Anyone any experience of a maximum weight?

[Purple Hugs]

For either courses or exams?

I'm still a bit heavy and am wondering if college's (Oaklands in St Albans) would be likely to have a max weight limit. Or even if BHS do... :o

[Cheko]

I guess 'Maximum' weight would be the heaviest rider for the type of horse the stables in question keep. Example: If say a riding school kept only small lightly built horses and the an applicant was, say, 15stones, then that would be way too much for the horses. Stables, riding holiday places etc ask for maximum weight so they can tell you whether they have suitable horses for your size/weight.

[Pink's lady]

The problem with courses and exams is that your expected to ride lots of different horses - thats the whole point of the course. BUT, that means you need to be light enough to ride a fair majority of the horses. If the couse center only has one horse that is up to the weight, you can't fully complete the course. It's less of a problem at a riding school where it doesn't really matter if you ride the same horse all the time but BHS exams and such expect you to ride different horse.

The only way you'll know is if you ask. ;)

[Purple Hugs]

Think I'll ask the college then.. just in case! :rolleyes: don't want to pay for a course, turn up and then get turned away! :eek: but there is no question regarding weight on the application form, but it's a general form.

[kayjayhorses]

When you enrol onto a course they will ask you your height and weight, to detemine which horses you are able to ride. They asked me when I did my stage 1 course and now my stage 2 course they did the same.

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks! :D

[jumpthemoon]

Hi Purple Hugs

I went to Oaklands to do my stage 1 and 2. I finished in june this year. With regards to your question i can think of 2 or 3 nice weight carrying cobs that might be suitable for you. Best thing to do is ring and ask though. The lecturers and yard staff are lovely. Hope you do go to Oaklands, you'll have a great time. Keep us updated x

[Purple Hugs]

Ooh that's great to know they are nice!

I emailed the college and got a response that 13 stone is their upper limit...

:o ashamed to say I need to go on a diet to reach that! But at least I have a goal weight now!

I've just heard from my fostering social worker that i'm being put on an NVQ course starting in January next year...

Did you have a lot of 'homework' from your BHS course?

looks like i'll be aiming to do the two together and am now wondering if this'll be too much - REALLY want to do the BHS but professionally SHOULD do the NVQ level 3. :rolleyes:

[jumpthemoon]

Well the BHS courses are quite fast paced. Theres alot to pack into the time your in class. Stage 1 was fine you do get homework but its not like school where they make you do it.

I found Stage 2 required alot of effort and i really did have to knuckle down and learn it inside out and back to front!

The Riding and Road Safety was a challenge to say the least!

Im really glad i did my courses though. It really has made me a better rider and handler. I might try and get on the Stage 3 in January 2006. I'd definately go back to Oaklands.

[Purple Hugs]

Thanks... am aiming to get my weight down, and am going to apply for level 1. Will have to see how it goes form there as will also be doing an NVQ 3 as part of my fostering. IF i'm accepted onto both of them of course! ;)
Might be hard work, but i'm sure the riding / horse knowledge will keep me sane!

Good luck on your level 3. :D

[ponylover88]

...

[Purple Hugs]

Oh!! :( better try and leave some room for the scales to be 'out'! :rolleyes: Wouldn't mind if the limit was 14... ;)

[rezzer]

this is an interesting thread, i think i am pretty heavy at just over 11 stone, really must shift this weight!!!

[Purple Hugs]

weight is a funny thing.. as we all feel differently about it.

I've always been heavy since my teens when I was a keen weight lifter.. so ended up putting on muscle mass.
Still have chunky legs (solid from running) but do have a lot of spare fat! :o So don't mind the challenge of losing some more weight... I needed the boost and am already down 2lb :D so on the road to my course! ;) :D