Too 'big' for a horse

[CazzaP]

Went horse hunting again today, and i went to see a 15hh stocky cob x. Lovely horse about 10 years old and when i got there the owner said that i would be too heavy for the horse, i'm 15 stone and i appreciate i'm quite a heavy girl but i'm light on the saddle and fully aware that my weight does mean there are restrictions, hence viewing 'stocky' horses. This horse had good thick cannons and sturdy legs, so felt it would be ok. Turns out the horse has a history of back trouble which only came to light when said owner had to own up when horse was tacked up :eek: !!!!
I now feel like a massive blob who shouldnt be riding... :mad:


Have any of you 'heavier' riders experienced real problems like this and what sort of horse did you get eventually?

Caz

[Fabio's Filly!]

Is a cob not designed to be a weight carrier anyway??! Think they were being a bit harsh to you IMO

[Madaz_Maddy]

Bless you, dont feel like that. There are loads of riders out there who are on the bigger side, just search for threads on here.:p:p

I know it must have been awful situation but atleast she was finally honest, it would have been worse to buy a horse like this and have problems further down the road. (depending on what the back problems were)

I have a 14'1 medium-heavy weight cob. I wouldnt have a problem with someone of your weight riding her. I think your being very thoughtful looking at horses with bone, and to be honest I dont think you should be worried, a "normal" horse (no back problems) would have no problem carrying you.

[xxScarletxx]

im big and my 15hh mare has no problems carrying me :)

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb152/Scarlet337/P05-04-09_1701-1.jpg

[sophi95]

Hi, im not really a heavier rider but DON'T LET THIS PUT YOU DOWN ! :) ...i know plenty of "heavier" riders that are probably the same size if not bigger and they compete to quite a high level ! ... the owner should of told you sooner so don't get upset about it ! :) ... keep looking and you will find the perfect one! ... p.s. i came across an add the other day that said the horse could carry much more than you said you weigh :) :) :)

[Kit]

15 stone tbh is not going to restrict your horse hunt that much. the majority of ISH types 16hh plus would take you for fast work, 15.1+ for just hacking, without any difficulty whatsoever.
I can see the owners point if the horse had back trouble, then you'd be looking at someone 8st or so perhaps, but they should have mentioned that before you came!
15st is certainly not huge, and any 14.2hh ish proper cob would carry you!

[Chunkykiwi]

I too think they were a bit harsh.
If the horse has back problems and has a weight restriction then they should put this in their advert. Cob adverts will inevitably attract us larger riders :)

I too am no lightweight by any means and my 14.2hh Mare carries me without a thought at all :)

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc20/SLW84/Abbey/Lovely.jpg

[Heucherella]

I am riding a 14.2 cob who doesn't mind a bit, and I am the same weight as you. Don't worry - there are plenty of riders our size, and plenty of horses that can carry us!

[vjoy23]

I know the feeling when you say you felt like a blob but.......... dont let the B**tards grind you down!

The seller of the cob should have high lighted that it had back problems (most likely not wanting to have to lower their price).

I'm not small and I'm quite tall at 5ft8, I've got a 16'1 chunky coloured cob and I know she carries me no worries at all (infact doesn't like having light weights on her as she likes to know there is someone on her back)
I've also got a welshx tb and again he carries me no worries (however if I'm having a fat day I worry)

There are plenty of cobs out there without back problems that would be able to carry you without any problems, I see people far heavier than you riding cobs quite often and there is no issue.

Hope you find what you're looking for

[Cazie]

I know the feeling when you say you felt like a blob but.......... dont let the B**tards grind you down!




That's a bit harsh.. Just because an owner doesn't want to sell their horse to someone who is overweight doesn't mean they are a bastard!!
I'm no lightweight, could do with loosing a few stone myself, but I wouldn't sell my horse or allow anyone to ride him who was bigger than me and he's a 16.1 WB.. he has no back problems and I like it that way!

[Chunkykiwi]

he has no back problems and I like it that way!

Sorry if I am reading this wrong but is this insinuating that "larger riders" cause back issues in horses?

I may be way off the mark and apologise if I am but this is how I have perceived this comment :confused::confused:

[vjoy23]

Oh my word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not letting the bastards grind you down is a saying, and in this sense meaning not to let the situation grind you down!!!! As there is no reason why CazzaP should feel that she shouldn't be riding!

Anyway my point being that if you have a weight carrying stocky cob that infact is a cob with back problems not suited to carrying more than whatever weight then the seller should have said so in the description or on the phone etc.

Don't try and start an argument when there is really no need and the issue is someone feeling down after an experience they have gone through.

[Cazie]

Yes they can do... It is a fact.. if you google over weight riders and the problems it can cause, you'll see. I'm not being nasty here.. Like i said, I'd love to weigh less, and boy do I suffer trying.. but owners do have the right to choose. Perhaps the horse didn't have a bad back at all but the owner was trying to be diplomatic.

[Cazie]

Oh my word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not letting the bastards grind you down is a saying, and in this sense meaning not to let the situation grind you down!!!! As there is no reason why CazzaP should feel that she shouldn't be riding!

Anyway my point being that if you have a weight carrying stocky cob that infact is a cob with back problems not suited to carrying more than whatever weight then the seller should have said so in the description or on the phone etc.

Don't try and start an argument when there is really no need and the issue is someone feeling down after an experience they have gone through.

Not starting an argument.. it is called discussion.. Don't be so sensitive.. calm down hun.. you referred to bastards first, not me.. How an I supposed to know which way you meant it. I took it for how it was written.:D:D

[vjoy23]

If thats the case then there are far better ways of getting out of a sale than insulting people and hurting peoples feelings.

[CazzaP]

Perhaps the horse didn't have a bad back at all but the owner was trying to be diplomatic.

Oh the horse defo had a back problem, it was apparent from the moment she tacked it up, got on and tried to trot it around the arena where it promptly tried to get her off.. Then i was told that they had previously had the back specialist out to sort it out, and the whole issue came to light. Thankfully i had already made up my mind that it had some sort of problem somewhere and that it wasnt 100% fit.

The back specialist is going to be revisiting.

[vimto92]

Oh, CazzaP, that is a shame :( Please don't try to feel hurt though, I'm sure there is a horse out there for you somewhere. :)

*yawns* I'm going to stick up for Cazie here actually, she has stated her opinion and has got jumped on, ridiculous. She is entitled to an opinion and I certainly don't think she was intending on causing on argument! There are two sides to every story, huh? It seems Cazie was just trying to portray how the other side may be.

[CazzaP]

Oh and i am not giving up looking, but maybe giving the choccy up for a while..;)

Caz x.

[stroppy-mare]

Theres No Such Thing As An OverWeight Rider If The Horse Can Carry Them...

So You Mean - Go Google 'Riders That Are Too Heavy For Their Horses' Completely Different IME. :D

No OP , (Sorry Cant Remember Your Name And Laptop Will Die If I Try To Scroll Down Right Now) Dont Let That Experience Make You Feel Like You Shouldn't Be Riding. Of Course You Should Be, You Just Need To Find The Right Horse :) (( Hugs ))

[Cazie]

Oh and i am not giving up looking, but maybe giving the choccy up for a while..;)

Caz x.

You and me to hun :-)

[Doeylicious]

Well I think the seller should really be a bit ashamed of herself for selling a horse with back problems and not being honest about it!

I mean, lets say I had turned up - 8stone 5'4. So you know, would definitely consider a 15hh cob x, I much prefer a chunky munky to something fine.

So skinny me turns up, hops on, rides horse, buys it.

Two months down the line, my slightly larger mumsy gets on, as horse is safe and seems to be a weight carrier and mum wants a toddle round the block. Horse throws a nutty fit, bucks, chucks my mum off.

At this point the back problems come to light...two months too late.

[Madaz_Maddy]

Sorry if I am reading this wrong but is this insinuating that "larger riders" cause back issues in horses?

I may be way off the mark and apologise if I am but this is how I have perceived this comment :confused::confused:

I'm afraid I'm going to stand up for "Cazie" here. Weight can be an issue with any sized rider/horse if not balanced correctly. Skin can take upto 1.5lbs of pressure per square inch, a correclty fitting saddle with an "average" weighted rider for said horse puts 7lbs of pressure on the horses back. So weight can serriously effect the horses back, both muscular (as blood can be restricted or cut off, most comonly seen in ill fitting saddles where more pressure is put on a small area, regardless of rider size, showing in muscle wastage) and bone (especially in young horses, the back is a very vunrable area will little support except for soft tissue). Also you have to think about the concussion on a horses legs as absorbtion ability can be restricted.

However saying this larger riders can ride and find suitable horses for what they want. Pls dont anyone jump on me for the above I am not tryin to offend anyone or make anyone feel bad. But every rider, regardless of size should be thinking about horses that are suitable for them, not just in work, ability or tempermant but size and build.

[Madaz_Maddy]

Well I think the seller should really be a bit ashamed of herself for selling a horse with back problems and not being honest about it!

I mean, lets say I had turned up - 8stone 5'4. So you know, would definitely consider a 15hh cob x, I much prefer a chunky munky to something fine.

So skinny me turns up, hops on, rides horse, buys it.

Two months down the line, my slightly larger mumsy gets on, as horse is safe and seems to be a weight carrier and mum wants a toddle round the block. Horse throws a nutty fit, bucks, chucks my mum off.

At this point the back problems come to light...two months too late.

Completely agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad::mad::mad::mad:

[ali cat]

oh caz -- don't let it get to you hon

i've been everywhere from 14.5 stones to 12.5 stones and all points in between on my boy

he carries me easily and enjoys our rides no bother at all


http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee10/thealicatuk/ted/100_0415.jpg


http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee10/thealicatuk/ted/tedjuly07012-1.jpg


owners do have the right to sell or not to sell but in my opinion they could have been more honest about the cobs problems up front and placed a weight restriction on advert if they felt strongly about it

[buffytariqxx]

I have the same problem i weigh the same i used to have a CB x TB which i loved and she could carry me i just grew too tall for her as she was only 16.2h. I am 5"10 a i now have an 18.2h who is big boned but i would still keep looking as their are heavier people out their who still ride. Good Luck!

[CazzaP]

In all fairness to the owner they have said that they will probably keep her now, get her 'fixed' and use her as a broodmare so i just hope no one gets caught out..
But have to say if she was 100% sound and coped with ole lardy butt here she would be in my livery yard next week, she was stunning, but heh ho, a searching we will keep....
Any one know of a 15 - 16hh confident novice mare about 8 -10 yr old for about 1.5K in the eastern region let me known.. Ohhh :D must be a weight carrier :D:D
Caz (seeks galaxy ripple for comfort food!!)

[Chestnutter]

I'm glad the owner was honest with you and I'm sure the right horse is out there somewhere.

Just wanted to add that I'm sure there's a lot to be said to being able to carry your weight properly - I'm sure someone a few stone lighter who thumped about in the saddle (ie me!) would be a lot worse for the horses back!

good luck with your search.

[Spoof]

ali cat - your boy is stunning!

My friends are 20 stone (280lbs) - he has a 15'2hh percheron, and his wife is probably 14 stone and rides a 15'1hh Quarter Horse.

There have been times where a poorly fitting saddle has left her horse with a sore back - and a couple where she has left one of my horse's backs sore (due to poor movement of her body).

Her hubby has never bothered my horse, but he doesn't do much. Here's a picture of them, the horse is a 15'2 Tennessee Walking Horse. Certainly not a heavy breed.

[cinammontoast]

They ought to have mentioned the back issue in the ad-cobs do attract some heavier riders-like me and my cob! I'm heavier than you and I risked getting on my 15hh yesterday and he was fab! No probs.

Chin up, hun, keep looking.

[penina]

i agree that the seller should have mentioned the back issue, but apart from that, as we can see from this thread, everyone has different views of what a horse can/should carry. When I sold my pony 15hh (but very finely built for a haffie) some people just assumed that because of her breed she is a "weight carrier" when in actual fact she had never had anyone heavier than 11 stone on her. I didn't put a weight limit on the advert as I thought the picture made it clear that she was not a typical stocky haflinger, and although she was fit, she was not used to carrying bigger riders so hadn't built up the right muscles. I had to refuse some people rides in the end, and one person even lied about their size (rather large man claimed to be 12st. but couldn't have been less than 15/16st.). the people who were honest just said they thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as i said, everyone has different opinions on this issue and within reason it should be up to the owner what their horse carries - although sometimes the horse might have something to say too :p

[Toffee_Monster]

My 14.2 welsh x carried me at around that weight without a problem and still does not have ack problems !!!

This reminds me of 10 years ago whn looking for a loan horse - I was about 11 stone at the time i think, definately not that big at all. I tried a 16.2hh WB x TB, lovely horse and stocky at that.
Not a word was said about any problems, etc etc. I tacked up and the horse dipped his back a little which she said "oh he's never done that before", then lined up at the mounting block and lightly hoped on ...... at this point he dipped so low he threw himself to the ground and rolled on me. :eek::mad:

Luckily i got out of the way in time and we were both unhurt - the owner then shouted at the top of her voice so everyone could hear that I should not have got on he horse as I was far too overweight for him and did i not have any common sense :confused::confused: SHE was the one who let me in the first place and nothing was mentioned before this .

As i walked off the yard in tears the yard owner followed me out and explained that said horse had had open surgery on his back and shoulder after a road accident and was only 6 months into his recovery :eek::eek:

I could not believe that someone would do this to me OR the poor horse.
I then understood why she didnt want to get on first and so I am now VERY cautious when trying horses that someone rides first and ask if the owner felt I was ok for the horse size wise.

I feel for you hun and know exactly how horrid it can feel

[posie]

i'd be quite happy letting you ride my 16hh ISH :D
and i've seen many a polo patron of your weight or more playing ponies who are TB types
keep looking hun - you'll find something suitable xx

[Innocence]

Don't let people put you down, there is no reason why a HW cob couldn't carry you with no probs at all. At least it made the owner of the horse own up to its problems, where as a lighter rider she will probably keep stum!

[ginageorge]

:)Try not to let it get you down hun,at least the back problem came to light.Iam sure a lovely horse will turn up that is suitable for you soon.Good luck with your horse hunting.:)