[shenanigans]

I think it also makes a big differnce if you are a balanced rider as opposed to a loose sack of weight ...lol

I know small built people that ride all over their horse & it is so much harder on the horse then a reasonably sized horse ..like the pic above with a rider that has a good seat & hands....

[equinelover]

Originally Posted by Anxious1

I will have to take a peek at that thread. My weight is evenly distributed and for example, my husbands horse who is 14.3 I am waaaaay too big as in overweight:

From this angle, I don't think you're too big for this horse. But it would probably help if you shed 10-20 pounds. That may be appropriate than getting a new horse.

[Ginger9902]

Alot of factors play into this IMO. The most important thing is the riders seat. If you can properly sit a horse then he should do fine carrying you. A 90lb bouncing rider can cause more damage than a 300lb rider with a good seat. I think the 'rule' is 20% of the horses body weight...although I know they can easily carry more.

As far as the horse you are riding he looks fine. Nice expression too. After all 200lbs isn't really that much....yes for someone 5'7 that might be overweight but, my 6'2 200lb easily rides 14H guys. There isn't a horse he doesn't ride....even ridden the ponies from time to time.

[Anxious1]

I agree about seat and I feel that I have a good one, or at least my trainer agrees with me. She said that I am balanced and I post the trot well so that definitely helps.

After seeing these pictures I got back on the diet. I have lost 170 pounds over the 5 years and gained back 50 the past year as well so I need to get that 50 off and I should be good at 150. I hadn't realized how much that really is until seeing these pics.

[Anxious1]

ike the pic above with a rider that has a good seat & hands

Which pic Shenanigans? Just curious.....

[shenanigans]

Sorry for the confusion, I meant your pic lol...

Your hands appear light & your horse looks comfortable & engaged, rather then cranky & in a hurry to be done!

[Anxious1]

Awwww, thank you! I try very hard to stay out of a horses mouth and thank you so much for reinforcing that for me.

[TB Jumpers]

im 222 and 5ft 8in and i ride a 14.1 hand arab mare and she hase no problems holding me. and i have a 14.3 hand arab saddlebred cross that hase no problems holding me eather and i have ridden a 13.2 hand pony in lessons before.

Just depends on the horse some have more problems then others.

[gluey33]

I think you look ok on this horse.Don't know that i'd over do it though unless you've got him good and fit. But if your anything like me I actually feel more comfortable on a bigger horse. I have no idea what I weigh in pounds but going on the photo I'd say a little more than you. I've got a young horse coming up and I only ride him in little bits. Don't want to do any damage. Hopefully he finish about 15 hh, but he's going to be fairly heavy built. My older gelding is 15.1hh and used to carry me easily. If you've got the inclination they're both in my pics, if you want to see how they're built. I think the pic of the young one is only a yearling photo though
You said you have another horse 16hh why can't you ride her yet?

[Finallyownhorse]

I still don't think you are too big for that horse. Also, I love to read, and arabs can carry a lot of weight for their small size. It has something to do with their cannon bones.

Gee, do I sound argumenative or what? LOL

Congrads on losing 170 pounds. That is a HUGE feat. Don't stress about the last 50, it will come off. Just enjoy your horse and enjoy your riding.

I was watching a rerun of American's Funniest videos. A large lady got on the horse and the horse's back end actually SANK to the ground! Now that lady was too big for the horse.