Would riding double on a horse hurt their kidneys?

Question

My frind and I fide double once in a while and somebody told me thet that could ruine their kidneys and possibly give them colic? Is this true? If it is i certainly don't want to be hurting my horse!

Answer 1

This is old habit cropping up, and is the same reason we were all told to stand in our stirrups when a horse stretched out to urinate.  A horses kidneys are protected by several inches of muscle, you won't harm them by occasionally riding double, you should be careful to do no damage to the vertebra of his back but even that is a low risk.  You should still be careful while riding double, your safety is of greater concern, if one of you loses your balance, you are both going to fall.  

Answer 2

I don't think so. Especially if you are riding double bareback. When riding double bareback you are a lot farther foward then you would be with a saddle. Look how big a western saddle is... your second person would probably be sitting about as far back as what the saddle would have you in. I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 3

Yea it hurts ,

Ridding double was never meant for long periods.

Yes you can ride double if your cautious about how to ride= the back rider,

Just last week a mother and daughter was ridding bareback in a Parrade the horse slipped and the horse fell KILLING THE mother ,The daughter is still in the hospital,

does that say anything !

Anything done, right with safety in mind can be done, with fun ,,

  

Answer 4

Be aware that the strongest part of the horse is closest to the withers.  The weakest part of the horses back is closest to the lumbar region.  Although you may not damage the kidneys, you are certainly able to make the horse back-sore.  

I think the occasional ride of two kids on a fit, sound horse isn't an issue.  However, frequent use of tandem with an unbalanced or disabled rider, with an unsound, swayback or unfit horse is unsafe and not considerate of the comfort of the horse.

As already mentioned there are increased risks when riding double.

Answer 5

im not sure but i think it may be right because of how far you sit back on a horse with 2 people on it!!