Too heavy? If so what's the best excuse.......

[Mrsmaymerryweather]

Friend is coming to stay soon and wants to ride my pony.

Pony is 14hh, lightweight cob, 19 years old. Not really used to carrying heavy people (I weigh 9 stone, her other rider weighs about 7.5 stone).

Friend is 5foot7 ish tall and not sure how much she weighs....need to find out....but I would say maybe 12 stone at a guess.

What is the heaviest weight my pony could carry comfortably? My friend would only be having a little walk / trot round on her, not doing anything more. She would only ride her for 15 minutes or so, just to have a little go.

If she is too heavy, what's the best excuse (or do I just be honest....?)

Thanks

My 14 hh carried 12 stone happily ESP 15 minutes in walk. But if you do feel she's too heavy there's no really any polite way to say it. Other than no one rides?!

Yes when your pony was young 14 stones, NOW at 19 years. She can try I'm sure pony will tell you.
Honesty is best, lets hope your friend will be happy with cuddles

If she is only coming for a couple of days can your pony just have a slight illness so that she can only be brushed, admired and fed carrots.

14hh lightweight cob style pony should easily carry 12 stone. I would stay that is the top end of the scale but should be fine. 19 is no age either - many animals are still competing at that age.

My cob carried me easily at 12 stone...

If he's still strong and in regular work, 12 stone for 15 minutes should be ok, but if you aren't happy, maybe restrict it to walk, so no bouncing around on his back? Otherwise, lie and say he is a little bit lame, so can't be ridden, but she can have a brush and a cuddle?

Can she ride? Someone who is 12 stone and a rider is much lighter than someone who can't ride and sits like a sack of sh*t during sittint trot!

Is there a more suitable horse on the yard that a friend might lend you?

I would have thought it would be OK for 15 minutes...