Horse to suit different riders

[dragonlady]

We are looking to buy a horse which will suit myself and my husband. The problem is that I weigh 9.5 stone and he weighs about 19 stone! Is it going to be possible to find something that we can both ride - e.g. a heavyweight cob? Or are we being unrealistic?

I used to own a pony but have only recently started riding again, so I am not a complete novice. My husband has only been on the occasional hack.

My 8 year-old son will also be riding it, but since he is nearly the same height as me that isn't too much of a problem.

There isn't too much of a height difference between my husband and myself, but I am just concerned that a heavy horse would be too strong for me.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,


dragonlady

[Gabrielle]

Hi

All the best in your search for the equine you desire! I think you shoul dbe fine with a cob as my Section D mare carries either my 10 year old daughter - 5 stoneish - me -11 stoneish and my husband 15-16 stoneish without any probs. My daughter and I are experienced riders and my husband is a complete novice but she looks after him, so much so that he points her at a jump and she jumps it! Shes only a five year old and when I ride her she canters on the spot and occasionally cat leaps. One horse for all riders! (we actually have seven of the little blighters at the moment, looking to off load one or two but they are too small for what you want.) All the best again.;)

[Mehitabel]

19 stone - especially 19 stone of novice rider, is going to be a big ask for any horse, i'm afraid. a novice rider is unbalanced in the saddle and won't have the muscle to carry themselves and make it as easy as possible for the horse.

you'd need a heavyweight hunter type - a draught horse like a shire, although they are big and strong, is built for pulling weight, not carrying it, so your best bet is a big cob or hunter type - look for irish draughts, irish cobs, natives crosses - highland x cob, welsh D x cob.

if your husband could lose even a couple of stone then it'd be a lot easier to find a horse that would happily carry him - 17 stone is still at the top end, but is easier to accomodate.

there's no reason why you can't ride a big horse - it'd need to be well mannered and not use its strength against you, but for a novice you need that anyway.
but think though - if you ever want to ride with your husband you'll need 2 horses anyway!

[LinzCos]

I know just the horse for you! Have you seen the Veteran Horse Socety website? There is a 17.2 shire x, Hermes, on there looking for a good home. he looks lovely! Might be a bit big for your 8 year old though!

[Yann]

The 19 stone is your limiting factor unfortunately, as others have pointed out you'll need something big and substantial to take that kind of wieght, and they tend to be expensive and sought after as hunt riders that heavy aren't uncommon:D That kind of horse will be expensive to feed and possibly shoe too.

It's perfectly possible otherwise to find a horse to fit all the family, we were after the same thing and ended up with a 15.1 welsh x cob mare. When we got her my daughter was 7, and has never had a moment's problem with her. Temperament is everything, especially for a horse you are going to put your children on, and the right horse may not be easy to find as people tend to hang onto them:)

[eventerbabe]

Something like a section D would do you and your son but not your husband. you may want to consider some sort of shire/clydesdale cross? theres also a place that breeds shires for riding that advertise in horse and hound. don't discount heavy breeds, they are great riding horses. may be a problem for your son though as they are a little big. good luck with your search :)

[vjoy23]

I agree with what someone said earlier even if your husband could shift 2stone that would widen your area of choice. I know vets say that certain horses can carry .........this and with alot of heavy weight cobs vets usually say around the 20stone mark, BUT you have to think of the horse do you really want a horse to carry the maximum a vets says it can carry?? I'm not trying to be nasty about your husband I'm really not.

My other half is a total novice and I've recently got myself a 4yr old mare, when she arrived she was quite thin and still has alot of filling out to do with her being so young. My other half is about 16stone and I wont let him ride her until he's dropped to between 14-15. So I kind of know what you're going through. Plus I could happily ride a 14'3 where as I had 2 buy a 15'2 in order for him to ride her.

The right horse will be out there for you, you just have to look in all sorts of places!

Plus don't forget once the hunting ban comes into action there will probably be alot of horses out of work looking for new homes. Horses such as big weight carrying horses!

[Pink's lady]

I'm sorry, but at 19st, I wouldn't let your husband on any horse I know.

Almost all riding schoolc have a weight limit, usually of about 15st, and they always have some huge heavy cobs.

Pink is a really heavy-weight cob at 15.3hh, and I would put her weight limit at about 15st (then 1stone of saddle), even for a balance rider.

As a general rule, horses can carry about a 5th-6th of their body weight. That means a very heavy cob at 700kg, would, in theory, carry about 20st . However, the weight carrying capacity of the horse isn't totally linear, and a shire would carry, proportional to their weight, less that a smaller pony. Remenber, they will also have a heavy saddle.

However, that is 20st of well-balanced, experienced rider. NOT a novice.

If you do the calculations that the RDA use to asses a riders RIDING WEIGHT(not the same as standing still on a set of scales).

A novice riders (esp someone overweight) will add an extra 10%-15% to their riding weight.

That would give your husband a riding weight of over 21st.

However, maybe getting a horse, for you at present, will give him the incentive to loose some weight. And you can have lots of fun in the mean time!

R.E being too strong. You will find that most cobs are the easier, gentlest and nicest horses to deal with, will layed back temperaments and quite nature. (there are always exeptions)

In general they are slow, and orten lazy, and getting them to go is much more of a problem than getting them to stop!:D

[dragonlady]

Thanks for all the replies. They have been very helpful.

We are currently looking into the possibility of a loan horse which we hope to view soon.

Watch this space!

dragonlady :o)

[MelanieD]

I do know a cleveland bay that's 16.3hh and strong enough to carry about 20 stone, and good with novices so long as they don't have opinions! I ride her (5'2" runt) fine and I know an 8 year old small girl that rides her, both me and the small child are allowed our opinions :D. I've ridden her daughter (17.1hh and still growing!) since she was a slightly nutty just backed 3 year old as well and had as much control as on any horse despite the size. CBs don't exactly have a reputation as a novice horse but if you could find a good it could be ideal for you, but they are usually pretty expensive.

[mayS]

Ignore the body police. It's so easy for thin people to criticize those who aren't. :p

Your husband, although heavy, doesn't need to change himself in order to ride. Far more important is that he develops horse riding skills/balance, and the only good way to get it is to have him riding.

I'm also a heavy rider. I opted for a belgian draft. Despite his size, my guy is calmer than most non-drafts I've met, so there isn't a reason to fear his larger size. It's a myth drafts are "too strong" for people. If you think about it, any 1000 pound+ animal can drag you around.... working with a 1700 pound really isn't a big difference. It comes back to training and avoiding the few really high-strung ones out there.

Look for a draft or draft X. Stockier is better than thin or leggy. Shorter, muscular back is better than really long backed. I can't comment on the Welsh D's since we never see them here in the US. Because of the differences in age and experience, it's very important you find a horse with decent training and a good temperament.

What do you eventually plan to do once you get back into riding? Just pleasure ride? Any eventing, jumping, XC, or showing?

You probably already know this, but keep in mind also you'll need at least 2, possibly 3, saddles, to accomodate the 3 riders different sizes.

Best of luck to you and your family! :D

[dragonlady]

Thanks for the comments mayS. I wasn't sure if I was just being over-sensitive but I thought that some of the remarks about my OH's weight were a LITTLE too personal! :(

I have access to another horse so if my husband wants to go out I can ride the other one. We are really just looking to go out for pleasure. I am too long in the tooth to start learning to jump again! We live in a lovely rural place, so there are plenty of places off the beaten track where we can just go for a leisurely ride and enjoy the company of the horses, while enjoying beautiful scenery. :)

I am quite happy with a big, stocky horse. I much prefer them to the finer breeds. Lucky you - Belgians are gorgeous beasts!

All the best,

dragonlady
:cool:

[MelissaH]

Dragonlady....

I have to throw in my two cents here:D

I too am a heavier rider. I am getting my first horse soon. He is a 4 year old Tennessee Walker who is short backed, 16hh. I have good balance in the seat....comes natural:) But I must admit I am trying very hard to lose weight. For the horse as well as myself. I find myself constantly apologizing to the horse for my weight.

A draft would be great....I eventually want a cross/draft but not for my weight issue, I have wanted a Percheron since I was 8 years old.

You WILL find the right horse for your hubby.


Good Luck

[dragonlady]

Thanks Melissa.

That's weird - I have liked Percherons for years too. I must have known I was likely to have the need for one in years to come!

[eventerbabe]

whereabouts in scotland are you? i know a good dealer in Glasgow where i got my boy from, he may be able to help but he does seem to specialise in showjumpers. also know one or two places (and people!) to avoid buying from. you were not being over sensitive, i don't think people should have got so personal about the weight issue. you don't have to be a stick insect to ride :) good luck with your search

[DressageLtd]

Honestly, there is no reason why her husband can't ride a strong horse at gaits where he learns his balance before he goes onto more difficult ones. I'm in America, so I have to go look at how much a stone is first though... hold on...

That is about 266 American pounds, and I believe I have seen a nice article by a trusted American guide... I'm going to look for it and I'll bring it back if I find it. It's about weight and riding, hold on...

[ajhainey]

Actually vjoy has a good point about the fox hunting ban playing in your favour ;) maybe take a look for an ex-hunter...plenty of large gentlemen out hunting! :D

I'm large myself (15 stone post xmas!) and being heavier definately does limit you in terms of choice of horse (at least horses I feel honestly happy on when doing hard work) but there are horses out there that would suit - I rode an 18hh percheron X a few weeks ago I am sure would be more than capable of carrying 19 stone given how he raced along with me on board!

I'm not sure I'd want an 8 year old learning on such a big horse though - think of all the kiddy games he would miss out on, the fact he wouldn't be able to tack up and groom, and the distance to the floor if does come off, which kids, ime, do far more regularly than adults. And as someone said above if you ever want to ride together you'll need two anyway. I would be tempted (finances permitting) to get a smaller pony for your and your son, plus a larger horse for your husband.

I don't know where you live but if you want somewhere to go where your husband could have a few lessons before you decide what to do www.cornish-riding-holidays.co.uk assured me weight was never a problem for them as they have some serious weight carriers. They remain the only place that has ever laughed at me for asking if 15stone was too heavy - they might be worth a try? Or if you are London way he could ride the PercheronX I was talking about for a lesson?

Good luck whatever you decide,

aj xx
edited to say: lol - went back to see where you live..Both my suggestions might be a _bit_ of a long way to go for a ride :D

[Dummer&Drummer]

your husband does not have to loose any weight at all if HE CHOOSES NOT TO :) and a big horse does is not neccesarily strong at all, i am a very little novice skinny thing and happily ride a 17hh shire and he is the most gentle giant ever, and does not use his strength against you, very placid and only offers as much as he is asked (sometimes not even that) :), the same as a fast horse, if well schooled, does not have to be fast

your'll get a horse to suit all three of you, may take a bit of looking and time, but wonderful for all of three of you to enjoy all together

[NoviceNic]

I bought my own cob in August and ride about 4 times a week whether permitting. I have lost a stone and half since I have been riding and mucking out. No diets required here.:D

[dragonlady]

We have just taken a horse on loan - he is 15.3 hh and is a heavy cob with a bit of Clydesdale in him.

I have been assured that he will be fine for all of us - he certainly didn't complain when my husband rode him!

He is a big hairy beast, an absolute gentleman, and we love him to bits! :D

Thanks for all the replies. I'll keep you posted.

dragonlady

:)

[vjoy23]

Wow thats fab!!

Good luck!!! I love big cobs the hairer the better!!!!!

I'm glad you've found one for all of you! :)

[Gabrielle]

I am really glad. 15.3hh is a reasonable size and depending on the build ( part Clydesdale? you said) should be great for you all. You could probably ride him with your son on at the same time!!!

All the best. Just proves that there is a horse for all types and abilities! Please keep us updated as to the progress that you have with him, I for one would be interested to hear more.:) :D

[ajhainey]

Pictures!! pllleeeaasee:D

Congratulations! aj xx

[Dummer&Drummer]

i go and pick up my first horse on trial to buy on thursday, i tried him out on sunday and the owners called me yesterday. i dont have to rush to make up my mind, they would rather that i took my time (obviously not to long so i waste theirs) so i am real happy with any decision i make

he is an 8 year old arab x cob, chestnut 14.3hh and he is a real darling

he has done show jumping and cross country and won more often than not.

he seems really well trained i think they have put alot of time and effort into him, and he is excellent at voice commmands and they have a very genuine reason for sale

so excited it is like preparing for a new baby, well it is a new baby

[Bay Mare]

Originally posted by dragonlady
Thanks for the comments mayS. I wasn't sure if I was just being over-sensitive but I thought that some of the remarks about my OH's weight were a LITTLE too personal! :(

Don't be sensitive about the remarks, they really weren't personal. One thing that you will learn on here is that people will be honest with you, don't be offended as it is generally said with the best of intentions even if it isn't always seen as being politically correct. At the end of the day it is better for the horse for your husband to lose weight even if you have managed to get a weight carrier. Horses will generally try their hearts out for us, it is our responsibility to do our best by them.

I need to lose weight for my girl ideally even though she carries me happily enough. I am aware that she will work longer and more healthily if I can lose some ballast. You don't have to be a stick insect to ride, I'm certainly not a stick insect!

Anyway .... good luck with the horse, I hope that you get a lot of pleasure from him :) Oh, and don't forget the photos!!!

[dragonlady]

Won't get any photos till the weekend. Will post some as soon as I can.

[westley_jacobs]

Dragon;ady-dpnt take it personal, the other members r concerned for the horse, and are mot trying to critisize, at my stables you cant be over 11.5stone in weight (children and adults) and in their troops they have a very strong cobby-shire so its like this the world around.

and plus whats better than your husband losin g weight, getting healthier and reaping the benefits of ridng?

good luck and i wish you well.

[eventerbabe]

Riding is a sport that everyone should be able to enjoy, not just skinny people. yes, 19 stone may seem heavy but i'm sure there are plenty of horses out there capable and happy to carry that weight. Dragonlady, if your husband is happy and the horse is happy then its not a problem :) and as for a max riding weight of 11.5 stone, i don't know anyone whos that weight. my very skinny friend is 12 stone coz she's fit and got muscles. you can't go dictating that people should lose weight coz that kind of pressure doesn't work. the person has to do it for themselves.

[vjoy23]

As long as the horse doesn't mind then why should anyone else?? dragonlady has found the kind of horse she was looking for end of.

Please don't carry on about the weight issue as I'm sure its upsetting to have people you don't know comment on what you should or shouldn't do.

As long as everyone's happy!! :)

[eventerbabe]

quite right vjoy23 :) :) :)

[dragonlady]

My husband thanks everyone for their support regarding his weight issue. If losing weight was as simple as some suggest we would never have had to ask for advice in the first place! ;)

We believe we have now found the right horse for his weight and look forward to many happy years together. :D

It would appear that we have struck a raw nerve with some people regarding weight issues and apologise if we have offended anyone.

Getting him tomorrow!!!! :D :D

Photos will follow ASAP.

dragonlady

[dragonlady]

Just to give you all an update - horse and riders are bonding well! Weight doesn't seem to be an issue, I'm happy to say.

He's definitely a confidence-giver which really helps us too.

It's great to be back in the saddle again! I'd forgotten how nice it is to be out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a horse for company. You just can't beat it!!

dragonlady

[JOJOBA]

Glad you found the right horse :) - there's one out there for everyone!

Have a great time with him.

xxx

[dragonlady]

Thanks Jojoba. We are certainly enjoying it so far. And all the fresh air is making us sleep really soundly at night! All the better for dreaming about horses!!