Check out www.goldenhills.com. I went there for a week and it was awesome. I'm 220 and rented a horse for the week (actually tried several until I found one I liked). I don't believe weight is an issue unless you're really, really heavy. Now for MY question. I'm set to be banded on 11/7. I've given up jumping because of my weight. When can I go back to riding after being banded? I can't wait to go back to jumping again. Thanks.

I was looking at this message board which spun me off to a search of the equine rescue in my area which sent me to a local serch of horses for sale, and then for lease and on and on!!!! An hour later I need to turn off the computer and go to bed! First day of school for my 2nd grader tomarrow. But I did have fun...ahhh...one day...a horse (or 2) Jen

Hey Hey..... Do you know how many calories you burn when riding have you ever come across that..... Last year at our family reunion my sister (Kathy)who had lost about 22 pounds atkins diet and she lovessssssss her horse's.. I have a nice carrot on my finger and she would always say the only carrot I ever need is one to feed my horse.... Ok back to what i was saying.... So she didn't do any exercising but lost the weight.. My oldest sister(Rita) had gained weight and can be a mean OLD woman at times... She started ragging on my sister about how riding horse's isn't exercising and you don;t burn calories.. Ok common since yes maybe you might burn more jogging or what have you ... But I know you have to burn some calories.... I remember riding and when running the horse your body would move around and you had to balance yourself and that takes some physical work and sometimes I would work a little sweat on the forward ir could have been riding in the hot sun as well.. for me it has been 29 years since I have rode... I never would get on a horse until I told myself the weight has to come off first.. I seen funniest home videos when a horse was swaying because of a over load that was enough to convince me.. Ok 158 pounds now at 5'9 I can ride that is my dream to ride my sisters horse .... But now my back is so bad I am not sure if that can happen Ihad my own horse once upon a time now I must have gotten my foot step on because when I get around my sisters horse's I am a big chicken... anyway sorry to get off track here.. Just asking if you have heard anything about how many calories you burn... Take care Thank you Maggie

marla, to be honest with you it's hard. My husband is 240 and when we went riding at a stable last week i took the time to read the sign and it said weight limit 250# so i would think that would be about right. But I think if I were you i would go for it anyway, maybe call them ahead of time and ask if they have a weight restriction. Just a thought. Good luck!!!

Ahh horses. My love and my passion. I live for riding and enjoying horses. Guys unfortunatly rental places have all these rules about riding and can sometimes not be the best place to start. You pay, they stick you on a horse, you have no experience and that can lead to disaster. Please don't be discouraged about your size and know that a balanced heavy rider can be easier on the horse than an unbalanced light weight rider. Now that doesn't mean that we should jump on ponies but a short legged horse with heavy bone can be stronger than a tall fine boned Throughbred. A larger horse with solid bone should have no trouble handling 250 lbs. I ride and show Tennessee Walking Horses and have had professional instruction in riding for years. Riding can be great exercise too especially english riding where you post. I would look into getting some lessons first before I hit the trails. You can easily be hurt while riding and don't want to fall because you are unskilled. Get with a good professional riding instructor and get some help. Plus many dressage instructors have draft cross horses and I know they are strong and can handle a big load. Plus you will be gaining a new skill and an exercise outlet that will help you tone up and lose weight. The tern "saddle sore" didn't come out because riding was a breeze. You will be using muscles you didn't know you had not to mention the psychological benefits. A famous quote: there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. Try, you'll love it! I live for it!