I Love Horses!

I had a mare in high school and have wanted a horse ever since. But as I got bigger and bigger I knew I could not do that to a horse. I want to trail ride and teach my granddaughter to show. She's been in one horse show on my sister's mare. What is the rule of weight vs. horse, does anyone know? Blessings, Patti

Hi there - A horse can carry roughly 20% of his body weight on his back. So, a 200 pound person can ride a 1000 pound horse. Of course there's lots of variables, but that's the general rule of thumb that an old horsesman told me. My horse rides and drives, so we solved that little problem! You can see the picture on my profile. Yesterday I rode bareback for the first time in about 30 years. (Now that I'm down to 190, I think I can show off! ... pretty unsteady though - don't think I'll try that again for a while!) Blessings to YOU! Jill

I feel that same way. When my husband and I got married 27 years ago, we had 2 mares. I miss them so. And getting back on a horse after my weight lose. Can not Wait... They are a great animal and friend... Brenda

Have aquestion. Never been on a horse but its a dream. was always to big. Im down to 210, when can I ride? cant remenber being this thin, can I ride now? dont want to hurt a horse. but dream of that first ride. thanks robin c

Go for It! Most full sized horses should be able to carry you, especially as you wouldn't be asking too much of them at first. I know several men who weigh 200 plus and ride with no problems for their horses, including my dh. At your current weight the issue isn't so much how much you weigh as how good your balance is. (Imagine carrying someone on your shoulders- who's easier, the 30 pound kid who sits up straight or the 25 pounder who is leaning all over?) Oh, and don't be afraid if you are put on a bigger horse. I've found that they are often gentler than their smaller counterparts. Enjoy! Deb