Big Girl equine question

[RabbitMage]

500 calories a day? Wow, that sounds...unsafe.

Anyhow, the 20% rule is a fairly good one to follow. But the horses' conformation has a lot to do with it, too. As a bigger rider you want a solidly built horse with a heavier frame and a short back. Height really doesn't matter as long as you're comfortable. I weigh 220 lbs and I've ridden everything from a 13.2 hh Mustang to a 16.2 Thoroughbred.

A draft horse could be an option, but again, keep the above things in mind. I have seen a lot of weedy, long-backed draft horses that wouldn't do well with a larger rider in the long run.

And you can easily find a lightweight saddle. I had a 16" synthetic one, and a 15" old ranch saddle, the heaviest of the two weighed 22 lbs.

I would look for a well-built draft cross or draft mule in your case. In my mind typical donkey conformation just isn't made for us bigger riders.

 

[SpringChickens]

I believe a mule or mammoth donkey would be able to carry more of their weight than a horse, it all depends on your preference. The weight recommendations matter more if you're going to spend long hours in the saddle. If you're going to ride for a few hours every weekend, you can get away with a smaller horse.

Good luck!

 

[CountryMom]

I am sure this won't be popular, but this is my recommendation from someone who has gained over the years and knows that my body isn't nearly as athletic as I use to be.

Get yourself a large bodied, big barrel chested horse that is SHORT! I have a 14.2 hand mare that weighs like 1200 pounds - she is a quarter horse. Her rib cage is like sitting on a 55+ gallon barrel. The biggest point I like about her, is she isn't hard to mount. My knees are horrible from years of ballet, so the shorter the horse the better.

I also currently am training a 14.1 hand mare that is only about 900 pounds. She is so skinny (her breed), but has no trouble handling weight.

I don't enjoy mounting anything over 15.2 hands.

Don't let height fool you.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I'm finding it very interesting to read these replies! I've been worrying over and over again that the little filly I bought will not be able to carry me. Granted, she still has quite a bit of filling out to do, but I'm thinking she will mature to around 14.2 hands, maybe 14.3 if I'm lucky. I weigh about 240, but I've been trying hard to lose the weight. I've already lost about 13 pounds, so I'm getting there...just very slowly.

I'm happy to know that my little girl may still be able to hold me! I'll be able to tell for sure once she fills out.

 

[RabbitMage]

Nope, I think you're absolutely right. Height has little to no impact on how much a horse can carry, and often tall breeds are also longer/lankier, which makes them even less suited to carrying larger riders.

 

[CountryMom]

There is a young girl in showing we know. She can really ride, but she is pushing 300 pounds. Her horse is about 14.2 hands and is as wide as he is tall. His legs are so massive and that is what she needs. He is also short backed, so no extra stress on the back. I don't know for sure how much the horse weighs, but I am sure it isn't your typical 1000 pounds. Again, a quarter horse.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

Try thinking about a Halflinger horse. They look like a cross between draft and QH, are usually light colored like palomino.

 

[Sherielu]

These are great suggestions!

I like the idea of a shorter horse! Old knees!!

I have heard about Halflinger’s but now I will do some more checking.

Glad to know I am not the only person thinking about this issue!

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, you want something shortish (not a *tall* draft type - though the shorter ones would work) and probably a bit on the wide side, with an impeccably well made well-muscled back and good sound legs/feet. And make real sure your saddle fits him well, including when you're sitting in it.

With that, you should be fine

Have fun,

Pat

 

[Haviris]

I'm in a similar boat, except I already own a horse! I ride less and less, until now I've hardly ridden at all over the last few years. I'm sad, I miss it. I've considered getting a larger horse, but to do that I'd have to sell my current horse and some of my mom's! We have to many, but it's just not a good time to sell, and besides, he's my dream horse! Or would be if I wasn't so fat! For so long I thought I would lose the weight, and did lose 20lbs, but that is as far as I've managed to go, and I've just about excepted that this is what I will always be.

You can't really go by height for what a horse can carry, and although the 20% is good there are alot of other factors that go into it also. I don't really feel like I would need a short horse, my knees and legs are fine, and I'm fairly flexable.

I use to ride all the time, I lived and breathed horses! I can, atleast, still injoy my minis!

So you are not alone, but you are lucky that you can start now with a suitable horse, unlike me who already has to many horses! (I actually only have one, but don't have the land and he lives w/ mom's 15 or so! (I do also have some minis, 2 mules (to young to ride, and won't be big enough either I don't think), and one pony (but she's for the kids))