How Big of a Horse Do I Need? (How to Choose the Correct Size Horse)
What Size Horse Do I Need?
Beginner riders and first-time buyers often ask how large of a horse they need. Heavier riders may question whether they should ride at all. Determining the right size for you is a complicated matter.
Many first-time buyers may be best served by simply asking their trainer how big the horses they feel most comfortable on are، which can give a good starting point. However، there are some overall guidelines for the size that is best for the rider، taking into account the following:
- weight
- height
- purpose
How to Determine a Horse's Carrying Capacity: The 20% Rule
When researching a horse's carrying capacity، the first thing you are likely to come across is the 20% rule، which states the following:
The combined weight of rider and gear should be no more than 20% of the weight of the horse.
For example، a 1،000-pound horse should carry no more than 200 pounds. (This is the reason for the 200-pound weight limit enforced by many riding establishments، although some will go as high as 250، which is an incentive to lose weight if you can).
This rule works well as a starting point، but there are also some additional rules that should be considered.
Rider Experience
Inexperienced riders are harder for a horse to carry. All beginners are sacks of potatoes. Sorry، but it's true.
- For example، an experienced rider who weighs 140 pounds might be carried perfectly well by a 13-hand pony، but a good instructor would never put a beginner of the same weight on the same horse.
- As a rider becomes more experienced، she learns to keep her own balance، carry her own weight، and sit lighter on a horse's back. Weight that moves with you is less of a strain than dead weight.
How Do You Measure a Horse's Fitness?
A horse that is not in good condition should not be asked to carry as much weight.
- As a general rule when starting a horse، a lighter rider should be sought if possible. A green horse lacks the muscle to carry a rider and will feel the weight more.
- The same goes for a horse that has been out of work for months. (If reducing the weight is not possible، then the duration of rides should be kept short and increased as it gains fitness.)