Am i too heavy?

[joy70]

I need some reassurance from you good people out there

Im waiting for the vet to come to see my boy 14 years old he has started to drag his back toes in trot & is a little stiff in his hind legs when warming up (old age creeping in i think), but last night I was reading a book that said one of the reasons for ponies to drag both hind feet is that the rider is too heavy:eek:

im 5'0" weigh 10stone and my pony is a 13.2HH Conemmara X (we think), if you want an idea on how he looks there are photos in the members photos site)

I have ridden him for over 10 years and he's never seemed to have a problem before - so am i overreacting?:(

[Jakes Mum]

Hi Joy70

No, I wouldn't say you are over reacting at all. Our 'boys' are so precious to us and I get so paranoid over the slightest little things with Jake. I am no way qualified to answer really on your toe dragging promblem causes, but I personally wouldn't think that you were too heavy for him at your height and weight. It is suprising what weight these sturdy little creatures can carry. As you say, he has carried you for a long time with no problems, and I am sure if he thought you were too heavy and wanted you off his back, then he would make himself very clear:D

Let us know how you go on with the vet.

[joy70]

Aww cheers :)

Thanks for your reply, just need to talk im soo paranoid, ive been looking at magnetic therapy boots at £60 a go, haven't heard the vets verdict yet and im flapping already.


Glad im not alone:D

[Jakes Mum]

Hi again

Just remember as well that even a lightweight person not carrying themselves properly and not in balance can feel heavier to a horse than a heavier person who is. Does that make sense?
I have seen the pics of you and Toddy and I honestly do think you look great together, you make a very nice picture.
When he starts hiding his bridle and saddle, then start to worry:D

[joy70]

You make me smile!

thank you so much:D

[nat17]

joy70, you cheered me up a treat the other day thank you.

I would say you are fine on him, i have been following your post about him dragging his feet and the farrier with great interest. At 14 hes hardly old.:D
I know some one that has a 13.2 heinz 57 fine type pony she weights just under 10 stone(like 1lb) and he is 16 and carries her fine.Like Jakes mum says a well balanced rider makes the differance.
You are alot like me with the 'is it me' when something is wrong, when i dont know whats wrong i get paronoid, then i find out and i am fine again.:D

[joy70]

nat17

Glad I cheered you up - its difficult when our precious babies aren't 100%, i struggle to concentrate at work - ive been on the web looking at all sorts of things - mostly expensive things and I don;t know whats wrong yet

My friend at the farm keeps telling me its him being lazy and I should ride him harder/firmer - even me dad whos not horsey says he's taking the mickey as soon as he sees the vet he'll be fine :o

[nat17]

I mentioned it to my very good friend about the heel dragging and she used to ride a horse that did it through sheer laziness as well.:D

[joy70]

Would your good friend know if the pony in question had its toes rolled?

Mind you trying to find a new farrier could prove difficult! and I doubt mine will roll them - think I would need the vet to ask him

What a pain in the butt - am i too soft?

[nat17]

i will find out tonight for you.:D
Dont know about to soft but is he turned off by what work he does or bored of doing the same hack or anything like that?
No expert just athought .:D

[joy70]

Nat17

Cheers your a star

I do try and vary the hacks, we do all paces, where possible and vary the routes, we are limited to bridle paths round here, but 1/2 hour road work gets us into the nice country lanes - maybe im just toooooooooo relaxed to argue with him cause I see hacking out as chill out time :cool: and schooling as time to work

[nat17]

joy70, she syas she has to make the horse walk out properly. She said its a matter of being a bit tougher and ride the horse forward all the time and she had to carry a crop and remind the horse to pick its feet up properly. It only took her 2 days to stop it. So unless there is a medical reason I think ewhat people have been saying to you already is right.
(she also said she schooled the horse over trotting poles for 20mins before going on the hack)

Hope this helped:D :D

[joy70]

Nat17

you are a true star - thanks for going to all the trouble of asking your friend for me.

Hopefully then i've just being mega paranoid as we do - will let you know the outcome (if there is one) on Monday

:D