a horse can carry. A measurement is taken around the circumference of the foreleg, just below the knee. Add together the weight of the horse plus the rider and tack, and divide this sum by the cannon bone circumference measurement. Then divide that result by two. A number between 75 and 85 is good. If the number is over 85, you probably need a larger horse. Using this method, I measure the circumference of the horse’s cannon bone and get 7.5 inches. The body weight of the horse is 1,150 pounds and the rider and gear weigh 235 pounds for a total combined weight of 1,350 pounds. Divide 1,350 (total combined weight) by 7.5 (cannon bone) and I get roughly 185. Divide 185 in half and my final resulting number is 93. Using this calculating method, I either need to lighten my gear or get a larger horse to get the number down to around 85.

Some horse and rider guidelines where carrying weight is concerned:

Pick a horse with bigger cannon bones, wider loins, shorter back

Avoid using heaving saddles and only carry necessary gear

Make sure the horse is conditioned for the type of riding you doing

Keep proper riding posture and balance

Give the horse a break on longer rides – get off a while and let your horse rest

Avoid riding in areas where footing is not desirable – such as mud, deep sand, asphalt

Avoid letting the horse trot or canter

The maximum weight a horse can safely carry does vary by the breed of the horse and how hard it’s worked. There is no absolute rule about how much weight a horse can carry, but generally speaking the lighter-framed the horse the less he can carry. A well conditioned horse or a stout horse can generally carry more. Some breeds are bred to carry heavier weights like the Quarter Horse, Arabian or Icelandic Pony. Riders with good balance also make weight load less of a problem.

Hope this helps.

Answer 25

Ask your friend - seeing as she is  a friend I am sure it will only be a little embarassing and you will know the answer.

If you aren't too heavy then go for it - horse riding has its highs and lows but in the end it is thoroughly rewarding and great exercise too! If you do start riding then set yourself goals such as ' when i learn to jump for the first time i will have lost 5 pounds' good luck

some breeds are very strong, tiny ponies can carry men out hunting so expect a horse could carry somebody who is of a larger build.

Answer 26

no one is too hevey a shyer would do shyers can crry 5 times there own wait go ahed try it befor you know it you'll have a horse of you'r own

Answer 27

Well, the good thing about horses, is that there is one for every kind of person!  Smaller people can ride the ponies and 15 hand horses, while everybody else rides the bigger ones.  

Since you are so concerned, which is actually very sweet of you, you may find a few stables in your area who give riding lessons, and ask them what kind of horses they give lessons on.  The bigger draft horses can carry and pull just about anything, but not many places are going to have them available for riding lessons.  Instead, look for a horse like a gypsy vanner or a cob-type horse that is a little stouter, as they can carry a LOT more weight than you think!  

Regardless of what kind of horse you end up riding, there is a way to know how much weight a horse can handle.  You start with the horse's weight. 20% of that is how much he can carry!  For example, a 1200lb horse should be able to carry 240 pounds!  So dont give up.  I know you will love learning to ride, and if you really get into it, you will actually end up losing some of that weight.  (brushing the horse is the best arm workout in the world!!)

Answer 28

I weigh 165 pounds or 11.8 stones and I have friends who are bigger than me that ride regularly one is every bit of 250 pounds (17.8 stones) and I've seen even larger people ride.  The problem is not your actual weight because a horse can be found that will carry you.  You will need to carry YOURSELF in the saddle.  No horse will be comfortable with someone bouncing around on their back, especially someone with a bit more weight than normal.  Be honest about your weight when you call around, there are horses out there that you can learn to ride on.  Lessons will be very important so you can learn how to help the horse carry you.  Good Luck.

Answer 29

i would just lose the weight first...if you really want to ride then you'll do what it takes.

Answer 30

Hi there..

I'm in the USA so for me to try to equivalate stones to pounds is too much brain power...

I will say this tho.  I had a friend who was well over 350lbs.. and wanted a horse like you.  She shopped for a well broke draft horse and ended up finding a paint/clydedale cross.  The horse was huge, muscular, and had absolutely no problems carrying her around.   She just trailrode, didn't show tho and her horse wasn't show quality.

It is possible for you to do this and again without knowing your stature and thats fine, you can figure it out for yourself.. but 20% of the horses body weight is what the horse can handle on its back as live weight.

As around for someone that has drafts.. the other thing is.. learn how to drive a horse too.  Then you never have to give your weight a concern and horses can pull way more than they can carry.  

These are just all ideas for you and things that my friend went through also.

Answer 31

It's kinda hard to say without knowing roughly what you weight, but as long as the horse is a heavyweight type then I don't see why not. I know of several men who are pushing 18stone who ride, but their horses are definatly heavyweights. You would want a cob type, something with draft horse in it rather than a thoroughbred type.

Your best bet is to call round some riding schools to try and find one that has a horse suitable for you. You do need to call round and many riding schools will ask for a rough height and weight when you book the lesson to make sure they do have a suitable horse. One point is if you are female, wear a good sports bra cause otherwise you bounce lots and it makes it harder to learn! Also ask to use a mounting block if the instructor doesn't suggest it because it is much better for the horses back than someone getting on from the ground as that can twist their back a bit.

It's not just skinny people who ride - in the uk there is a website called 'Fuller Fillies' who specialise in riding wear for larger ladies, so don't feel that it's only you, go and try and see how you get on and you are absolutly right about riding helping you to lose weight - especially if you do stable work as well. I've been know to muck out in shirt sleeves when there's snow on the ground cause it's very physically demanding and you get rather warm!

Also expect to be sore for 3 or 4 days after you first few lessons - riding uses muscles that don't really get used anywere else and your body will object but will get used to it so persevre through that and enjoy!