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Dune
11th May 2007, 09:05 PM
I'm having a little bit of a problem at the moment. My husband used to ride with me in a semi private lesson but unfortunately the horse that he used to ride was sold by the riding school (it was rather a large horse and they were finding it difficult to maintain) and since then they have not had a horse suitable for him to ride. It is an excellent riding school and I can't blame them for not having a big enough horse but it leaves me in a bit of a predicament as I get sulked at every week when I go riding and I feel awful as I am still riding.

Now my husband is 6' 3'' and isn't a small man. He is 17 stone and he is built more like a rugby player than a ballet dancer and to be honest 16 stone is probably an unrealistic weight for him. He has recently lost a great deal of weight but he just can't make that magic 16 stone. He is desperate to ride again (he hasn't ridden in 18 months now) but I can't find anywhere that doesn't have a weight limit of 16 stone! We live in Norfolk and have some wonderful bridleways and some fantastic schools etc. I have tried nearly 15 riding schools now, and even those that have large horses still have a weight limit (I assume for insurance reasons). The only place so far that I've found is the shire centre up near Cromer but that is nearly 50 miles away.

Does any one have any suggestions for me as I have nearly exhausted every avenue (except of course actually buying a horse but we just can't afford that right now)???? I know that potentially no one here will be able to help but I thought it was worth asking as you never know... :)

VickiGG
12th May 2007, 11:10 AM
Sorry - can't help with local knowledge... you need to find some clydies :D

*toHorse&Away*
12th May 2007, 01:39 PM
I don't know anywhere I'm afraid but bumping the post in the hope someone from your area sees it and has an idea!
Good luck!

Afellpony
12th May 2007, 04:59 PM
Look in your local yellow pages for riding schools and stables. You could also ask at vets' surgeries, tack shops and feed merchants if there are any near you.

Kadi
12th May 2007, 05:08 PM
Hi Dune,

Where abouts in Norfolk are you??

Elveden equestrian centre used to have a few biggies, they don't do lessons though just hacks.

They do a lot for Centre Parks which is nearby.

xxx

MrDCBags
12th May 2007, 05:10 PM
Hi Dune,

Where abouts in Norfolk are you??

Elveden equestrian centre used to have a few biggies, they don't do lessons though just hacks.

They do a lot for Centre Parks which is nearby.

xxx


I think they only work for Center Parcs exclusively now. Boo Hoo!

Selle Francais
12th May 2007, 05:14 PM
No help I know, but my stables have a weight limit of 13 stones, so you seem to be making some progress anyway.

SF

Dune
27th May 2007, 07:25 PM
Thank you all for your responses so far. It is a pity about Elveden equestrian centre as that is one of the places we have tried :(. I feel like I have rung everywhere and tried everyone. Even at my yard they don't know of anywhere and if they don't know.... Oh well, thank you all for trying!

I just don't understand the weight thing, obviously it is a problem for some horses but if you have horses of a reasonable size and have the right bone density then I just don't see how it matters. It's no wonder that there are not huge numbers of male riders!

muddyjods
28th May 2007, 07:33 PM
Dune, i've PM'd you because i'm not sure if it's OK to post details of specific RSs and horses here! But have a look, as i think we're quite near you and i had exactly the same problem with finding a horse which could take my 17 1/2 stone partner :)