All this talk about rider weight. I had a
13.2 hand large pony when I was in 7th-10th grade in school. I probably
weighed between 120 and 130#. Add on a 20 pound saddle, and at times I
would take a friend on double with me. When I was riding then, I did a lot
more cowboying my horse than I do now. This paint pony I had was never
lame or sore, and never got sick. Actually there were times my father
would ride her and he was not a thin man.
My sister now weighs about 250#, and one of the
wranglers from a working ranch in Idaho was at the PA Horse Expo and he told her
that they have horses that could carry her all day and would be fine. We
just may be planning a trip to Idaho.
If it is true that horses should carry no more than 20% of their weight,
then by all means I shouldn't be riding Alpine at all.
He's about 800#'s or so, and me +tack is over 200. He seems to do
just fine, even on long rides. I wonder more if it has more to do with
build then anything else. He's stocky for a paso, with big bones.
His weak point I think is his back...he's a little long backed. But, if
I'm using a saddle that fits, he hasn't had any problems. I do work to
keep his back muscles strong, and try to ride lightly when possible.
Sigh...Now I'm feeling guilty. Think I'll go eat a carrot stick or
something healthy...
