[luvs2ride79]

I would like to discuss this issue with you all.

It seems that most people on this board are below average in weight or right at average (according to the average size of women in the USA, which is a size 14). So, a lot of you don't seem to understand the concept of larger people riding horses and the sensitivity of those riders.

Horses, in general can carry 20% of their body weight. This means they can carry 20% of their body weight in "dead weight" on their backs, all day, over varied terrain. A fit, well balanced horse (without any serious conformational flaws) can carry a well balanced, experienced rider who is up to 25-30% of their body weight for 3 to 4 hours, over varied terrain, at all gaits. An average horse is 1,000 lbs; 25% of that is 250lbs, 30% is 300lbs.

How do I know this? Because I am 25% of my horse's weight (with tack & trail gear) and I have successfully ridden her on long, very hilly and tough trails for the past 4 years with no adverse effects to her soundness. She is not "stocky" as far as bone structure and even has a bit of a longish back and small halter horse hooves. She is an Appaloosa mare just over 15.2h, 1,100lbs, with an Appendix type build. I do not use any special saddles or pads, just a nice 1" thick felt pad for my western style endurance saddle. I am (was) a horse massage therapist and I am very attentive to my horse's soundness and joint health. I have had her for 5 years now, since she was 3yrs old. I broke her and trained her (with a little outside help). I have had a chiropractor (who is also a VET!) out for a pasture related muscle injury and she was very happy with my horse's overall health and soundness.

When I was in high school I was notably smaller (darn kid and divorce, lol) but I have always been "above average" as far as size & weight (I'm 5' 8" and was about 170-185 then). I rode ponies as small as 13.1h and warmbloods and light boned TBs as large as 18h. None of them had any problems carrying me or soreness afterward.

Riding horses is a GREAT way for people to exercise, gain strength, and gain flexibility. It can be a great motivator for larger or unfit people to do something physical. And I have to say, I am much more athletic and fit than MANY of my "smaller" friends who do not ride horses or exercise. As long as the horse has a moderate to short back, is sound, well balanced, well trained to ride, there is enough padding under the saddle, and the rider is balanced (or under the supervision of a trainer and is slowly working towards balanced) the horse will be just fine.

I have seen MANY smaller riders bounce around on a horse causing discomfort, but it's said that "they are learning". Which is true, but it doesn't comfort the horse any... So why are larger riders condemed? We are more aware of our size and its effect on the horse. We try a lot harder to prevent bouncing and become a balanced rider. So, before anyone judges someone who is a larger rider, consider your own riding ability and your lack there of while learning. Do you think you caused the horse any less discomfort than someone larger in the same state? At least we have a little extra cushioning on our rear ends to absorb impact, LOL.

Here are a few pictures for you all to consider. These are common sights in the western world in the USA. Why is it that larger men are more "acceptable" on a horse than larger women??? All of these guys below are very likely well over 200lbs with heavy western saddles on (30-50lbs). (and yes, almost all roping horses go around with their heads in the sky looking wild eyed, it has to do with the event and type of horse used, not necessarily with the rider)











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Edited to add:

Okay guys, let's settle down!!! I don't want to see this thread get shut down. I haven't read all of the posts (last time I was here there was only 3 pages!), but I can tell things are getting a bit strained.

Let us all just agree that slimmer people do NOT know first hand when it comes to heavier riders and their horses. You cannot make assumptions just based on reading things. Yes, those reports are a good starting point for evaluation, but every person is different, every horse is different. I have seen more harm done by "normal" or small riders/trainers who ride the "P" out of horses too young and they end up crippled because of improper conditioning. A horse should NOT require hock injections or joint meds until well past middle aged, no matter what event they compete in... Those "larger" riders I know take very good care of their horses and keep a closer eye on their health and soundness than the "average" horse owners that I know.

This thread was only meant to enlighten some people and help those of you understand what it's like to worry about these things. I don't know if it has accomplished it's intended task, but I hope it has at least had some positive impact.

~Barbara

[realitycheck]

This is a tough issue, kudos for bringing it up.

I don't think that it's necessarily limited to riders in general - overweight people tend to be looked down on in every aspect of life. I try to be very sensitive to others, and remember that I am not in their shoes and therefore have no right to judge. My sister is quite overweight and I know how much of a daily struggle it is for her, physically and emotionally.

It is hard to me to understand though, if I may be completely honest, seeing as I am very into fitness and health. I do try to keep an open mind though and not give advice unless asked.

[3WishesDun]

Very thought provoking post Barbara. I agree... the key is a balanced effective rider. And I love your point about men + saddles compared to larger women riders... I had never thought of it in that way before... wonderful insight.

[Circle C]

I don't judge "larger riders," or comdem them, but sometimes, in the barrel industry, I wonder what their horse could do with a smaller person on them as far as barrel times and pattern smoothness.

I haul with 2 people who would be considered "larger riders." They ride just as well as I do and are VERY competitive.

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by realitycheck

This is a tough issue, kudos for bringing it up.

I don't think that it's necessarily limited to riders in general - overweight people tend to be looked down on in every aspect of life. I try to be very sensitive to others, and remember that I am not in their shoes and therefore have no right to judge. My sister is quite overweight and I know how much of a daily struggle it is for her, physically and emotionally.

It is hard to me to understand though, if I may be completely honest, seeing as I am very into fitness and health. I do try to keep an open mind though and not give advice unless asked.

I understand your confusion and appreciate your sensitivity. Smaller people don't have the trouble losing weight like larger people. It is VERY hard to take off considerable weight. 10 to 20 lbs is quite easy to lose, but most larger people need to lose 30 to 50 for anyone to notice... This is why gastric bypass surgery has become so popular. It's a way to force someone to eat smaller portions and lose weight.

Our whole culture (here in the US) is about excess. Think about what you eat and about what is advertised. Fast food, sweets, restaurants with super huge portions... It's all about more, more, more! Some people can handle eating all of that and not gain considerable weight (I HATE those people, LOL). Just like horses that are "easy keepers", some people are too. I eat FAR LESS than many of my smaller friends and I am more active, yet I do not lose weight... My metabolism just likes to be slow and my body likes to hold on to fat. I have always struggled with this issue, ever since I was a pre-teen. I have now come to accept my body and strive to be as healthy as possible without worrying about my weight. My doctoc says that I am extremely healthy; very low cholesterol, very good blood pressure, low triglycerides (fats in the blood), and just general overall good health.

It's sad that a culture so diverse is still biased against such a large segment of the population. In the US, 20% of the population is considered clinically obese and 40% is "overweight".

~Barbara

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by Circle C

I don't judge "larger riders," or comdem them, but sometimes, in the barrel industry, I wonder what their horse could do with a smaller person on them as far as barrel times and pattern smoothness.

I haul with 2 people who would be considered "larger riders." They ride just as well as I do and are VERY competitive.

Very true! Why else would racing jokeys be so little? lol But, the riders are having fun and that's all that really matters

~Barbara

[Sissy]

Well said Barbara! Thank You.

[JBandRio]

I think one of the reasons that a 200lb man on a 15h horse is generally considered more acceptable than a 200lb woman on a 15h horse is the distribution of weight. A 200lb man is more likely to be in proportion, therefore better balanced by default. A 200lb woman is more likely to be overweight, out of proportion, typically not in as good balance as the man. It's not ALL about the weight, it's also about balance. I am not saying that no 200lb woman can be a good, effective rider.

That said, I'd rather see a talented 200lb woman rider in a 15h horse than a beginner 200lb man on the same horse, flopping around

[oldhag]

How did the horses tell you they were 'having fun?'

I'm sorry, but 'fun' and 'love' are terms I don't think horses use. Just my opinion, please don't sit on me!

He, he, I couldn't resist that. No offense, just a joke.

I'm an ex-anorexic, before that I was over-weight. I suppose anorexia stays with you all your life, so I've never let myself go and I maintain a just under normal weight.

Therefore I have no sympathy with fatties. Self-control will cure you.

I'm also a chain smoker. This helps my weight but I haven't got the self-control to give that up.

It's all about how much you want to change.

[realitycheck]

Barbara, have they checked your thyroid? That is part of my sister's problem, combined with the fact that she is a "comfort eater". She is 5'4" and weighs in at about 260. It breaks my heart to watch her struggle with it every day, and she has made attempts in the past to diet and lose the weight but it never lasted long. I can't make her want to lose the weight, it's something that she has to want to do, but when she's ready I'm here for her and she knows that. I am just worried about her health more than anything.

It is also true that some people just are not intended to be thin, and nothing short of starvation will make them be that way. As long as someone is healthy and happy, that's what matters.

It is kind of odd how opposite two sisters can be - I struggled with anorexia all through my teen years and still cannot even look at a french fry or fried chicken without my brain going haywire. Even at my age now, sometimes I have to force myself to eat to make sure that I don't dip below the weight limit that my doctor set. My sister and I both have unhealthy issues with food, just at opposite ends of the spectrum.