I need any and all advice

[cowgirlup]

I rode my horse for the first time today. I was only on him for about 10 min. I used to ride alot in summertimes as a youth, but have not been on a horse for about 12, maybe 15 years. My horse is a 4 yr old gelding. He has not been ridden in over a year. I have spent the last 2 month grooming and getting to know him, that was all i could do because of the weather. He likes me and seems very comfortable w/me. Of course I love him. Today I tacked him up all by myself, which I am quite proud of. Had a little trouble mounting. Okay, alot. I hate to admit it, but I was a little scared when I got up there, I can't remember ever being scared on a horse before. But it has just been so long. I will just be riding western pleasure for now. My main concern is that I am too heavy for him. Can someone please tell me how much a 16hh horse should be able to carry? He looks to me to have a good build, which will improve w/riding, as he has not been rode in so long. And if you could tell me in pounds, i would greatly appreciate it. He did not want to walk at all, he wanting to trot, and back towards his field. I am pretty sure i had everything on right. I am not sure if he was just being stubborn or if I was doing something really wrong. Riding lessons are not really an option for me. There are no instructors in my area that I know of. I am going back over this evening to give it another try. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Sorry this is so long.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

what breed is your horse? just so i can get a little better idea of how he many be built

[horseyrose]

If your horse is only 4 then he is only a baby still so you are going to need to do a lot of work with him. Basically he hasn't had an education, so you will have to go right back to the beginning and teach him from scratch. Are you sure you will be able to do this, and have you got someone experienced to help you out? Please don't take this the wrong way, but I would really strongly suggest you getting some lessons, especially if you are unsure about the fit of his tack etc. Youngsters are very rewarding but are not really an ideal horse for a novice who has had a long break from riding.

With regards to weight, it will help if we know his breed, but again bear in mind that a young horse will not be able to carry as much as an older one because he will still be growing.

[cowgirlup]

thank youfor replying, Chesney is a spotted saddle horse. He is 16hh and weighs around 1400lbs. I did much better this evening. I had the gentleman that boards him for me check his tack and he assured me I was doing it right. He deals in spotted saddle horses and Tennesse walking horses. He is very experienced and will help me when I can catch him home. I was much more comfortable on him this evening. I would still appreciate any advice you guys can give me. thank you.

[LinzCos]

That sounds like a big horse, mine is a 16.3 TB and about 1250lb he is happy to carry up to about 200lb. However, it does depend on the rider and the age of the horse. Your horse is young so you don't want a heavy rider on him for long. Also a poor rider is effectively much heavier than a very skilled, well balanced rider.

I have a couple of four year old ponies and one of those often refuses to move, especially if the rider is a little unsure. Just be confident and assertive with him without being too heavy handed (or footed!). It sounds like you have developed a good bond and you just need to trust yourself a bit more.

[horseyrose]

It's good that you have someone on site who can help you out, it sounds like you need to have a bit more confidence in your abilities as well. :)