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Discussion on Maximum Weight a horse should carry
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Member:
Chicco
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 13, 2005 - 2:07 am:
Hi, I hope you can help. I have a 9 year old quarter horse gelding about 15.3 and 1100 pounds. Every so often - sometimes 2 times a week I have a friend ride my horse. My friend weighs about 280 pounds and uses a saddle that weights approx. 30/35 pounds. She does not work the horse hard. Mostly walk and trott and about 20 minutes on the trail. Should she ride my horse ? What weight is good for what horse. I also have a 14.1, 1000 pound Haflinger, he seems to do well with this weight. Please advise. I thank you
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 13, 2005 - 3:05 am:
Yes, Kristina, she should. I believe you should actually encourage and help her to the sport.
There's a discussion about this under:
Business and law >> The business of horses >> Riding instructor says weight is an issue
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Member:
Ramonah
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Posted on Sunday, Feb 13, 2005 - 3:14 am:
Hi Kristina. I am not a vet, but I do have my opinions regarding the subject. I believe there are many factors involved in your decision. I weigh 230lbs. and ride a 15 hand, 10 year old gelding. I weighed 250 when I first bought him. I ride western, with a reining saddle. I have gone on trail rides with other riders and horses. My horse is always the least sweaty and the least tired. I ride 5x a week, for about 1 hour each day. I believe the factors would include the length of the horses back (shorter backs are stronger), the fitness of your horse, the fitness of the rider (an overweight rider might be much more in shape, then a thinner one), and the skill of the rider. A 180lb rider that flops around is much worse than a 230lb rider that can ride well. Equus magazine (Feb 2005 issue) has an article that addresses this particular subject, and the lastest studies.
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