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

Hi! I'm new to this site, But I too am a horse lover. You can go to Drafthorsestuff.com and on the lower left theres a link to draft horses being sold click on Gypsy Vanner, Or Gypsyvanner.com. I met the man that brought the G.V. here to the U.S. he lives in Ocala Florida. They are beautiful animals they are stocky like the draft but they are not as tall. He told us they were bred by the gypsys to be very gentle, They used their horses to pull wagons, and they were bred to be gentle to be around the kids and families. They are very expensive. They are doing embrio transplants though. I myself have draft mares Percherons, I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to a horse, My girls are not trained yet we are working with them. and they are just my speed, They are sooo level headed for being babies 2 and a half. I also learned that draft horses grow till they are 6 years. They have yet to spook at hardly anything. It has to be the breed. I've never seen horses so calm in my life. At my age (44) thats a plus. Because I too have gotten back into my horses in the past 5 years. And it feels so good. Molly

Hey there is a horse lover right here....

My first post on this board! I'm scheduled for open RNY Nov. 26th. I am SO looking forward to spring, now. I bought a mule in June and haven't even ridden her yet! She is maybe 13.3 hh, seal bay. She has a lot of quirks-her feet, her poll, dogs, cats, and whichever horse is near her food. She came from an auction and the coggins said she originated from Missouri. Perfect place for a mule to come from. But, by golly, I plan to ride in the spring! I can't comfortably get in the saddle, get on or off, and I look like Humpty Dumpty up there. I'm hoping some of my balance comes back when some pounds come off. We sold 2 QH geldings this spring. Great horses, but we just weren't riding and they were going to waste. They went to good homes. And we have 2 small ponies that we PLANNED to drive-best laid plans... Our daughter and son-in-law have horses here, also, a standardbred mare and her 3 year old colt, a 6 year old paint gelding, and the sweetest donkey ever. They just got a 4 month old Shire/QH filly who's gonna be BIG, but she's a sweet baby right now. Glad to know there are horse people out there. Oh, sorry I came here to talk about a mule, but she's half horse, right? Best, Janice

You lucky woman! I love your horses! I'm scheduled for RNY Friday 11/12! I'm getting pretty nervous about now! My granddaughter is spending the night with me as I know I won't be up to it for a little while and she is the light of my life! She loves horses and loves to ride. What kind do you have?