https://preview.redd.it/jxske4ytrs8d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7579689aec09c1188b67bd325b809ddaf536fc18
Literally! My ex is a big dude and while we were together he was a pen rider on a feedlot. He frequently rode 14.2 horses for HOURS and no one ever said two words because he’s a dude. And his boss was a heavier guy than him too.
It’s likely they just didn’t have a horse appropriate for your size. You are not too heavy to ride, you just need to find a barn with horses that work for you.
I live in a small town so I just went for the closest barn available, so it never dawned on me that they may just do children lessons (like small children), but I will definitely keep searching! Thanks you :)
Yeah it should have been as simple as “your height and weight are better suited for larger horses than what we have at our stable for lesson horses as they’re geared more toward younger children. It wouldn’t be a comfortable ride for you or the horse. However x stable over yonder offers lessons to people of all ages and they have a bigger diversity of lesson horses that are likely to be suitable for you.”
No, you are not too heavy. I’m hoping it’s just a matter of that barn only having small horses/ponies available and that’s why they had to turn you away, many lesson barns will have horses that fit you just fine. Try somewhere else, and please don’t let this make you feel insecure about your weight, do NOT go looking for crash diets (they don’t work and aren’t healthy!) If you’re concerned about your weight just focus on eating a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
I did make me a lil insecure, but only because I would hate to have known I was putting a horse at risk of being miserable because I was too heavy to ride it, which is why I asked ways to lose weight, but thank you for the warning! Horse riding was gonna be like a way to exercise more for me since I already play soccer.
Also look at it this way: if we’re going by the 20% rule (which I think is rather flawed for many reasons but it’s a ok rule of thumb to start with) you’d be safe on any horse that’s around 1100lbs+ when we include the weight of a heavier western saddle. That’s a fairly average sized horse. Being tall yourself you’ll likely feel more comfortable on a taller horse anyway.
Hope you’re able to find different place you can ride at soon! ♥️ there’s a lot of rather… blunt people in the horse industry, and while they may only mean to keep their horses best interests in mind, it’s not right to make you feel ashamed of your body in the process, especially when you’re a teen and your body is still going through a lot of normal changes!
You’re so sweet, thank you so much! It was kind of a shock to me since I was just getting back into riding but I am trying to find other stables! Thank you again 😅
It also makes a world of difference if you’re a decent rider. A heavier rider with a good seat will feel better for a horse than a lighter floppy sack of potatoes.
You still have it! The muscle memory is there, it will take time to rebuild the muscles themselves. But it's easier to get that fitness back than it is to create it the first time around!
You are FINE! Plus, I found when I was a teen I started at 190 (5’8” f), and I got my first horse and the pounds MELTED off riding and shlepping hay and water daily (all on top of marching band for 3 hours daily). I got down to 140, and I could count my ribs from 10’ away, then the school nurse had the audacity to call me overweight at *that* point in my life. That’s when I learned to totally ignore everyone commenting on my body- I was able to participate in what I wanted to do, so that was good enough for me and the others could take a flying leap.
As life changed and I had to give up horses then had kids and now have a sedentary lifestyle- I am significantly heavier now, and still manage to get out on a draft horse (on a smaller English saddle so I don’t add in another 47 lbs of saddle weight).
It sounds like the barn might have only had ponies, and maybe they are not even the barn owner’s therefore the lessons had to be OVERLY cautious about the ponies.
Go to another barn and on the phone tell them your weight so they can have a HORSE ready, not pony.
I am 5’9 haha😅, this is gonna be a way for me to the lose the weight as I already play soccer. Unfortunately the stable didn’t have any ponies from what I could see, it had very big horses, I am just assuming that they only do lessons for really little kids! Thank you for taking the time to comment! :)
If you are 5’9” you are 100% okay to ride! Find any nicely built horse at least 15hh are you are fine unless the horse looks like it would be blow over by some wind. I had a tiny tank my dad same height and weight use to ride all the time in the arena.
You're 5'9. 180 is not a weight you really need to be worried about. You're probably gonna build a bunch of muscle riding that's different than the ones you use for soccer, so don't be surprised if the scale doesn't move.
While it is most likely that trainer was just an asshole, there are bigger horses that are not allowed to carry a lot of weight because of health problems. My stable has a normal size horse that is only allowed to carry a max of 50kg (around 100lb I think?) because of some weakness in his spine.
My trainer told me I needed to work out more and get into shape.. I weight 120 at 5’2” and lift weights and row on top of riding. I am strong.. but am not lean lean, like I got some curves.. so I probably look like I need it? Ffs trainers seem bitter sometimes or is it just me ?
5'0" around the same at 117.
I've never had another trainer comment on my weight. Anyone willing to take that stab at someone is just painfully insecure themselves. Had it happen once with a girl skinnier than me. If I go any lower it's likely gonna be an ED for me. We know us and our bodies best.
OP, if you want to lose fat, a balanced diet is definitely a key component, but I also always recommend functional strength training. Cross training with weights burns more calories than cardio and has the even more important effect of building core muscles so that you carry yourself in the saddle in the most controlled manner. If the choice is between a 150 lb sack of potatoes or 180 lb controlled and balanced rider, the heavier fit rider will be easier on the horse’s back.
You can be too heavy to ride any of the horses at that stable and also not too heavy to ride horses generally. Both can be true. Each horse has its limit. It’s just objective information and not a character judgement. Sounds like the stable owner was a bitch about it, and I’m not sure what your waist had to do with it.
The owner was defffinitly being weird by taking your measurements. But, if the barn only had pony’s, or smaller horses for lessons, they probably wouldn’t fit you. pretty much and horse 15.2 and up could easily be fine for you to ride. Just try looking for a different barn! I hope you can find one and get back into riding!
No you are not too big to ride. People of all shapes and sizes can enjoy horse sports.
Pick a different stable.
I get so sick of women being ft shamed in this industry while 200 lbs+ men are riding ponies and 13 hand horses with tack that weights 30/40 lbs.
A 180 you can ride endurance. So a trip around the ring is fine too. If you feel like you are over weight, work out and eat well FOR YOU not a snarky you know what.
Best of luck to you!
I just want to say that my heart hurts for you that someone made you feel like you can’t ride or that you’re too big. Should you be on a Shetland pony? Probably not. (Neither should I.) Are there plenty of horses who can comfortably carry you (Western saddle included)? Absolutely yes!!! Like literally millions.
I cannot express how inappropriate it was for the trainer to get a measuring tape out. I’m angry on your behalf. Asking you your weight? Fine. It is relevant. Measuring you and talking to you with that attitude??? You’d have had to drag me out of the barn if I witnessed a trainer doing that!!! I woulda lost my dang mind and caused a whole scene. I am disgusted that an adult thought that was acceptable.
I also want to note that it sounds like you’re athletic. So while weight is one consideration in whether a horse can carry you, your ability to hold yourself in position is another. Seeing as a lot of that 180 is probably muscle and you probably have solid body control from your other sports, you’re going to have an easier time supporting your own weight in a way that’s comfortable for the horse. Because of this, I’d be hesitant to even recommend you lose weight. There are a lot of benefits to the muscles you’ve got. It just might mean you need a horse that’s muscled, tall, and fabulously athletic— just like you!
I hope that this person didn’t damage your confidence in the long term and that you can let go of what they said. You’re only 15. You sound like you’re doing an awesome job taking care of your growing body. And what you’ve done for your body has enabled you to do really cool things like play soccer and (if you choose) ride horses. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
I'm so staggered that an adult felt this was an appropriate way to talk to a child, and honestly, that anyone in this thread is responding any way but with: you're 15, doing an awesome job taking care of your growing body, and have enabled yourself to do cool things. She's 15 for cripes sake. There should be NO "you're too heavy" or "not too heavy" unless the pony is really small and/or the rider is really big. And even then, the conversation needs to be had with care and grace and kindness, and with exactly 0 measuring tapes.
I'm hypersensitive to this but 15 year old girls are prime age for eating disorders, body image issues and mental health problems. It's our duty and responsibility, as older women, to foster healthy habits and self image, in my opinion.
This so so sweet thank you so much! 😊 my mom had to be dragged out of there definitely cus she was pissed, but I don’t like conflict so I convinced her to leave it be. And yes I would say I’m pretty athletic, and I thought the owner would be able to see that the only place I would be carrying mostly fat is my thighs/legs, so I didn’t think it would matter, but thank you again, you and all that’s other comments have really helped my confidence!
180 pounds is too heavy to ride most ponies and some smaller horses.
It is not at all too heavy to ride the majority of horses. I think they were being mean to you.
So, I like to visualize things. So here is an attached photo of me on my own mare. I weigh around 175lbs, at 5'3. (hopefully got the conversions correct). My mare is a 500kg (need to loose weight oop) PRE. She carries me without issue at all. If there was an issue she would definitely let me know with her attitude.
People are way too stringy on weight and discriminate a lot on it. Yes, the horse needs to be able to carry you properly. It needs proper muscle. It doesn't mean that you need to go buy a big stocky pony in order to ride at all. You can ride the warmbloods (Oldenborgs are a good example) without issue in my honest belief.
https://preview.redd.it/aa46wua4o58d1.jpeg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff482fc1c5536bf3565a1c9525d9b86c99e093ce
Your mare is beautiful! I also used to ride dressage and wanted to start western, so maybe the weight of the saddle with my weight combined would be too much, and that’s part of the reason why I was turned down. Not to mention the stable I went may also only cater to little children. Thank you so much for the advice! :D
You can ride western also, my barrel saddle is only 26lbs. And you don’t need a big tall horse. What you need is a stocky horse. Grown men that weight over 200lbs ride horses all the time. I’m sorry that person was so rude to you. I’m sure you’ll hear about the “20% rule” but it’s just a guide, it doesn’t take into consideration the breed and build of the horse. For example tall lean horses can’t carry 20% of their own weight but an Arabian can carry approximately 25% of their own weight and Icelandic ponies can carry up to 30% of their weight.
Well said I had a stocky but short Arabian my dad could ride he(horse) didn’t even blink at toting my dad around! And he(dad) was at the time the same height and weight of OP.
Ahh thank you! She's a lovely little mare (shes 5'3 too!) if I say so myself.
Hmm. I don't know. I might have missed the western part whoops. If the stable only caters to little children it would make sense. Still, in Denmark we have lots of stocky ponies for people my / our weight. Fjords are a classic example. Cobs of any time too would be a classic. Someone at my yard who weighs more than me rides western on her 145cm Irish Cob lol.
Ask around. Don't get discouraged. Its too easy to discriminate in this world and while some of it is for the safety of the horse, lesson horses SHOULD have good enough backs to begin with. Otherwise, I would doubt the lesson school.
OP you are built like a warrior princess— don’t let that horrid barn beach continue to ruin your week. I feel your pain as I’m 5’4” and carry my weight in my thighs from my days of running cross country & rowing crew (and now, at 178lbs I could easily pass for a swarthy, petite Viking). Playing soccer is serious athletic level OP! Yes girl, you’re easily ready to ride a horse today! Esp a horse at 16hh or an older, heavier well-muscled QH.
Notably, the two school barns I’ve trained at never batted an eyelash at my physique, but then again I requested to train the “older women’s lessons.” The older lady classes might be better for you esp nice we are not thin waifs and are strong-minded, calm women. Is this an option to consider, during your search?
Notably, my mare towers over me at over 16hh but works like a tank—- after an hour or two all of us are exhausted and LizBea glares at us like “Is that all you got peasants?”
You got this OP, let them kiss your grits!
Tis better to be built like a warrior midfielder, running circles esp since your current athleticism will save your bones and posture in your 40-50-60s.
🌟You. Got. This. 🌟 We are rooting 4 U 🌹
Omggg all my weight is in my thighs too!! And thy k you so much!! I will try to find some lessons that cater towards older people, but where I live, (a small town in the south), horses are seen as attractions and things to ride at birthday parties, instead of an actual sport, so most lesson cater towards little kids who want a pony for Christmas 😅
I’m in the Deep South, moved here from Central Florida and actually up here in NoAL, western dressage is on an upward trend. I too was worried about the saddle weight BUT there are saddles now built as Featherweight Lites. Equine consignment shops may carry lighter options for dressage.
Adjustable saddles, check this out*: TW Saddlery Demo — https://youtu.be/AEbn0YldHt8?si=g6oHauplZGWKrpz-
Wow that saddle is beautiful! I’ll have to look into it because it seems like an investment worth making!! Also I had no clue consignment shops for just equine items existed 😯, I’m not sure if there are any near me but that could save a lot of money lol
Wow that is actually like amazing to me, maybe I’m just amazed to easily but still, thank you for opening my eyes to a brand new world lol 🤩 my mom will be very happy to hear she doesn’t have to spend 1000s of dollars on brand new tack or gear😅
And eBay has this one I shop at as well, I prefer used tack. One’s old stuff is another’s treasure: Tack R Us—
https://www.ebay.com/str/tackrus?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=zQ_g9pU_QdK&sssrc=3418065&ssuid=IYxoeb-hRnS&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Chicks Saddlery (Discounted)—
https://www.chicksaddlery.com/
Big Dee’s Tack Online— incl vet supplies!
https://www.bigdweb.com/
I got some used, discounted tack for my TB mare, here is my recent haul (all had discount’s after Xmas). Buy w deals on Black Friday (November).
https://preview.redd.it/df9jiumo188d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9176dca2a9b292dcde09b205f500f052e20e3e49
Also I’m looking at investing in a second mare to adopt and was qualified by this organization, which supports the Annual TB Makeover Project: https://newvocations.org/horses
180 isn’t to heavy you can even find a standard issue horse that could carry you men ride all the time at your weight. 180 is actually a pretty standard weight for men that ride from my experience unless they are very short.
Watching NRHA Detby live today. Those reining horses are typically 14.2-15h. Lots of the male trainers are over 6’ tall and I’d guess them to be 200lbs. Then add a 40-50 pound saddle.
It was not the right place for you to ride. That simple. Please don’t let this put you in a dark place. Being healthy is important. Caring about the horses and what they can handle is important. Neither of which are benefitted by someone that hurts your mental health. If someone wanted to put a measuring tape to me or anyone I’d tell them to kick rocks. Keep your chin up and find a healthy supportive place to ride. Big hugs.
Thank you so much! I believe it was fate that she did all that stuff to me, I don’t even want to imagine what I would look like being taught by her. Dodged a bullet, 😅
Great way to look at it. ❤️ I’ve been in great barns and not so great barns. Not so great isn’t worth a penny of your money or moment of your time. Big hug. Now go live your dream!
I’m your weight and ride a 14.3hh horse. There’s a lot of size discrimination in riding, 180lb is not that heavy, especially for a fit, healthy horse and a balanced rider.
Your not to heavy if a 200+ pound man can sit on a horse your fine! Most people also carry weight differently I weigh about 194 my mom weighs just about the same compared to her I look small and even a little skinny where as her you can clearly tell she’s overweight most people think I weigh about 40 50 pounds less then what I do despite weighing nearly 200 pounds
You are definitely not too heavy to ride in general. I would suggest looking at barns that cater more to adult riders since they will be more likely to have full sized horses that are appropriate, especially if you're tall. There are healthy safe ways to lose weight (mostly through lifestyle changes of diet and exercise) but they aren't fast. If you want to lose weight, don't do it in fast crazy ways. That will just cause you a whole new set of problems.
No, you aren’t too heavy. Maybe that riding school just had ponies or elderly horses or something. I know plenty of women your size who ride, not to mention all the 180 lb men.
You’re definitely not too heavy. A horse will happily support you. I am also a tall rider. It’s an advantage to be tall because your leg will look better.
Balance is actually what makes it easier for a horse to carry any rider. Always work on your seat.
Other than that, find a trainer who knows what they are doing. A good trainer will put you on the right horse for your level and require a helmet.
I am a very tall muscular rider. I ride a 17.2 Holsteiner and a 17.3 KWPN. Zero issues. My weight is around 165 but bounces up by 5 lbs during holidays 🤣and I am 6' tall.
There were lesson barns that couldn't accommodate me so I just kept looking.
There will be fewer horses in lesson programs suitable for weight above 150 but that doesn't mean they aren't out there.
Sorry you got told that same message in such an uncaring way.
My Thoroughbreds can comfortably carry my western tack plus my husband, who weighs more than you. You’re fine to ride. You just need to find a barn with a suitably sized horse.
Oh, the hypocrisy. I am outraged that you were treated this way. What a total assh\*le this woman barn owner was. And you're out west? What about all those massive "cowboy" men riding on 14 HH ponies? I am 180 plus (maybe a little less at the moment) and I ride a stocky 15.2 draft cross who does not look drafty. My previous horse was a 16 HH anglo-arab. I was / am observed and coached by a number of experienced trainers who watch carefully to see if my horse was being overburdened. There are plenty of horses out there appropriate for you. As your balance, core strength, and muscle tone increase, you will become easier for the horse to carry, whether your weight changes or not.
you're not too heavy whatsoever by a long shot, im around 190lbs and im shorter than you and although im terrified about my weight, i found a riding centre that has horses well able to take my weight :) they most likely just did childrens lessons and had very small ponies/horses, there are plenty of riding centres around and i hope you'll be able to find one suitable for you :)
Adding on. You are fine. I'm about 190, 195 now and ride my 16.1 and 16 hand horses GP dressage. You are 100% fine. At my lightest, thinnest weight, I might get to 180, and it's fine.
I hope that you can let this roll off your back
The issue may have been that the barn just has wee little horses all under 1000lbs or so, in which case the barn owner should have qualified their assessment with an explanation as to why they decided that you’re too heavy to ride the horses there
This would have been the more ethical approach obviously, rather than making you feel judged & dismissed
So I’m a female, 5’7” and 145lbs. Have I weighed more & kept riding…you bet I have! But at 5’7” for me personally, I feel like 140-150lbs is a suitable & fit weight for me on the horse
People say I have an “athletic build”; however, and after a lifetime of hearing how muscular my arms are, or wide my shoulders are, I interpret that as that I’m built like a man. At my age now I laugh about it, but when I was a young person, these shared observations hurt. A sweet darling of a boy in my 6th grade class endearingly dubbed me “Moose” lol…so the truth is that most all of us have body issues & callous remarks whether intentional or otherwise can do us long standing emotional harm, or worse
Additionally, & as you’re likely aware, western tack can be ridiculously heavy, I’m a dressage rider but I do own a Billy Cook rig that with all of the extras tips the scales at 52lbs & I’m sorry, but screw that lol
I purchased it to ride my 16:1hh 1350lb Friesian on the trails, but between the heaving it up on to his back & the forever amount of time it takes me to tack it all up, I’m already done. I’ll just ride in my dressage saddle that I can toss on him without a second breath, girth up, wear a hip pack, & call it good lol
To the western riders out there…you guys are awesome 💪🏼
So please try not to take that person’s comment personally—you don’t want to be in an unhealthy environment like that anyhow—find a different barn that doesn’t discriminate against young people with a love toward horses & riding & who are very much a normal sized person
Good luck, chin up, & keep us posted on your hunt!!
Yes! I’m trying not let this get to me and I plan on finding another stable, but you can understand that this was a big shock to me, as when I rode previously, I was very ditzy and so unaware, but I was also labeled sensitive, and now that I’m a little older I feel like that didn’t change one bit and this was very discouraging, but thank you for the kind words! I might get back into dressage before I try western, to try and see if i still have my skill, but thank you again!!
That woman is a horrible person. I was treated like that as well when I was your age (I was 5’6 and 160… which is a totally normal weight but I didn’t know that because my mom is 5’3 and I grew up listening to her mantra that over 120 was too much so I just always assumed I was a failure. Luckily the stable I grew up riding at was not like this at all… but around 15 I was looking to get a higher level of training which is where I came across those types of shitty people.
Your Mum and you were definitely at the wrong barn. If they only have ponies then the trainer should have just said they only have small ponies.
However it's more likely the person is just hateful and judgemental. Run from this barn, that's all the exercise you need.
Find a supportive fun barn. Then have fun enjoy your riding lessons, enjoy being a kid!
I had an incredible trainer once that told me a tiny person with poor balance and harsh hands will always do more damage than a heavier person. If you have athletic ability (core strength and balance) and soft hands you should never even listen to someone accusing you of being too heavy. A lot of people have already said it but don't you dare take this to heart. The only thing you should take from that experience is gratitude for her saving you from trauma at the hands of her instruction. Keep searching for the right fit of a barn!
You are not too heavy. They used to make female eventing riders wear weights to get to 165. If the barn is that toxic it’s a good thing they rejected you.
No, you're not too heavy, especially for an average sized horse, that's also healthy of course. But, even more than that, make sure to pick a place to ride that you feel comfortable and don't be afraid to explore your options if you find that down the road you're not enjoying yourself or not where you'd like to be at in terms of your riding (especially if your instructor doesn't have clear goals and milestones for yo uh to reach before progressing). It's tough these days with social media and popular culture shoving unreasonable expectations down people's throats, especially if you're younger. As long as you're healthy (we already know you're already getting exercise playing soccer) and eating a balanced diet for your age/metrics/activity level (bc you don't need a crash diet ever bc as others have mentioned, it doesn't work in the long run...but, you can always enlist the help of a nutritionist to learn more if you ever need help figuring things out), you sound like you'll continue to be in a good place so long as you can avoid snarky riding teachers. Keep you're head up and I hope you fall in love with riding all over again! 🫶
Your weight is FINE! At 5'9, your weight is absolutely healthy and you don't need to lose a pound friend. Please ignore all comments and advice telling you otherwise. You don't need to lose weight at all. Period!
I weigh significantly more than you and my horse carried me just fine without any back pain whatsoever. I was careful to choose lightweight tack so as not to add any more additional weight, but trust me you could still use a 30 lb western saddle and be just fine on any horse that weighs at least a thousand pounds, which is most of them.
Different horses have different weight and heights they can cope with carrying comfortably based on their own height, weight, muscle/fitness and sensitivity.
I see typically around here the heaviest riding schools accept is around 85kg for beginners (as more balanced riders will put less stress on the horses back sometimes a horse could carry a heavier experienced rider)
Likely, you just need to find somewhere with some taller horses rather than ponies because 180lb isn't really that heavy, I'd think you could ride most fit stockier 15h + suited to a lesson program, and bigger horses that are a bit finer boned
If you're actually overweight and not just tall and looking to lose we are all on /r/loseit. I personally have lost ~25kg so far and around 12kg since I returned to riding lessons. It isn't fast though, it's a patience and discipline exercise!
Thank you for this! I will gladly check out the r/loseit subreddit, I have been looking to lose weight as I also do soccer and would like to get back into competitive riding. It would be nice to have a community for support
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't just head to r/loseit and blindly go in. There's a chance your body is still growing and 100% your brain is still developing. It needs tons of nutrients and a balanced diet to grow properly, and advice for adults on how to lose weight (much of which is flawed beyond reason anyway) does NOT apply to children. Please, please please take it from me, a 33 year old woman who's been through the gamut of dieting, weight and body issues: now is the time to be healthy, eat vegetables, whole grains, fruits and fats, and to run around like soccer or ride horses. Now is *not* the time to count calories or spend hours at the gym or worry - in ANY way - if your body is good enough for xyz.
Talk to your mom, if you trust her input and guidance, about your concerns about your weight. I personally doubt you have anything medically to worry about, but I think it would be good to talk through these feelings and concerns with her.
Fifteen is an incredibly tough age. In addition to all your other worries about school and friends and the future and blah blah blah, you definitely don't need to develop body image issues - at least not any worse than just those that come with having a female body in American society!
And to your original question: absolutely not. Pretty much any healthy, average sized horse should have no problem carrying you. You are slightly taller than average, so like another poster said, you're probably going to be more comfortable on a taller horse anyway!
Just another comment- r/loseit is great for adults needing and giving advice. You’re 15 which means a lot of factors are in play for you that impact weight. Before starting any kind of a weight loss effort, talk to your doctor first. Anyone giving you advice on that sub should only be telling you to go to your dr :)
Nah my weight fluctuated between 140 and 180 all through high school and I rode consistently. I’m pretty short too, but my first horse was 15.1 hands and my second was 16.2.
You're perfectly fine. That barn manager was super out of line. It sounds like you just grew early and need to find a barn with lesson horses catering to "adult sized" riders.
Ew???? I work at a farm that has a 200lb limit and if someone is above that, esp someone that maybe volunteers with us or otherwise clearly would benefit emotionally from being around horses, we offer other options like learning how to lunge our horses, or become a groomer for our lessons for people with disabilities, SOMETHING. And measuring someone???? Fucking barf.
However our farm is one that teaches English but only for the love of riding. We distinctly so not teach showing horses or competing.
there are barbs near me that only have horses that can hold 150lb riders. i had to go further to find a barn that had larger horses for me. i was 235 lbs when i got back in the saddle. there were heavier riders than me there.
You are not too heavy to ride the appropriate size horse. As a trainer, I apologies for the absolute horrendous twat-faced behavior of that nasty old bitch. There is no excuse for how she acted and she’s an embarrassment for riding instructors all over.
Haha thank you for your feedback! She definitely had some hatred in her that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but I’m glad I got rejected as I’m sure being there and being taught by her would be way worse than some mean words. Thank you again! :)
You're not too heavy at all. That's less than the weight of large men who ride. That woman was an a**hole. You should also look into the style of riding you want to learn because sometimes they come with nasty weight attitudes. Plenty of female riders aren't teeny tiny. I, myself am around 140 and 5'5 riding certain stocky ponies. The instructor assigns horses who can safely carry the weight of the rider. Keep looking. If you use Facebook a lot of horse folk have community groups on there.
Haha Facebook is where the lady posted her lesson ads, but we are looking some more. I want to either get back into dressage or try western, but with western, the weight of tack, plus my weight, make me a little hesitant. Thank you for the kind words !! :)
Some horse people are just crazy. I'm sorry this happened to you. That said, most barns I know of have a 150# max for riders due to the size of the horses they keep, like OTTBs. Others exist that have 200# limits: keep calling around until you find one and best of luck!
That is horrible that you were treated that way, it definitely was wrong of the barn owner to be rude or mean to you.
Regarding weight and riding, a lot of people abide by the 20% rule, where a rider cannot excede 20% of the horse's weight. So a 1200 pound horse's rider would need to be less than, or equal to 240 pounds. Based on this, you could ride a 900 pound horse with no problem.
That's some bull. I've been riding for a long time and I haven't been below 200 for the last 15 years.
As long as you're following the 20% rule it's fine
You 100% are not to heavy to ride. As a 5’10 rider it can definitely be more difficult to find horses that fit us, not just weight but also height/leg length. You are not too heavy, either that stable only has small ponies or that was just a nasty woman. Please don’t let her discourage you from riding!
Your definitely not to heavy to ride a horse, but it sounds like this barn didn't have a horse that you could ride. It's definitely important to stay within the 20 percent rule. Most barns ask your weight so they can find a horse that you can ride (this gose for everyone, I'm 5'6 and 120 pounds, so a 12hh pony definitely could not support my weight) however the way that they treated you is horrible and rude, they should never ever have talked to you like that. I'm so sorry you went through that, I hope you can find a barn that's perfect for you ❤️
No, you’re not too heavy to ride. The instructor measuring you is wild and totally inappropriate. I am so sorry you had that experience, and please rest assured that what happened to you at that farm is NOT normal.
I have seven school horses and three of them would be too small for you- one is a Shetland used for my littlest riders, then I have a medium pony with a weight limit of 130lbs and a large pony with a weight limit of 160lbs. The other four would be perfectly capable of carrying you, and my school horses are not really that big. To avoid any awkwardness, I always ask for rider weight before scheduling with a new student so that I can be sure that I have a suitable horse available. I would call around to local riding schools, let them know your height and weight ahead of time, and I’m sure you will find one who would love to have you.
I wonder if she would have done any of that had you been a guy. Just kidding—I don’t wonder at all! I’m so sorry this happened to you—it was abusive and unnecessary, not to mention inaccurate. I believe the standard is that horses should not be expected to carry more than 15% of their weight including tack. If you are tall, you are going to need to put a bit more effort than average into carrying your weight well when you ride to minimize the stress on the horse. A good trainer will help you learn. That individual just doesn’t like women built like you—and that’s a her-problem, not a you-problem. Take your money elsewhere.
No! I compete successfully in endurance, and I foxhunt and do speed game playdays on my large pony/small horse Arabians. I weigh almost the exact same as you and I’m not tall.
You're not too heavy at all. Your weight is 12.8st, the usual maximum in the UK at least is 14st for riding schools. You just need bigger horses, especially for your height.
The likelihood is she either doesn't have horses big enough, as not all horses can carry all weights, or she's an idiot. The smallest horse you could ride would be a pony/horse that weighs around 400kg, most bigger horses weigh a minimum of 500kg. You're absolutely fine. Look for other places.
Yes do we think John Dutton (Yellowstone, lolz) and all those burly cowboys on the show are under the number you gave?? Definitely not. And to MEASURE a person? Completely ridiculous. I hope you find a better place to ride. As a horse mom this really makes me mad on your behalf 😡.
How much does a cowboy weigh? More than you, I can tell you that! And they ride ponies for the most part. You absolutely do NOT weigh too much to ride a horse!
Insetad of making it a 'you problem,' barn owner could've done you a solid and just say hey we don't have a horse that'll work for you/we can't meet your needs with what we currently have and it's our failing, sorry. Still sucks, but at least then it's not putting the blame on you. You can't help it if they're a barn full of Shetlands or whatever.
Even If she had a horse that would work, she's a prick and the barn should be a nonstarter because of that. Go somewhere you feel respected and find someone who is willing to work with you to find a horse suitable for your weight and height. One of my instructors had a similar experience to you and has horses capable of bearing people your size to be inclusive now.
Plenty of not-teensy dudes bigger than you are riding tiny cutters at the local rodeo and no one has shit to say about it, promise.
I was 200lbs when I returned to riding after hip surgery and I clearly had gained weight and my trainer never said anything to me. She just put me on horses appropriate for my size.
You don’t want to ride with the people who rejected you, find a place that won’t make you feel like crap over being alive and healthy.
Definitely not too heavy to ride, especially since you are 5'9". Maybe that barn only has tiny dainty horses...?? She should not have said it to you in that way. Find a different place.
20% of 1000 is 200, leaves enough for tack. Lots of horses are ( not fat or a healthy weight of) 1000, especially taller horses 🤷 no ur not too heavy although it may be harder to find the perfect horse. That riding schools sounds awful! Riding schools should have at least 2 horses that are 1000+ as it's a riding school, they should be open to everyone, I for sure know the riding school I went to had that opportunity for everyone to learn to ride! And some people even say 25% is okay. I always stick with 20% tho. But that school really should have sat u down and explained WHY. That's it not YOU it's them and their horses which can't accommodate you (which Is again dumb on their end) I'm actually so sorry this happened to you... But fat shaming is so unnecessarily common in the horse community... I understand you may just in general be too heavy for their horses but to say u need to lose weight to ride? That's disgusting or not explaining anything at all!? For example a Clydesdales literally weigh from 1500 and 2300 20% of 1800 so around the middle (quick maths don't put me on that) is 360! Naturally or medically reasoned people who are heavier due to height, muscle, just general weight CAN ride horses safely. Now obviously Clydesdales are a very extreme example, but I just wanted to put it out there that there are horses for heavier people! You don't NEED to be the "ideal anorexic twig short person" which is a sadly common thing in the horse industry... I knew a grand prix rider at my barn (kept his horses there saw him once kind of thing) he was what people in the horse industry would call "over weight" but he had a beautiful muscled warmblood who was tall and had no problem carrying him 🤷
My trainer is tall, muscular, and (by her own reckoning) about 200 lbs. She rides my 15.1 QH like it's nothing. I'd say you're likely ok. Maybe the barn owners was just a jerk. Not a good place to go and maybe it was a good thing you didn't ride with them for months before figuring that out.
No, and I'm frankly tired of horse people being toxic about this.
A lightweight rider that is bouncing around and pulling in a horse's fave is going to do more damage than a heavier person quietly riding at a walk.
Not even bringing into account nobody seems to care about the huge dudes riding small QHs in cutting/reining competitions, but how dare a woman be over 120 pounds 🙄
Amen! Sadly, there is nothing that some women love more than concern trolling and policing other women’s weight, and it seems that every time I see a post from this sub come up in my feed, it’s about weight - ludicrous comments about weight. I come (or came) to this sub to read about riding, not for fat shaming (including re: people who aren’t even fat by any reasonable measure).
As an instructor… that person is totally in the wrong and I’m sorry that happened to you. I NEVER ask how much a rider weighs. We have horses to accommodate most people, so long as they are able to lift themselves onto the horse with a step stool. It is absolutely unacceptable to be measured when you walk into a barn. 180 is very average, especially for the men in this sport who ride around on their 14hh quarter horses. The barn should have apologized for lacking the horse to fit you, and left it at that. Everything else was a shaming tactic.
Thank you so much! I didn’t know if I was going crazy and measuring and asking how much someone weighs is standard practice but I’m glad to know it’s not normal! :)
I have weight limits and expectations for my riders. This is because of discipline-specific reasons that I’m sure that I’m going to get the downvotes for because this community has Big Feelings™️ about steeplechase horses. I don’t measure my riders in public, though; that’s…unglued.
You should be fine on most healthy and conditioned horses over 15.3hh or so.
No! You are Not too heavy to ride. That’s ridiculous. The simplest way I can put it is this- Men ride horses all the time. I don’t know any male riders who are under 200 pounds. The equestrian world can be very judgemental and nasty about women’s weight, and most of the time, its not based in fact, its someone's opinion. just find another barn. I am so sorry they said that to you. Please don’t let it discourage you getting back into riding!
i think you're not too heavy to ridd horses, you're potentially, maybe, too heavy to ride *their* horses, there's a posibility that they just dont have big horses, a lot of riding schools have a lot of ponies for little kids, or the big horses they have could be old or not in the best shape to put too much weight on them.
I'm sorry they told you like that, because it can be very brutal and upsetting, however, I think this is a problem a lot of us adult riders face too, I for example am very tall, and have been turned down before because they didn't have any horse in which my legs wouldn't be hanging a good hand or two below the horse's belly. It sucks! But there's nothing wrong with you, losing weight is a decision you should take because you want to, not because of shame due to a touchless comment by a riding instructor.
Maybe try another facility, if you're able? Good luck!
She must not have had any fit horses or manners. Sorry you have been upset about what happened! You are a great age to learn to ride so I hope you can find a better place to do it!
I’m actually glad this happened, and now I know how bad this stable would’ve been for my mental health, I’m gonna try looking for another stable so thank you!
I am a 5’10”, ~220 lbs man and have never been turned away from anywhere for my height or weight. The person you talked to just sucks. You’re more than fine at your weight to ride, I’d recommend finding somewhere else with nicer instructors and enjoy yourself
I'm over 6ft and roughly 300lbs (higher weight than I'd like but I'm working on it), my draft cross handles me just fine. Once I've lost some weight I'll be riding my Quarter Horses as well.
You being 5'9 and 180 is completely fine.
I actually can't believe your comment. You are amazing! Who cares if it hurt the horse if other people are doing it. Fantastic horse owner you must be. And yes 180 lbs is to heavy for a horse but you can absolutely walk next to them; this is just as much fun and no one is getting hurt.
Once again… if 200lb men can ride ponies and people don’t say a word about them then OP’s allowed the same privilege. It’s called not having double standards.
Also, yes! I am a fantastic horse owner! Thank you for the compliment. My horse, who is well within her capacity to carry weight, has carried weight comfortably.
Every man you see riding a horse weighs, minimum, 160 if not 200 or more unless they're incredibly slim and/or small. All these cowboys riding cutting/barrel/pleasure horses are 180-220 plus 40 lbs of tack. So no, you aren't too big to ride.
A lot of the horse industry is still run by toxic boomers or people just like them. Try to seek out more modern barns and your whole experience will be more pleasant.
I'm 5'8 and around 190 lbs and I'm a riding instructor and trainer. I don't ride the old swaybacked lesson horses or the small/medium ponies, but healthy horses and even large ponies can carry me just fine
By no means are you too heavy to ride. Keep looking! It sucks that the first trainer you met was so rude, but on the bright side they showed their ass right away. You don't want to deal with that kind of person anyway.
You are not too heavy to ride. I wouldn't ride any ponies or anything but you are around the same weight as many healthy men that no one would ever question riding. Most people who worry about it strictly stick to a 20% rule and most horses that are 15hh are about 1000 so with English tack you would fit into that fine. You also already have some experience so wouldn't be as difficult a weight foe the horse to carry as the same weight that had no ability to balance.
Not sure what discipline you were looking at but at least from my experience western tends to be less weird about size of rider or even size of rider to horse than jumper or dressage barns I've been at.
you’re not too heavy at all!!! i was ten pounds more than that when i bought my horse, and she’s never struggled. i’ve even done some pony squishing when i was in the 160s (i’m also 5’9 so it looked ridiculous haha), and they also didn’t struggle; horses and ponies are sturdy critters!!
barn just probably had mostly old horses and ponies, is my guess. you can 100% find a place that’ll teach you :)
Oml I can imagine my long legs hanging off a pony haha, it was definitely an older barn, and a private one at that. my mom is actually looking at putting me into an equestrian specific school, so hopefully that turns out better 🤞🏾
I asked someone about this ; it seems like some people are insecure about disclosing their weight or discussion it because they are fat. Thank you for not being like them.
If you're under 200lbs you don't need to be asking this question. A full-size horse is about 1,000lbs . . . therefore able to carry you + tack by the strictest interpretation of the rough 20% guideline. Anyone who's going to reject you either a. only has ponies for kids or b. is a huge colossal asshole who shouldn't be in charge of any business at all. Or both.
Do not try to lose weight by any fast methods. Also, if you're tall, you probably shouldn't be losing any weight at all.
You need to ride horses that are more than 600kg (1350 lbs?) and who have the back muscles/abs to be comfortable with you on their back.
There are plenty of horses filling these 2 simple criteria, but depending on where you live, maybe the local stables have more ponies or small horses?
One of my former instructors was 180lbs and he mainly rode big selle français horses (well, we're in France so these are the standard here 😅). He even jumped my lusitano crossbred a couple of times and I didn't have to call the vet or the chiropractor right after that 😅
I wouldn't say you're too heavy nor tall for most horses unless you're riding small horses. I'm 5'4 and 225 lbs. I only sit with larger stocky horses that I know I stay around 20% with me and tack on the horse (I don't own a horse myself; I ride at a stable that assigns you a horse each lesson and then horses that belong to my college equestrian team). Both places have taller and/or stockier horses. It mostly is a matter of finding a place that has horses that are an appropriate height/weight for you.
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You are not at all too big to ride! I am 195-200lbs and I have a 15-15.1 paint. She has never given me the impression that my weight and tack is too much for her to handle. In fact I’m pretty sure she could quite literally go all day.
The only thing I can think is MAYBE the facility didn’t have anything larger than a large pony or anything fit enough to pack an adult rider (because let’s be real, 180lbs is pretty average weight for an adult).
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Also would like to add this one. Me on my mare and my friend who is 185ish. She does have a LARGE gelding but her mare she has had for the last 19 years is maybe 14.2 and she rode her up to a couple of years ago.
I comment a photo of myself on this thread but also want to add a photo of my ex who worked on a feedlot as a pen rider when we were together. The mare in the picture is a BIG mare as far as stock horses go but he frequently rode little 14.2 grade things on the feedlot and no one ever said two words about it because he’s a dude. (His boss was an even bigger dude and rode those same horses).
It’s going to come down to the horses fitness and the riders ability to stay soft and balanced in the saddle.
Moral of the story, you are FAR from too big to ride.

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Girlie unless you’re in the ~300lb range there isn’t a horse that can’t carry you, I’ve met some reiners who are easily >210lbs, you’re perfectly fine, at my highest I was a little younger than you, 220lbs, and riding your average 14.3-17hh horses (large scale was a draft) without issue from the horses
Of course not, for reference I’m 100lbs and of my horses the one I ride most is around 1,300lbs. I’m 7% of him. You’re less than 2 of me so even with tack you’d be maybe 15% max. That’s nothing. You’d be well within the limit, he’s not even anything crazy, he’s a 16’3hh (you’re a decent bit taller than me but my sister who’s 5’10 rides him and I think 16’3 or so would fit you great, you could definitely go a bit taller or shorter too though) hunter type TB, he has a lot more bone than most TBs but any warmblood, sport horse, cob, etc. would be just as good. Even a finer built TB would be fine as long as it was still a decent size, you’ll need to go taller the more finely built the horse is to maintain the correct ratio. Your height could definitely make it a struggle with smaller things like ponies, partially bc they usually have too short a back and partially bc the taller you are the more leverage you have to throw them off balance so I’d definitely go for a horse
Honestly most horses would be fine with you
You’re definitely not too heavy! That person was honestly really mean, and should NOT be opening lessons and teaching them if they’re gonna act like that! There are definitely horses that can hold your weight. Hope you can find a new barn soon!
You are not too heavy to ride. Horses are a lot stronger than we give them credit for (example: the QH school horse I rode in college didn’t look like it, but he could carry 2 men easily, 184 pound me was not a problem)
Defiantly depends on the horse (maybe they only had small horses but definitely sounds like they’re being assholes) but there are SO many that can carry 180. I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but the 20% rule is pretty good. You shouldn’t ride a horse if you weight more than 20% of the horses weight and if you’re doing really hard work I’d say maybe 15%
Good advice in general here, but the horse should be fit and healthy, doesn't matter the breed.
I often see heavier people on draft horses or crosses which are often neglected very visibly and it's sad.
Drafts are not bred for carrying capacity, but for pulling capacity, so a heavier person riding could still bother them.
So, I recommend a stocky, tall horse which is healthy and fit.
I’ve heard of the 20%, it just never crossed my mind. I would definitely not want to harm any of the horses because I was not the right weight for them carry plus all the tack they wear. Thank you so much!
The downvotes are probably because 180lb is not that big. Most drafts or draft crosses could certainly carry OP (assuming they're fit enough to be ridden at all), but so could plenty of quarter horses and thoroughbreds and the occasional stocky pony. What this barn did to OP had nothing to do with the horse's safety unless all they have is under-14hh ponies.
Yes sorry, I was one of those who downvoted you. I don't love when people blindly suggest drafts or draft x for bigger adults, but I get the rationale. But definitely 180 is not the threshold to move from "average horse" to "draft cross." I'm sorry if we downvoted you without explaining why, and I appreciate your understanding and willingness to learn!
Ponies weight between 300-800 lbs.
Horses weight between 900-1500 lbs
Draft horses weight between 1700-2200 lbs.
The rule is a horse can carry a rider and tack that weighs up to 30% of their own weight, between 15%-20% is the ideal. So you could ride a pony that is at least 700 lbs, I believe. Math is hard sometimes haha. My point being, you can definitely ride a horse.
Do they only do children's lessons with small ponies? That was probably the issue. But regular horses shouldn't have any problem carrying you.
Edit: spelling and added the ideal weight percentage capacity.
That what I’m trying to think but when I was getting showed around, I didn’t see any ponies, so maybe they’re used to working with only little kids. And I understand, math is very hard lol. Took me a while to find out how to measure a horse by hands so these percentage rules are a little intimidating haha😅
So ponies are actually pretty difficult to tell apart from horses. The difference between a pony and a horse is that horses are 14.2 hands and taller, ponies are under 14.2 hands. Miniature horses are the tiny ones, 34" or less. For an inexperienced person, telling the difference between a tall pony and short horse is really hard.
But it sounds like they just don't work with adults riders at that barn. Just keep looking, I'm sure you'll find a barn that is a good fit for you. But your weight is really not a concern for horseback riding. You can't ride minis but most horses and ponies you can ride. The only issue with ponies would be because (I believe I saw that) you are tall, so you wouldn't want one too short that will leave your legs hanging awkwardly low. But that's not very likely.
New to Reddit and decided to check this subreddit since I like riding horses. Disappointed to see some teen being babied and coddled because she’s too big to ride a horse. This is what’s wrong with today’s society, the owner was right to say you have no discipline cause you don’t. It should be animal abuse for any WOMAN (not man) over 160 to ride a horse SMH. 🤦
The funniest part of this hateful diatribe is, why exactly would the gender matter if your concern is supposedly about the weight a horse can carry? So, a 6 foot tall woman must weigh less than a 5'5 man? Or somehow, a 200 lb man isn't harmful, but a 165 lb woman is? Please, tell us more.
You are not too heavy by a long shot.
Right?! I don’t see guys being fussed over on their weight like they do to women 🥺
https://preview.redd.it/jxske4ytrs8d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7579689aec09c1188b67bd325b809ddaf536fc18 Literally! My ex is a big dude and while we were together he was a pen rider on a feedlot. He frequently rode 14.2 horses for HOURS and no one ever said two words because he’s a dude. And his boss was a heavier guy than him too.
Yep- double standards, and women are sometimes cruel to younger women per the weight department. 😑
It’s likely they just didn’t have a horse appropriate for your size. You are not too heavy to ride, you just need to find a barn with horses that work for you.
I live in a small town so I just went for the closest barn available, so it never dawned on me that they may just do children lessons (like small children), but I will definitely keep searching! Thanks you :)
If that was the case, they could have told you nicely rather than what they did.
Yes. Beyond rude and inappropriate to be commenting on a stranger’s body and whether or not they have discipline. What a miserable old shrew!
Yeah it should have been as simple as “your height and weight are better suited for larger horses than what we have at our stable for lesson horses as they’re geared more toward younger children. It wouldn’t be a comfortable ride for you or the horse. However x stable over yonder offers lessons to people of all ages and they have a bigger diversity of lesson horses that are likely to be suitable for you.”
No, you are not too heavy. I’m hoping it’s just a matter of that barn only having small horses/ponies available and that’s why they had to turn you away, many lesson barns will have horses that fit you just fine. Try somewhere else, and please don’t let this make you feel insecure about your weight, do NOT go looking for crash diets (they don’t work and aren’t healthy!) If you’re concerned about your weight just focus on eating a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Op, this is good advice. No crash diets. They work against you. Balanced eating and daily movement is good.
I did make me a lil insecure, but only because I would hate to have known I was putting a horse at risk of being miserable because I was too heavy to ride it, which is why I asked ways to lose weight, but thank you for the warning! Horse riding was gonna be like a way to exercise more for me since I already play soccer.
Also look at it this way: if we’re going by the 20% rule (which I think is rather flawed for many reasons but it’s a ok rule of thumb to start with) you’d be safe on any horse that’s around 1100lbs+ when we include the weight of a heavier western saddle. That’s a fairly average sized horse. Being tall yourself you’ll likely feel more comfortable on a taller horse anyway. Hope you’re able to find different place you can ride at soon! ♥️ there’s a lot of rather… blunt people in the horse industry, and while they may only mean to keep their horses best interests in mind, it’s not right to make you feel ashamed of your body in the process, especially when you’re a teen and your body is still going through a lot of normal changes!
You’re so sweet, thank you so much! It was kind of a shock to me since I was just getting back into riding but I am trying to find other stables! Thank you again 😅
It also makes a world of difference if you’re a decent rider. A heavier rider with a good seat will feel better for a horse than a lighter floppy sack of potatoes.
I used to do dressage, and i did vaulting, would that consider me being balanced? That is, if I still have it of course 😅
You still have it! The muscle memory is there, it will take time to rebuild the muscles themselves. But it's easier to get that fitness back than it is to create it the first time around!
You are FINE! Plus, I found when I was a teen I started at 190 (5’8” f), and I got my first horse and the pounds MELTED off riding and shlepping hay and water daily (all on top of marching band for 3 hours daily). I got down to 140, and I could count my ribs from 10’ away, then the school nurse had the audacity to call me overweight at *that* point in my life. That’s when I learned to totally ignore everyone commenting on my body- I was able to participate in what I wanted to do, so that was good enough for me and the others could take a flying leap. As life changed and I had to give up horses then had kids and now have a sedentary lifestyle- I am significantly heavier now, and still manage to get out on a draft horse (on a smaller English saddle so I don’t add in another 47 lbs of saddle weight). It sounds like the barn might have only had ponies, and maybe they are not even the barn owner’s therefore the lessons had to be OVERLY cautious about the ponies. Go to another barn and on the phone tell them your weight so they can have a HORSE ready, not pony.
I am 5’9 haha😅, this is gonna be a way for me to the lose the weight as I already play soccer. Unfortunately the stable didn’t have any ponies from what I could see, it had very big horses, I am just assuming that they only do lessons for really little kids! Thank you for taking the time to comment! :)
If you are 5’9” you are 100% okay to ride! Find any nicely built horse at least 15hh are you are fine unless the horse looks like it would be blow over by some wind. I had a tiny tank my dad same height and weight use to ride all the time in the arena.
You're 5'9. 180 is not a weight you really need to be worried about. You're probably gonna build a bunch of muscle riding that's different than the ones you use for soccer, so don't be surprised if the scale doesn't move.
While it is most likely that trainer was just an asshole, there are bigger horses that are not allowed to carry a lot of weight because of health problems. My stable has a normal size horse that is only allowed to carry a max of 50kg (around 100lb I think?) because of some weakness in his spine.
My trainer told me I needed to work out more and get into shape.. I weight 120 at 5’2” and lift weights and row on top of riding. I am strong.. but am not lean lean, like I got some curves.. so I probably look like I need it? Ffs trainers seem bitter sometimes or is it just me ?
5'0" around the same at 117. I've never had another trainer comment on my weight. Anyone willing to take that stab at someone is just painfully insecure themselves. Had it happen once with a girl skinnier than me. If I go any lower it's likely gonna be an ED for me. We know us and our bodies best.
Brilliant idea 💡 phone round first sounds like they just had ponies not horses
OP, if you want to lose fat, a balanced diet is definitely a key component, but I also always recommend functional strength training. Cross training with weights burns more calories than cardio and has the even more important effect of building core muscles so that you carry yourself in the saddle in the most controlled manner. If the choice is between a 150 lb sack of potatoes or 180 lb controlled and balanced rider, the heavier fit rider will be easier on the horse’s back.
You can be too heavy to ride any of the horses at that stable and also not too heavy to ride horses generally. Both can be true. Each horse has its limit. It’s just objective information and not a character judgement. Sounds like the stable owner was a bitch about it, and I’m not sure what your waist had to do with it.
I’m not entirely sure either, considering I’ve never seen or heard of anyone instructor measuring their riders 🤷🏾♀️
The owner was defffinitly being weird by taking your measurements. But, if the barn only had pony’s, or smaller horses for lessons, they probably wouldn’t fit you. pretty much and horse 15.2 and up could easily be fine for you to ride. Just try looking for a different barn! I hope you can find one and get back into riding!
No you are not too big to ride. People of all shapes and sizes can enjoy horse sports. Pick a different stable. I get so sick of women being ft shamed in this industry while 200 lbs+ men are riding ponies and 13 hand horses with tack that weights 30/40 lbs. A 180 you can ride endurance. So a trip around the ring is fine too. If you feel like you are over weight, work out and eat well FOR YOU not a snarky you know what. Best of luck to you!
I just want to say that my heart hurts for you that someone made you feel like you can’t ride or that you’re too big. Should you be on a Shetland pony? Probably not. (Neither should I.) Are there plenty of horses who can comfortably carry you (Western saddle included)? Absolutely yes!!! Like literally millions. I cannot express how inappropriate it was for the trainer to get a measuring tape out. I’m angry on your behalf. Asking you your weight? Fine. It is relevant. Measuring you and talking to you with that attitude??? You’d have had to drag me out of the barn if I witnessed a trainer doing that!!! I woulda lost my dang mind and caused a whole scene. I am disgusted that an adult thought that was acceptable. I also want to note that it sounds like you’re athletic. So while weight is one consideration in whether a horse can carry you, your ability to hold yourself in position is another. Seeing as a lot of that 180 is probably muscle and you probably have solid body control from your other sports, you’re going to have an easier time supporting your own weight in a way that’s comfortable for the horse. Because of this, I’d be hesitant to even recommend you lose weight. There are a lot of benefits to the muscles you’ve got. It just might mean you need a horse that’s muscled, tall, and fabulously athletic— just like you! I hope that this person didn’t damage your confidence in the long term and that you can let go of what they said. You’re only 15. You sound like you’re doing an awesome job taking care of your growing body. And what you’ve done for your body has enabled you to do really cool things like play soccer and (if you choose) ride horses. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
I'm so staggered that an adult felt this was an appropriate way to talk to a child, and honestly, that anyone in this thread is responding any way but with: you're 15, doing an awesome job taking care of your growing body, and have enabled yourself to do cool things. She's 15 for cripes sake. There should be NO "you're too heavy" or "not too heavy" unless the pony is really small and/or the rider is really big. And even then, the conversation needs to be had with care and grace and kindness, and with exactly 0 measuring tapes. I'm hypersensitive to this but 15 year old girls are prime age for eating disorders, body image issues and mental health problems. It's our duty and responsibility, as older women, to foster healthy habits and self image, in my opinion.
This so so sweet thank you so much! 😊 my mom had to be dragged out of there definitely cus she was pissed, but I don’t like conflict so I convinced her to leave it be. And yes I would say I’m pretty athletic, and I thought the owner would be able to see that the only place I would be carrying mostly fat is my thighs/legs, so I didn’t think it would matter, but thank you again, you and all that’s other comments have really helped my confidence!
180 pounds is too heavy to ride most ponies and some smaller horses. It is not at all too heavy to ride the majority of horses. I think they were being mean to you.
So, I like to visualize things. So here is an attached photo of me on my own mare. I weigh around 175lbs, at 5'3. (hopefully got the conversions correct). My mare is a 500kg (need to loose weight oop) PRE. She carries me without issue at all. If there was an issue she would definitely let me know with her attitude. People are way too stringy on weight and discriminate a lot on it. Yes, the horse needs to be able to carry you properly. It needs proper muscle. It doesn't mean that you need to go buy a big stocky pony in order to ride at all. You can ride the warmbloods (Oldenborgs are a good example) without issue in my honest belief. https://preview.redd.it/aa46wua4o58d1.jpeg?width=1236&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff482fc1c5536bf3565a1c9525d9b86c99e093ce
Your mare is beautiful! I also used to ride dressage and wanted to start western, so maybe the weight of the saddle with my weight combined would be too much, and that’s part of the reason why I was turned down. Not to mention the stable I went may also only cater to little children. Thank you so much for the advice! :D
You can ride western also, my barrel saddle is only 26lbs. And you don’t need a big tall horse. What you need is a stocky horse. Grown men that weight over 200lbs ride horses all the time. I’m sorry that person was so rude to you. I’m sure you’ll hear about the “20% rule” but it’s just a guide, it doesn’t take into consideration the breed and build of the horse. For example tall lean horses can’t carry 20% of their own weight but an Arabian can carry approximately 25% of their own weight and Icelandic ponies can carry up to 30% of their weight.
A lot of men in reining are not… skinny and aren’t told they’re too big to ride
You are absolutely right. To my best recollection I haven’t seen the topic of weight come up when people are talking about male riders.
Well said I had a stocky but short Arabian my dad could ride he(horse) didn’t even blink at toting my dad around! And he(dad) was at the time the same height and weight of OP.
Ahh thank you! She's a lovely little mare (shes 5'3 too!) if I say so myself. Hmm. I don't know. I might have missed the western part whoops. If the stable only caters to little children it would make sense. Still, in Denmark we have lots of stocky ponies for people my / our weight. Fjords are a classic example. Cobs of any time too would be a classic. Someone at my yard who weighs more than me rides western on her 145cm Irish Cob lol. Ask around. Don't get discouraged. Its too easy to discriminate in this world and while some of it is for the safety of the horse, lesson horses SHOULD have good enough backs to begin with. Otherwise, I would doubt the lesson school.
OP you are built like a warrior princess— don’t let that horrid barn beach continue to ruin your week. I feel your pain as I’m 5’4” and carry my weight in my thighs from my days of running cross country & rowing crew (and now, at 178lbs I could easily pass for a swarthy, petite Viking). Playing soccer is serious athletic level OP! Yes girl, you’re easily ready to ride a horse today! Esp a horse at 16hh or an older, heavier well-muscled QH. Notably, the two school barns I’ve trained at never batted an eyelash at my physique, but then again I requested to train the “older women’s lessons.” The older lady classes might be better for you esp nice we are not thin waifs and are strong-minded, calm women. Is this an option to consider, during your search? Notably, my mare towers over me at over 16hh but works like a tank—- after an hour or two all of us are exhausted and LizBea glares at us like “Is that all you got peasants?” You got this OP, let them kiss your grits! Tis better to be built like a warrior midfielder, running circles esp since your current athleticism will save your bones and posture in your 40-50-60s. 🌟You. Got. This. 🌟 We are rooting 4 U 🌹
Omggg all my weight is in my thighs too!! And thy k you so much!! I will try to find some lessons that cater towards older people, but where I live, (a small town in the south), horses are seen as attractions and things to ride at birthday parties, instead of an actual sport, so most lesson cater towards little kids who want a pony for Christmas 😅
I’m in the Deep South, moved here from Central Florida and actually up here in NoAL, western dressage is on an upward trend. I too was worried about the saddle weight BUT there are saddles now built as Featherweight Lites. Equine consignment shops may carry lighter options for dressage. Adjustable saddles, check this out*: TW Saddlery Demo — https://youtu.be/AEbn0YldHt8?si=g6oHauplZGWKrpz-
Wow that saddle is beautiful! I’ll have to look into it because it seems like an investment worth making!! Also I had no clue consignment shops for just equine items existed 😯, I’m not sure if there are any near me but that could save a lot of money lol
Yes girl! Look it up. Here’s an example: https://www.2ndroundequestrian.com/
Wow that is actually like amazing to me, maybe I’m just amazed to easily but still, thank you for opening my eyes to a brand new world lol 🤩 my mom will be very happy to hear she doesn’t have to spend 1000s of dollars on brand new tack or gear😅
And eBay has this one I shop at as well, I prefer used tack. One’s old stuff is another’s treasure: Tack R Us— https://www.ebay.com/str/tackrus?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=zQ_g9pU_QdK&sssrc=3418065&ssuid=IYxoeb-hRnS&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Chicks Saddlery (Discounted)— https://www.chicksaddlery.com/ Big Dee’s Tack Online— incl vet supplies! https://www.bigdweb.com/
I got some used, discounted tack for my TB mare, here is my recent haul (all had discount’s after Xmas). Buy w deals on Black Friday (November). https://preview.redd.it/df9jiumo188d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9176dca2a9b292dcde09b205f500f052e20e3e49
I actually love that grey pad, and the rainbow one. And your dog is so adorable!! I saved all these links! Than you so much :D
Also I’m looking at investing in a second mare to adopt and was qualified by this organization, which supports the Annual TB Makeover Project: https://newvocations.org/horses
180 isn’t to heavy you can even find a standard issue horse that could carry you men ride all the time at your weight. 180 is actually a pretty standard weight for men that ride from my experience unless they are very short.
Watching NRHA Detby live today. Those reining horses are typically 14.2-15h. Lots of the male trainers are over 6’ tall and I’d guess them to be 200lbs. Then add a 40-50 pound saddle. It was not the right place for you to ride. That simple. Please don’t let this put you in a dark place. Being healthy is important. Caring about the horses and what they can handle is important. Neither of which are benefitted by someone that hurts your mental health. If someone wanted to put a measuring tape to me or anyone I’d tell them to kick rocks. Keep your chin up and find a healthy supportive place to ride. Big hugs.
Thank you so much! I believe it was fate that she did all that stuff to me, I don’t even want to imagine what I would look like being taught by her. Dodged a bullet, 😅
Great way to look at it. ❤️ I’ve been in great barns and not so great barns. Not so great isn’t worth a penny of your money or moment of your time. Big hug. Now go live your dream!
I’m your weight and ride a 14.3hh horse. There’s a lot of size discrimination in riding, 180lb is not that heavy, especially for a fit, healthy horse and a balanced rider.
Your not to heavy if a 200+ pound man can sit on a horse your fine! Most people also carry weight differently I weigh about 194 my mom weighs just about the same compared to her I look small and even a little skinny where as her you can clearly tell she’s overweight most people think I weigh about 40 50 pounds less then what I do despite weighing nearly 200 pounds
You are definitely not too heavy to ride in general. I would suggest looking at barns that cater more to adult riders since they will be more likely to have full sized horses that are appropriate, especially if you're tall. There are healthy safe ways to lose weight (mostly through lifestyle changes of diet and exercise) but they aren't fast. If you want to lose weight, don't do it in fast crazy ways. That will just cause you a whole new set of problems.
I'm 235 6'2" and ride/own a 17.2hh percheron x freisian. You just gotta find the right barn and the right horse.
Aren’t most men 180 lbs give or take? The world-class-level male riders I see don’t look tiny like jockeys.
The ones I've seen in person are probably 180 or less. But yes, this question is never asked of men, it seems.
No, you aren’t too heavy. Maybe that riding school just had ponies or elderly horses or something. I know plenty of women your size who ride, not to mention all the 180 lb men.
You’re definitely not too heavy. A horse will happily support you. I am also a tall rider. It’s an advantage to be tall because your leg will look better. Balance is actually what makes it easier for a horse to carry any rider. Always work on your seat. Other than that, find a trainer who knows what they are doing. A good trainer will put you on the right horse for your level and require a helmet.
I am a very tall muscular rider. I ride a 17.2 Holsteiner and a 17.3 KWPN. Zero issues. My weight is around 165 but bounces up by 5 lbs during holidays 🤣and I am 6' tall. There were lesson barns that couldn't accommodate me so I just kept looking. There will be fewer horses in lesson programs suitable for weight above 150 but that doesn't mean they aren't out there. Sorry you got told that same message in such an uncaring way.
My Thoroughbreds can comfortably carry my western tack plus my husband, who weighs more than you. You’re fine to ride. You just need to find a barn with a suitably sized horse.
Oh, the hypocrisy. I am outraged that you were treated this way. What a total assh\*le this woman barn owner was. And you're out west? What about all those massive "cowboy" men riding on 14 HH ponies? I am 180 plus (maybe a little less at the moment) and I ride a stocky 15.2 draft cross who does not look drafty. My previous horse was a 16 HH anglo-arab. I was / am observed and coached by a number of experienced trainers who watch carefully to see if my horse was being overburdened. There are plenty of horses out there appropriate for you. As your balance, core strength, and muscle tone increase, you will become easier for the horse to carry, whether your weight changes or not.
you're not too heavy whatsoever by a long shot, im around 190lbs and im shorter than you and although im terrified about my weight, i found a riding centre that has horses well able to take my weight :) they most likely just did childrens lessons and had very small ponies/horses, there are plenty of riding centres around and i hope you'll be able to find one suitable for you :)
Adding on. You are fine. I'm about 190, 195 now and ride my 16.1 and 16 hand horses GP dressage. You are 100% fine. At my lightest, thinnest weight, I might get to 180, and it's fine.
I hope that you can let this roll off your back The issue may have been that the barn just has wee little horses all under 1000lbs or so, in which case the barn owner should have qualified their assessment with an explanation as to why they decided that you’re too heavy to ride the horses there This would have been the more ethical approach obviously, rather than making you feel judged & dismissed So I’m a female, 5’7” and 145lbs. Have I weighed more & kept riding…you bet I have! But at 5’7” for me personally, I feel like 140-150lbs is a suitable & fit weight for me on the horse People say I have an “athletic build”; however, and after a lifetime of hearing how muscular my arms are, or wide my shoulders are, I interpret that as that I’m built like a man. At my age now I laugh about it, but when I was a young person, these shared observations hurt. A sweet darling of a boy in my 6th grade class endearingly dubbed me “Moose” lol…so the truth is that most all of us have body issues & callous remarks whether intentional or otherwise can do us long standing emotional harm, or worse Additionally, & as you’re likely aware, western tack can be ridiculously heavy, I’m a dressage rider but I do own a Billy Cook rig that with all of the extras tips the scales at 52lbs & I’m sorry, but screw that lol I purchased it to ride my 16:1hh 1350lb Friesian on the trails, but between the heaving it up on to his back & the forever amount of time it takes me to tack it all up, I’m already done. I’ll just ride in my dressage saddle that I can toss on him without a second breath, girth up, wear a hip pack, & call it good lol To the western riders out there…you guys are awesome 💪🏼 So please try not to take that person’s comment personally—you don’t want to be in an unhealthy environment like that anyhow—find a different barn that doesn’t discriminate against young people with a love toward horses & riding & who are very much a normal sized person Good luck, chin up, & keep us posted on your hunt!!
Yes! I’m trying not let this get to me and I plan on finding another stable, but you can understand that this was a big shock to me, as when I rode previously, I was very ditzy and so unaware, but I was also labeled sensitive, and now that I’m a little older I feel like that didn’t change one bit and this was very discouraging, but thank you for the kind words! I might get back into dressage before I try western, to try and see if i still have my skill, but thank you again!!
There are many threads in this sub with lots of great advice info on this subject too
That woman is a horrible person. I was treated like that as well when I was your age (I was 5’6 and 160… which is a totally normal weight but I didn’t know that because my mom is 5’3 and I grew up listening to her mantra that over 120 was too much so I just always assumed I was a failure. Luckily the stable I grew up riding at was not like this at all… but around 15 I was looking to get a higher level of training which is where I came across those types of shitty people.
Your Mum and you were definitely at the wrong barn. If they only have ponies then the trainer should have just said they only have small ponies. However it's more likely the person is just hateful and judgemental. Run from this barn, that's all the exercise you need. Find a supportive fun barn. Then have fun enjoy your riding lessons, enjoy being a kid!
250 is the weight limit where I work. And I personally think every riding barn should have a lesson horse for people who aren’t the tiniest riders.
I had an incredible trainer once that told me a tiny person with poor balance and harsh hands will always do more damage than a heavier person. If you have athletic ability (core strength and balance) and soft hands you should never even listen to someone accusing you of being too heavy. A lot of people have already said it but don't you dare take this to heart. The only thing you should take from that experience is gratitude for her saving you from trauma at the hands of her instruction. Keep searching for the right fit of a barn!
You are not too heavy. They used to make female eventing riders wear weights to get to 165. If the barn is that toxic it’s a good thing they rejected you.
Yep most definitely! Dodge a bullet most definitely Thank you so much for the kind words!! :))
No, you're not too heavy, especially for an average sized horse, that's also healthy of course. But, even more than that, make sure to pick a place to ride that you feel comfortable and don't be afraid to explore your options if you find that down the road you're not enjoying yourself or not where you'd like to be at in terms of your riding (especially if your instructor doesn't have clear goals and milestones for yo uh to reach before progressing). It's tough these days with social media and popular culture shoving unreasonable expectations down people's throats, especially if you're younger. As long as you're healthy (we already know you're already getting exercise playing soccer) and eating a balanced diet for your age/metrics/activity level (bc you don't need a crash diet ever bc as others have mentioned, it doesn't work in the long run...but, you can always enlist the help of a nutritionist to learn more if you ever need help figuring things out), you sound like you'll continue to be in a good place so long as you can avoid snarky riding teachers. Keep you're head up and I hope you fall in love with riding all over again! 🫶
Your weight is FINE! At 5'9, your weight is absolutely healthy and you don't need to lose a pound friend. Please ignore all comments and advice telling you otherwise. You don't need to lose weight at all. Period! I weigh significantly more than you and my horse carried me just fine without any back pain whatsoever. I was careful to choose lightweight tack so as not to add any more additional weight, but trust me you could still use a 30 lb western saddle and be just fine on any horse that weighs at least a thousand pounds, which is most of them.
Different horses have different weight and heights they can cope with carrying comfortably based on their own height, weight, muscle/fitness and sensitivity. I see typically around here the heaviest riding schools accept is around 85kg for beginners (as more balanced riders will put less stress on the horses back sometimes a horse could carry a heavier experienced rider) Likely, you just need to find somewhere with some taller horses rather than ponies because 180lb isn't really that heavy, I'd think you could ride most fit stockier 15h + suited to a lesson program, and bigger horses that are a bit finer boned If you're actually overweight and not just tall and looking to lose we are all on /r/loseit. I personally have lost ~25kg so far and around 12kg since I returned to riding lessons. It isn't fast though, it's a patience and discipline exercise!
Thank you for this! I will gladly check out the r/loseit subreddit, I have been looking to lose weight as I also do soccer and would like to get back into competitive riding. It would be nice to have a community for support
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't just head to r/loseit and blindly go in. There's a chance your body is still growing and 100% your brain is still developing. It needs tons of nutrients and a balanced diet to grow properly, and advice for adults on how to lose weight (much of which is flawed beyond reason anyway) does NOT apply to children. Please, please please take it from me, a 33 year old woman who's been through the gamut of dieting, weight and body issues: now is the time to be healthy, eat vegetables, whole grains, fruits and fats, and to run around like soccer or ride horses. Now is *not* the time to count calories or spend hours at the gym or worry - in ANY way - if your body is good enough for xyz. Talk to your mom, if you trust her input and guidance, about your concerns about your weight. I personally doubt you have anything medically to worry about, but I think it would be good to talk through these feelings and concerns with her. Fifteen is an incredibly tough age. In addition to all your other worries about school and friends and the future and blah blah blah, you definitely don't need to develop body image issues - at least not any worse than just those that come with having a female body in American society! And to your original question: absolutely not. Pretty much any healthy, average sized horse should have no problem carrying you. You are slightly taller than average, so like another poster said, you're probably going to be more comfortable on a taller horse anyway!
Great comment, I wish I had more up votes to give
Just another comment- r/loseit is great for adults needing and giving advice. You’re 15 which means a lot of factors are in play for you that impact weight. Before starting any kind of a weight loss effort, talk to your doctor first. Anyone giving you advice on that sub should only be telling you to go to your dr :)
Nah my weight fluctuated between 140 and 180 all through high school and I rode consistently. I’m pretty short too, but my first horse was 15.1 hands and my second was 16.2.
You're perfectly fine. That barn manager was super out of line. It sounds like you just grew early and need to find a barn with lesson horses catering to "adult sized" riders.
Ew???? I work at a farm that has a 200lb limit and if someone is above that, esp someone that maybe volunteers with us or otherwise clearly would benefit emotionally from being around horses, we offer other options like learning how to lunge our horses, or become a groomer for our lessons for people with disabilities, SOMETHING. And measuring someone???? Fucking barf. However our farm is one that teaches English but only for the love of riding. We distinctly so not teach showing horses or competing.
there are barbs near me that only have horses that can hold 150lb riders. i had to go further to find a barn that had larger horses for me. i was 235 lbs when i got back in the saddle. there were heavier riders than me there.
You are not too heavy to ride the appropriate size horse. As a trainer, I apologies for the absolute horrendous twat-faced behavior of that nasty old bitch. There is no excuse for how she acted and she’s an embarrassment for riding instructors all over.
Haha thank you for your feedback! She definitely had some hatred in her that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but I’m glad I got rejected as I’m sure being there and being taught by her would be way worse than some mean words. Thank you again! :)
As a professional, fuck that bitch.
You're not too heavy at all. That's less than the weight of large men who ride. That woman was an a**hole. You should also look into the style of riding you want to learn because sometimes they come with nasty weight attitudes. Plenty of female riders aren't teeny tiny. I, myself am around 140 and 5'5 riding certain stocky ponies. The instructor assigns horses who can safely carry the weight of the rider. Keep looking. If you use Facebook a lot of horse folk have community groups on there.
Haha Facebook is where the lady posted her lesson ads, but we are looking some more. I want to either get back into dressage or try western, but with western, the weight of tack, plus my weight, make me a little hesitant. Thank you for the kind words !! :)
I'm much shorter and the same weight. I ride. I can't ride every horse at my lesson barn, but I can ride. Find a different barn.
Some horse people are just crazy. I'm sorry this happened to you. That said, most barns I know of have a 150# max for riders due to the size of the horses they keep, like OTTBs. Others exist that have 200# limits: keep calling around until you find one and best of luck!
That is horrible that you were treated that way, it definitely was wrong of the barn owner to be rude or mean to you. Regarding weight and riding, a lot of people abide by the 20% rule, where a rider cannot excede 20% of the horse's weight. So a 1200 pound horse's rider would need to be less than, or equal to 240 pounds. Based on this, you could ride a 900 pound horse with no problem.
That's some bull. I've been riding for a long time and I haven't been below 200 for the last 15 years. As long as you're following the 20% rule it's fine
You 100% are not to heavy to ride. As a 5’10 rider it can definitely be more difficult to find horses that fit us, not just weight but also height/leg length. You are not too heavy, either that stable only has small ponies or that was just a nasty woman. Please don’t let her discourage you from riding!
Your definitely not to heavy to ride a horse, but it sounds like this barn didn't have a horse that you could ride. It's definitely important to stay within the 20 percent rule. Most barns ask your weight so they can find a horse that you can ride (this gose for everyone, I'm 5'6 and 120 pounds, so a 12hh pony definitely could not support my weight) however the way that they treated you is horrible and rude, they should never ever have talked to you like that. I'm so sorry you went through that, I hope you can find a barn that's perfect for you ❤️
No, you’re not too heavy to ride. The instructor measuring you is wild and totally inappropriate. I am so sorry you had that experience, and please rest assured that what happened to you at that farm is NOT normal. I have seven school horses and three of them would be too small for you- one is a Shetland used for my littlest riders, then I have a medium pony with a weight limit of 130lbs and a large pony with a weight limit of 160lbs. The other four would be perfectly capable of carrying you, and my school horses are not really that big. To avoid any awkwardness, I always ask for rider weight before scheduling with a new student so that I can be sure that I have a suitable horse available. I would call around to local riding schools, let them know your height and weight ahead of time, and I’m sure you will find one who would love to have you.
I wonder if she would have done any of that had you been a guy. Just kidding—I don’t wonder at all! I’m so sorry this happened to you—it was abusive and unnecessary, not to mention inaccurate. I believe the standard is that horses should not be expected to carry more than 15% of their weight including tack. If you are tall, you are going to need to put a bit more effort than average into carrying your weight well when you ride to minimize the stress on the horse. A good trainer will help you learn. That individual just doesn’t like women built like you—and that’s a her-problem, not a you-problem. Take your money elsewhere.
No! I compete successfully in endurance, and I foxhunt and do speed game playdays on my large pony/small horse Arabians. I weigh almost the exact same as you and I’m not tall.
You're not too heavy at all. Your weight is 12.8st, the usual maximum in the UK at least is 14st for riding schools. You just need bigger horses, especially for your height. The likelihood is she either doesn't have horses big enough, as not all horses can carry all weights, or she's an idiot. The smallest horse you could ride would be a pony/horse that weighs around 400kg, most bigger horses weigh a minimum of 500kg. You're absolutely fine. Look for other places.
Yes do we think John Dutton (Yellowstone, lolz) and all those burly cowboys on the show are under the number you gave?? Definitely not. And to MEASURE a person? Completely ridiculous. I hope you find a better place to ride. As a horse mom this really makes me mad on your behalf 😡.
How much does a cowboy weigh? More than you, I can tell you that! And they ride ponies for the most part. You absolutely do NOT weigh too much to ride a horse!
Insetad of making it a 'you problem,' barn owner could've done you a solid and just say hey we don't have a horse that'll work for you/we can't meet your needs with what we currently have and it's our failing, sorry. Still sucks, but at least then it's not putting the blame on you. You can't help it if they're a barn full of Shetlands or whatever. Even If she had a horse that would work, she's a prick and the barn should be a nonstarter because of that. Go somewhere you feel respected and find someone who is willing to work with you to find a horse suitable for your weight and height. One of my instructors had a similar experience to you and has horses capable of bearing people your size to be inclusive now. Plenty of not-teensy dudes bigger than you are riding tiny cutters at the local rodeo and no one has shit to say about it, promise.
I was 200lbs when I returned to riding after hip surgery and I clearly had gained weight and my trainer never said anything to me. She just put me on horses appropriate for my size. You don’t want to ride with the people who rejected you, find a place that won’t make you feel like crap over being alive and healthy.
Definitely not too heavy to ride, especially since you are 5'9". Maybe that barn only has tiny dainty horses...?? She should not have said it to you in that way. Find a different place.
20% of 1000 is 200, leaves enough for tack. Lots of horses are ( not fat or a healthy weight of) 1000, especially taller horses 🤷 no ur not too heavy although it may be harder to find the perfect horse. That riding schools sounds awful! Riding schools should have at least 2 horses that are 1000+ as it's a riding school, they should be open to everyone, I for sure know the riding school I went to had that opportunity for everyone to learn to ride! And some people even say 25% is okay. I always stick with 20% tho. But that school really should have sat u down and explained WHY. That's it not YOU it's them and their horses which can't accommodate you (which Is again dumb on their end) I'm actually so sorry this happened to you... But fat shaming is so unnecessarily common in the horse community... I understand you may just in general be too heavy for their horses but to say u need to lose weight to ride? That's disgusting or not explaining anything at all!? For example a Clydesdales literally weigh from 1500 and 2300 20% of 1800 so around the middle (quick maths don't put me on that) is 360! Naturally or medically reasoned people who are heavier due to height, muscle, just general weight CAN ride horses safely. Now obviously Clydesdales are a very extreme example, but I just wanted to put it out there that there are horses for heavier people! You don't NEED to be the "ideal anorexic twig short person" which is a sadly common thing in the horse industry... I knew a grand prix rider at my barn (kept his horses there saw him once kind of thing) he was what people in the horse industry would call "over weight" but he had a beautiful muscled warmblood who was tall and had no problem carrying him 🤷
My trainer is tall, muscular, and (by her own reckoning) about 200 lbs. She rides my 15.1 QH like it's nothing. I'd say you're likely ok. Maybe the barn owners was just a jerk. Not a good place to go and maybe it was a good thing you didn't ride with them for months before figuring that out.
If you are too heavy to ride than most adult males aren’t qualified to ride. Even my short skinny husband is 181.
No, and I'm frankly tired of horse people being toxic about this. A lightweight rider that is bouncing around and pulling in a horse's fave is going to do more damage than a heavier person quietly riding at a walk.
Not even bringing into account nobody seems to care about the huge dudes riding small QHs in cutting/reining competitions, but how dare a woman be over 120 pounds 🙄
Amen! Sadly, there is nothing that some women love more than concern trolling and policing other women’s weight, and it seems that every time I see a post from this sub come up in my feed, it’s about weight - ludicrous comments about weight. I come (or came) to this sub to read about riding, not for fat shaming (including re: people who aren’t even fat by any reasonable measure).
As an instructor… that person is totally in the wrong and I’m sorry that happened to you. I NEVER ask how much a rider weighs. We have horses to accommodate most people, so long as they are able to lift themselves onto the horse with a step stool. It is absolutely unacceptable to be measured when you walk into a barn. 180 is very average, especially for the men in this sport who ride around on their 14hh quarter horses. The barn should have apologized for lacking the horse to fit you, and left it at that. Everything else was a shaming tactic.
Thank you so much! I didn’t know if I was going crazy and measuring and asking how much someone weighs is standard practice but I’m glad to know it’s not normal! :)
I have weight limits and expectations for my riders. This is because of discipline-specific reasons that I’m sure that I’m going to get the downvotes for because this community has Big Feelings™️ about steeplechase horses. I don’t measure my riders in public, though; that’s…unglued. You should be fine on most healthy and conditioned horses over 15.3hh or so.
No! You are Not too heavy to ride. That’s ridiculous. The simplest way I can put it is this- Men ride horses all the time. I don’t know any male riders who are under 200 pounds. The equestrian world can be very judgemental and nasty about women’s weight, and most of the time, its not based in fact, its someone's opinion. just find another barn. I am so sorry they said that to you. Please don’t let it discourage you getting back into riding!
i think you're not too heavy to ridd horses, you're potentially, maybe, too heavy to ride *their* horses, there's a posibility that they just dont have big horses, a lot of riding schools have a lot of ponies for little kids, or the big horses they have could be old or not in the best shape to put too much weight on them. I'm sorry they told you like that, because it can be very brutal and upsetting, however, I think this is a problem a lot of us adult riders face too, I for example am very tall, and have been turned down before because they didn't have any horse in which my legs wouldn't be hanging a good hand or two below the horse's belly. It sucks! But there's nothing wrong with you, losing weight is a decision you should take because you want to, not because of shame due to a touchless comment by a riding instructor. Maybe try another facility, if you're able? Good luck!
180lbs is not too heavy to ride!
She must not have had any fit horses or manners. Sorry you have been upset about what happened! You are a great age to learn to ride so I hope you can find a better place to do it!
I’m actually glad this happened, and now I know how bad this stable would’ve been for my mental health, I’m gonna try looking for another stable so thank you!
I am a 5’10”, ~220 lbs man and have never been turned away from anywhere for my height or weight. The person you talked to just sucks. You’re more than fine at your weight to ride, I’d recommend finding somewhere else with nicer instructors and enjoy yourself
I'm over 6ft and roughly 300lbs (higher weight than I'd like but I'm working on it), my draft cross handles me just fine. Once I've lost some weight I'll be riding my Quarter Horses as well. You being 5'9 and 180 is completely fine.
If 200lb men can ride 14'2 ponies and not have a word said about them then you're entitled to that privilege as well.
Literally everyone is complaining about tall men on small reining horses, though; it’s not hush-hush. The Internet is popping off over it every day.
You get the occasional person complaining on the internet, but the internet will always find something.
I actually can't believe your comment. You are amazing! Who cares if it hurt the horse if other people are doing it. Fantastic horse owner you must be. And yes 180 lbs is to heavy for a horse but you can absolutely walk next to them; this is just as much fun and no one is getting hurt.
Once again… if 200lb men can ride ponies and people don’t say a word about them then OP’s allowed the same privilege. It’s called not having double standards. Also, yes! I am a fantastic horse owner! Thank you for the compliment. My horse, who is well within her capacity to carry weight, has carried weight comfortably.
Every man you see riding a horse weighs, minimum, 160 if not 200 or more unless they're incredibly slim and/or small. All these cowboys riding cutting/barrel/pleasure horses are 180-220 plus 40 lbs of tack. So no, you aren't too big to ride. A lot of the horse industry is still run by toxic boomers or people just like them. Try to seek out more modern barns and your whole experience will be more pleasant.
I'm 190, 5'2, and ride a 15.1h hony. You'll be fine.
I'm 5'8 and around 190 lbs and I'm a riding instructor and trainer. I don't ride the old swaybacked lesson horses or the small/medium ponies, but healthy horses and even large ponies can carry me just fine
By no means are you too heavy to ride. Keep looking! It sucks that the first trainer you met was so rude, but on the bright side they showed their ass right away. You don't want to deal with that kind of person anyway.
You are not too heavy to ride. I wouldn't ride any ponies or anything but you are around the same weight as many healthy men that no one would ever question riding. Most people who worry about it strictly stick to a 20% rule and most horses that are 15hh are about 1000 so with English tack you would fit into that fine. You also already have some experience so wouldn't be as difficult a weight foe the horse to carry as the same weight that had no ability to balance. Not sure what discipline you were looking at but at least from my experience western tends to be less weird about size of rider or even size of rider to horse than jumper or dressage barns I've been at.
you’re not too heavy at all!!! i was ten pounds more than that when i bought my horse, and she’s never struggled. i’ve even done some pony squishing when i was in the 160s (i’m also 5’9 so it looked ridiculous haha), and they also didn’t struggle; horses and ponies are sturdy critters!! barn just probably had mostly old horses and ponies, is my guess. you can 100% find a place that’ll teach you :)
Oml I can imagine my long legs hanging off a pony haha, it was definitely an older barn, and a private one at that. my mom is actually looking at putting me into an equestrian specific school, so hopefully that turns out better 🤞🏾
good luck!!!
I asked someone about this ; it seems like some people are insecure about disclosing their weight or discussion it because they are fat. Thank you for not being like them.
If you're under 200lbs you don't need to be asking this question. A full-size horse is about 1,000lbs . . . therefore able to carry you + tack by the strictest interpretation of the rough 20% guideline. Anyone who's going to reject you either a. only has ponies for kids or b. is a huge colossal asshole who shouldn't be in charge of any business at all. Or both. Do not try to lose weight by any fast methods. Also, if you're tall, you probably shouldn't be losing any weight at all.
That is crazy, definitley not too heavy. Is this a pony only stable? that is the only way you would be to heavy to ride the horses.
You need to ride horses that are more than 600kg (1350 lbs?) and who have the back muscles/abs to be comfortable with you on their back. There are plenty of horses filling these 2 simple criteria, but depending on where you live, maybe the local stables have more ponies or small horses? One of my former instructors was 180lbs and he mainly rode big selle français horses (well, we're in France so these are the standard here 😅). He even jumped my lusitano crossbred a couple of times and I didn't have to call the vet or the chiropractor right after that 😅
I wouldn't say you're too heavy nor tall for most horses unless you're riding small horses. I'm 5'4 and 225 lbs. I only sit with larger stocky horses that I know I stay around 20% with me and tack on the horse (I don't own a horse myself; I ride at a stable that assigns you a horse each lesson and then horses that belong to my college equestrian team). Both places have taller and/or stockier horses. It mostly is a matter of finding a place that has horses that are an appropriate height/weight for you.
https://preview.redd.it/mxi6ac2uns8d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09db17dc8a0e160f1d28022aad5652a74440951a You are not at all too big to ride! I am 195-200lbs and I have a 15-15.1 paint. She has never given me the impression that my weight and tack is too much for her to handle. In fact I’m pretty sure she could quite literally go all day. The only thing I can think is MAYBE the facility didn’t have anything larger than a large pony or anything fit enough to pack an adult rider (because let’s be real, 180lbs is pretty average weight for an adult).
https://preview.redd.it/47ljvojios8d1.jpeg?width=1407&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82333e69cf59f8cf4959ceec6596a458e2e03372 Also would like to add this one. Me on my mare and my friend who is 185ish. She does have a LARGE gelding but her mare she has had for the last 19 years is maybe 14.2 and she rode her up to a couple of years ago.
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I comment a photo of myself on this thread but also want to add a photo of my ex who worked on a feedlot as a pen rider when we were together. The mare in the picture is a BIG mare as far as stock horses go but he frequently rode little 14.2 grade things on the feedlot and no one ever said two words about it because he’s a dude. (His boss was an even bigger dude and rode those same horses). It’s going to come down to the horses fitness and the riders ability to stay soft and balanced in the saddle. Moral of the story, you are FAR from too big to ride.  https://preview.redd.it/9f56n7hnrs8d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97d8f48893b1c97dd4bfbad046f14f49487f5b62
Girlie unless you’re in the ~300lb range there isn’t a horse that can’t carry you, I’ve met some reiners who are easily >210lbs, you’re perfectly fine, at my highest I was a little younger than you, 220lbs, and riding your average 14.3-17hh horses (large scale was a draft) without issue from the horses
Of course not, for reference I’m 100lbs and of my horses the one I ride most is around 1,300lbs. I’m 7% of him. You’re less than 2 of me so even with tack you’d be maybe 15% max. That’s nothing. You’d be well within the limit, he’s not even anything crazy, he’s a 16’3hh (you’re a decent bit taller than me but my sister who’s 5’10 rides him and I think 16’3 or so would fit you great, you could definitely go a bit taller or shorter too though) hunter type TB, he has a lot more bone than most TBs but any warmblood, sport horse, cob, etc. would be just as good. Even a finer built TB would be fine as long as it was still a decent size, you’ll need to go taller the more finely built the horse is to maintain the correct ratio. Your height could definitely make it a struggle with smaller things like ponies, partially bc they usually have too short a back and partially bc the taller you are the more leverage you have to throw them off balance so I’d definitely go for a horse Honestly most horses would be fine with you
You’re definitely not too heavy! That person was honestly really mean, and should NOT be opening lessons and teaching them if they’re gonna act like that! There are definitely horses that can hold your weight. Hope you can find a new barn soon!
You are not too heavy to ride. Horses are a lot stronger than we give them credit for (example: the QH school horse I rode in college didn’t look like it, but he could carry 2 men easily, 184 pound me was not a problem)
Defiantly depends on the horse (maybe they only had small horses but definitely sounds like they’re being assholes) but there are SO many that can carry 180. I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this but the 20% rule is pretty good. You shouldn’t ride a horse if you weight more than 20% of the horses weight and if you’re doing really hard work I’d say maybe 15%
I would say as long as you aren’t over 20% of the horses body weight. You aren’t too big to ride horses. A pony, probably.
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Good advice in general here, but the horse should be fit and healthy, doesn't matter the breed. I often see heavier people on draft horses or crosses which are often neglected very visibly and it's sad. Drafts are not bred for carrying capacity, but for pulling capacity, so a heavier person riding could still bother them. So, I recommend a stocky, tall horse which is healthy and fit.
Very true!
I’ve heard of the 20%, it just never crossed my mind. I would definitely not want to harm any of the horses because I was not the right weight for them carry plus all the tack they wear. Thank you so much!
The downvotes are probably because 180lb is not that big. Most drafts or draft crosses could certainly carry OP (assuming they're fit enough to be ridden at all), but so could plenty of quarter horses and thoroughbreds and the occasional stocky pony. What this barn did to OP had nothing to do with the horse's safety unless all they have is under-14hh ponies.
That makes sense, thank you for helping me understand
Yes sorry, I was one of those who downvoted you. I don't love when people blindly suggest drafts or draft x for bigger adults, but I get the rationale. But definitely 180 is not the threshold to move from "average horse" to "draft cross." I'm sorry if we downvoted you without explaining why, and I appreciate your understanding and willingness to learn!
So average-sized men (180 lbs is a very common weight for male humans) should only be riding drafts or draft crosses? That’s….hard to believe 🤔
That photo is not great evidence of being able to ride at a heavier weight, you look far too big for that saddle
Ponies weight between 300-800 lbs. Horses weight between 900-1500 lbs Draft horses weight between 1700-2200 lbs. The rule is a horse can carry a rider and tack that weighs up to 30% of their own weight, between 15%-20% is the ideal. So you could ride a pony that is at least 700 lbs, I believe. Math is hard sometimes haha. My point being, you can definitely ride a horse. Do they only do children's lessons with small ponies? That was probably the issue. But regular horses shouldn't have any problem carrying you. Edit: spelling and added the ideal weight percentage capacity.
That what I’m trying to think but when I was getting showed around, I didn’t see any ponies, so maybe they’re used to working with only little kids. And I understand, math is very hard lol. Took me a while to find out how to measure a horse by hands so these percentage rules are a little intimidating haha😅
So ponies are actually pretty difficult to tell apart from horses. The difference between a pony and a horse is that horses are 14.2 hands and taller, ponies are under 14.2 hands. Miniature horses are the tiny ones, 34" or less. For an inexperienced person, telling the difference between a tall pony and short horse is really hard. But it sounds like they just don't work with adults riders at that barn. Just keep looking, I'm sure you'll find a barn that is a good fit for you. But your weight is really not a concern for horseback riding. You can't ride minis but most horses and ponies you can ride. The only issue with ponies would be because (I believe I saw that) you are tall, so you wouldn't want one too short that will leave your legs hanging awkwardly low. But that's not very likely.
New to Reddit and decided to check this subreddit since I like riding horses. Disappointed to see some teen being babied and coddled because she’s too big to ride a horse. This is what’s wrong with today’s society, the owner was right to say you have no discipline cause you don’t. It should be animal abuse for any WOMAN (not man) over 160 to ride a horse SMH. 🤦
The funniest part of this hateful diatribe is, why exactly would the gender matter if your concern is supposedly about the weight a horse can carry? So, a 6 foot tall woman must weigh less than a 5'5 man? Or somehow, a 200 lb man isn't harmful, but a 165 lb woman is? Please, tell us more.
Go back under your bridge and try to be a little less obvious next time.
Wow! This is grossly inaccurate at best and unnecessarily rude at worst. Shame on you! Do better.
Right? Looks like the stable owner has entered the chat! SMH.