opnion plz folks x

[Cobby Keri]

As some of you folks know Doc is coming back to me from being on loan March 6th, I am overweight and at my heaviest, having big bo this was never a problem in fact it helped me stay in the saddle lol however doc is no where near as sturdy as Bo so I have been on a strict diet. As my insurance didn't give me any money on Bo's death I have no money to buy a new competition horsey so doc will be back as my fun little trusty steed so as you can imagine I have been madly dieting and intend to keep this going for as long as it takes till I get to a weight that I feel is fair for Doc to carry and get back into a bit of jumping/fun rides/x.c etc, I am a very balanced rider which I know helps slightly too but In your opinion how much weight (in stone) do you think is fair for doc to carry. He is 16.1ish Tb x

appreciate your feedback guys

I have attached some pics so you get a good idea of his weight, height, bone etc.

[Smurf]

I dont have much of an idea poss between 13-15st?? Heis obviously stockier than a tb, so should be able to carry more weight. He is a lovely x.He is looking lovely!

[Mobell]

As a rule of thumb the weight of a horse can carry a rider who is no more than 20% of that weight. So if your horse weighs 1,000 pounds then 20% of it being 200 pounds which is a 180 pound rider and 20 pounds of saddle/tack. Obviously the horse has to be fit.

There is also another measurement which is:-
Measurement Test
1. Add up the total weight of the horse, rider and tack.
Example: Damascus, Lady + tack = 1188 pounds.
2. Measure the circumference of the cannon bone midway between the knee and fetlock.
Example: Damascus, 7.5 inches.
3. Divide this total weight by the circumference.
Example: 1188 ÷ 7.5 = 158.4
3. Divide the result by two.
Example: 158.4 ÷ 2 = 79.2
Values near 75 are great, below 75, even better. Values from 75/80 are acceptable. Values over 80 indicate weaker legs and a need to train carefully, especially downhill. Values over 85 suggest you need a horse with more substance or to lose weight.
Damascus rates near the end of the acceptable range, but should still be able to carry Lady in style, comfortably.


*Note that cannon bone circumference (as overall bone substance) increases with the horse's fitness level, so if he is borderline, like Damascus, it doesn't necessarily mean you're too big for him. By “racking” up Long - slow - distance (LSD) miles, which builds up bone over time, he may measure up yet. It can take up to three years for bone to remodel.

[clippi]

Wow Mobell what a detailed reply. It's really informative. I'm off to work out Clip's weight limit

[Anni~Bell]

Mobells reply couldn't be any more exact

[chescar]

I think you look fine on him - he will tell you if he finds you too heavy.
I love Doc, if he was for sale, and I was looking - I would bite your hand off!

[ness]

You look great on Doc, keri! (I think in the first pic you are rising in the saddle?)

[Cobby Keri]

wow Mobell your reply is very detailed, think it a bit too complicated for me although will try and work it out, I need to get a tape measure thing as I dont have a clue how much doc will weigh, any suggestions on how much you think doc will weigh looking at him?
Thanks chescar horses have come and gone in my life but doc is one who will be with me for life, he truely is amazing. Its like owning a dog, he is just so so easy and is happy to do most things in life.
Thanks Ness you have always been so supportive of my weight issues and you are right I am rising in the first picture let me find a more recent one where I am not and you will see I do look bigger in that one