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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

The tack room

Am I too big?

18 replies

Amieesmum · 13/06/2011 13:27

Ok guys, i'm very confused, I'm off to try a 16.2 TB tomorrow for a 3 day share, I'm 5'10 and weigh about 13.5 stone, My last horse was 15.3, but a TBX. Just spoken to my dad, and he's told me i'm too big for 16.2, I have told the owner my height and weight, and she seems more than happy.

So your expert opinions please? x

OP posts:

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MitchiestInge · 13/06/2011 13:32

Doesn't it depend on lots of things, the amount of bone the horse has, their age and fitness, the level and type of work expected of it with that weight?

MitchiestInge · 13/06/2011 13:33

(that's not an expert opinion, I get a bit neurotic about my weight for riding so a set of rules other than 'a stone per hand' would be good!)

Amieesmum · 13/06/2011 14:00

The horse is un-fit, but healthy, and would just be light work to start with.

I guess I'll have to wait and see when i get there to find out.

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MitchiestInge · 13/06/2011 21:47

I would say if the owner is happy then it's probably fine, they must know their own horse. Wish someone who is an expert would show up here to tell us more! I do know a TB who would happily take a (larger than you) man hunting all day in her youth but can only be ridden by lighter riders now she is mid twenties.

Is that your weight with all your riding gear and boots on?

Amieesmum · 13/06/2011 22:32

(yes fresh off the scales this morning with my fugly brand new hat)

The horse in question is 7.

I should just add, my dad has had an issue with my weight since i was a child, so he could just be being spiteful, at 5'10 (with boobs) i don't think i weigh that much!

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MitchiestInge · 13/06/2011 22:42

Oh I forgot my hat last time I checked my riding weight! HATE getting on scales at best of times but is scary with heavy boots on.

That is really horrible of your dad, in the absence of an actual expert I think you should trust the owner's judgement. She is hardly likely to waste her or your time if she didn't think it was ok. So good luck for tomorrow, hope you click - have you met the owner/horse before? Let us know how it goes.

Amieesmum · 13/06/2011 23:09

I haven't met her yet, although we've spoken on the phone and emailed lots, so hopefully it will all go well! I shall let you know how i get on. x

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dappleton · 14/06/2011 11:01

Hiya, TBs vary greatly in terms of build. For example, I have a 16.2hh TB thats very fine and has a very short neck - my husband who is 5ft10 and 14stone has only ridden him once and I think both he and horse thought once was more than enough! I have another TB who measures the same to the withers but is much bulkier (looks almost like a warmblood) and my husband happily rides him and even jumps him on the odd occasion. I always use the general rule that as long as it is healthy a horse can carry 1/5th of it's weight comfortably - so your average TB should be fine with upto about 90kg. Once you ride him you'll know if he's right for you. Good luck

QuietTiger · 14/06/2011 11:57

I'm 14.5st, 5'9" and I have a 16.2hh Lusitano who has a similar "bone structure" to a middleweight TB. My horse, JT, "is" overweight, only ridden a couple of times a week and he is 20 years old. He seems to be more than happy carrying me - admittedly we're not really doing anything more than pootling about with the odd canter, but he's quite happy to do an hours schooling, or a lesson with trotting poles.

Personally, I think you'll be absolutely fine and if the owner is happy, they are the best judge of whether you are too large for their horse. Enjoy and I hope the share works out well! (Ignore your dad, he IS just being spiteful!)

Amieesmum · 14/06/2011 17:38

Woooo! I'm now the proud sharer of a 16'2 TB! (subject to paperwork) We had such fun. he's perfect! And the owner was just lovely too!

It would seem, I'm not too big for him at all! Yayy!

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AlpinePony · 14/06/2011 18:21

Congrats!

I was going to say I don't think you're too big at all, assuming its not a spindly little think with a dicky chest. ;)

I'm more than you and my 17.2hh warmblood (hanovarian lines) tosses me around as though I weigh 5 stone.

Saggyoldclothcatpuss · 14/06/2011 21:33

I'm 5'3 and more or less 13.5 stone naked on a good day and I'd be totally overhorsed on a 16.2 thoroughbred. I used to have a 13hh new forest, and occasionally have a potter round on our big old traditional Shetland. I think your dad sounds like he has issues about your height and you need to tell him to bog off! It's not up to him!

Butkin · 14/06/2011 22:56

Plenty of people ride jumping bred thoroughbreds at your height/weight and you'll be absolutely fine. Enjoy him!

AlpinePony · 15/06/2011 05:11

butkin has just reminded me. It's not uncommon for steeplechasers to train with the yard 'fatboy' (16 stone), so that when they get on the course with a real jockey they go like Pegasus!

olderyetwider · 15/06/2011 09:01

OOh, congrats Aimeesmum, you're going to have a fantastic summer. We need to see a picture of him soon!

dappleton · 15/06/2011 09:46

Congratulations!

Amieesmum · 15/06/2011 12:15

Yes i'm off down there again tomorrow and shall be taking plenty of photographs. As soon as i work out how to put them on here i will oblige!

Just finished a jumping lesson at the local riding school with one of their horses, and aching like you wouldn't believe already! I forgot how much hard work it was!

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willow · 15/06/2011 16:20

Lucky you! Sounds quite the find. Hope you two will be very happy. x

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