ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Re: Rider weight

Re: [endurance] Re: Rider weight

Wendy Milner (wendy@nsmdserv.cnd.hp.com)
Tue, 26 Mar 96 14:21:01 MST

>
> Hi- I have read that the maximum comfortable weight that a horse can carry is
> 20% of it's body weight. That's just a rule-of-thumb because it really depends
> more on how the horse is built- broad back vs narrow etc. But I still think
> that a horse would notice a 40 pound difference. My horses certainly seemed
> to notice when someone alot heavier than I got on them. -Amy
>

The percentage that a horse can comfortably carry varies with the condition
of the horse and the way in which the weight is carried.

When a horse is being used as a pack horse, the weight is "dead" and
the horse can carry less. 10% or so.

But with a rider, who is balanced, moves with the horse, has a good
saddle, etc. the 20% can be increased to 25% or so.

If you are one of "those" light weight riders who has to add weight
to make the minimum requirement, you should add weight that you carry
and thus which will move with the horse. Of course, if you are way
under weight, you probably won't want to carry 20 or 30 pounds worth.

Any of "those" riders on the list? I wish I had that problem.:-)

--
Wendy

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