How heavy can you be to ride horses?

Question

I am thinking about buying a horse but fear i may be to heavy to ride. Then again i see huge people and cowboys riding all the time. Does anyone have any answears for this one. 2 people will ride my horse one is 280lbs and one is 250lbs.

some people seem to be assuming that we will both ride together. we well not. the horse will be riddin by one or the other, and despite being big i am fit.

I need advice on breeds or crosses or what to look for when looking for a horse for a heavier person.

Also i have some riding experience, i learned to ride on a 16 h quarter horse cross mare. but that was 10 months and 50 lbs ago. I can ride a bucking or rearing horse, and enjoy horses that are intelligent and spirited.

Answer 1

Something that nobody has addressed yet, is that a rider's weight can always affect the horse and cause a sore back. It doesn't matter the weight of a rider.

I've seen "heavy" riders whose horses are happy and competing over fences, while I've seen thin riders with uncomfortable, sour horses competing. The difference is in how they ride.

A poor rider can make any horse's back sore. A good rider will make a horse comfortable, no matter the rider's weight.

If your weight does concern you, I'd go with a stout quarter horse about 15 hands. He/She will be easy to mount from the ground and the low center of gravity will be easier for the horse's balance. Drafts aren't a bad option and are beginning to be more versatile. I knew, what I call a "pleasently plump" woman that showed equitation and jumping on her clydesdale at one of the premier boarding and show facilities in Orlando, Florida. As a teen while competing my strongest competition was an over weight girl who was awesome in the saddle. She rode a stocky, nice moving appaloosa and later a 17 hand warmblood. She always kick butt and regularly placed first. She was a good rider. Their are stockier types of drafts so you don't have to worry about climbing aboard a behemeth that's 17 hands tall! *laughs* American Creams for example are usually around 15 or 16 hands.

I strongly suggest you take lessons on your new horse at the least twice a month for a year, then you can go to once a month for the rest of your horsie life. Ideally you want to take lessons once a week though. Even though you've taken lessons in the past, your body has changed and you will need to master the basics once again. If your balance is off and you are not an intermediate rider, your horse will suffer. Once you master the basics, especially balance, you won't have to worry about hindering your horse or making him sore.

A good rider is what matters, not weight, so do not trouble yourself about it so much.

Have fun and good luck with your forethcoming horse search! :)

~Jenn

Answer 2

Definitly ignore the draft horse comments. Any average size horse can carry you fine. The size of a rider doesn't make that big a difference it's the ability. A 150lb rider bouncing around is harder on a horse and their back then a 250 rider who rides well, that was proven by a study with saddle pads that measured the pressure excerted on a horses back. If you like something with a bit of spirt go for something like an arab or morgan either purebred or crossed, I would suggest one over 15 hands tall though. Quarter horses and Paints tend to be more laid back but are also a good choices. The build of the horse is important to, a well built horse (put together correctly) with a shorter back is best for anybody.

Answer 3

You are not too heavy to ride. I weigh 250 plus my 26 pound saddle and my Arab mare carries me just fine. You have received advice recommending draft horses, I disagree. Draft horses are not bred for riding, they are bred for pulling plows and heavy carts, so they throw their weight into the pulling. Their backs can support a rider but that is not their best use. Look for any breed you want. Things to look for are thick boned legs, shorter pasterns, broad hooves and really good feet, shorter back. When horses have to carry heavier weights better conformation is important as they will stay sound longer than a horse that has a conformational problem.

Make sure when you find your horse that the saddle you use fits perfectly, even if you have to go custom made. I recommend a western saddle as the tree spreads the weight more evenly.

Both riders need to be strong, balanced riders. A well-balanced trained rider that is heavy is more comfortable for a horse than a lighter weight rider that flops all over the place.

Good luck!

Answer 4

With a larger, preferably draftier horse, carrying the weight shouldn't be a problem. The general rule is 20% of the horse's weight max (when the horse is at a fit weight, not when the horse is overweight). On the other hand, depending on what you are looking to do with the horse, fitness is important to be an effective rider. If you want to do mostly calm riding on trails, it probably won't be a problem. If you are interested in a more involved horse sport, like jumping, fitness becomes more and more necessary to your ability to effectively control your position and the horse as you progress.

Answer 5

You would just need to research the horse you are buying, and make sure that when you have it vet checked that the vet is aware of your weight and planned activities. It all depends on what you want the horse to be able to do. I used to let my boyfriend (ex, now) who was 6'6'' 330lb (college football lineman) ride my Hanovarian TB cross. I would only let him walk though. 250 is not too terribly heavy for a horse. You would be suprised what they can carry. I just would avoid jumping and such. As far as breeds I'd find a good "cow" stock breed Quarter Horse or a strong warmblood cross. And might I recomend alot of ground work in a round pen. Good exercise for you and the horse and a nice way of bonding. That's my weightloss plan everytime I start packing on the pounds (I'm not a light one myself, around 170 at 5'4'') Best of luck to you!

Answer 6

HI! I am a coach and I want to tell you, people of all sizes ride my lesson horses, I would be worried about a thoroughbred that has racer blood in it just for the leg bones. But other than that, you will be fine. It is such great excercise.

If you are worried down the road, have your vet check the horse out and explain the situation. I suggest something Bigger Boned for a more comfortable ride for them. A sport horse like a Hano would be great, and in agreeing with the answer above, Draft Horses are not a good idea. (Freisians and hanovarians are not draft horses)

Answer 7

you should be fine just getting an average size horse- ignore the draft horse comments. I've seen men that are tall and weigh a good 250 lbs on reining and cow horses all the time(average size of a cutting horse is 14.2hh). You may have to invest money into buying a saddle fitted for you and your horse- but other than that...happy trails.

Answer 8

A horse is capable of carrying or cauling 1/4 of it's body weight. SInce most horses run around 1100-1300 pounds, a 280 pound person can ride.

Also, some horses are not designed for Heavyer loads. That is not to say they cannot carry them. For example, Arabs are not built for carrying heavier loads. Standard breads, appy's, tennessee walkers and quarter horses are (this isn't a complete list). Age of the horse also contributes to weight it can carry. A younger horse in good shape vs. an older horse with typical age related problems.

Also the experience of the rider also is a factor for horses. A rider who knows how to shift weight with varing cercumstances is "Easier" on the horses load.

Just know the horse. You don't have to have a belgium or clydsdale for a heavier person.

Answer 9

A stout quarter horse shouldn't have any trouble carrying one person at a time. A foudation bred quarter horse would be good. They are a little shorter and built very sturdy. They also have great attitudes! As long as they are not ridden to harshly they are some tough animals

Answer 10

well it depend on the horse and person,for example you could have a really tall man that isnt that heavy just the weight comes in with the height.So if you dont think the horse is big enough get a 1/2 (reg.)horse and 1/2 draft!
Good Luck in getting a horse!
Kyndell*Lots Of Love*:)