weight limit?

[barngirl101]

what weight limit for a rider + saddle would a 14.2H large pony handle?

[WilliamWallace]

Although there are other variables to consider, I have always heard that a horse (or pony) should carry no more than 20% of their body weight.  For example, a 1000 lb horse could reasonably carry 200 lb worth of rider and saddle.

[barngirl101]

this pony weighs only around 835.... their is no reason for this at all.. we told them no and she wouldnt listen me..

[mysterypickles]

I think it has a lot to do with build as well. Some large ponies are built like small draft horses and I think they can handle more weight than a finer built horse. But I think the 20% suggested by the other poster seems reasonable. Any more than that and you are risking injury. Maybe you can mention to this person that even if the small horse seems to handle it short term, there will likely be long term effects on tendons and joints.

[saddlediva]

The breed of pony does make a difference. Look at the Icelandic horses, small in stature yet can cover incredible amounts of distance with a full-grown man on their backs. However, that's an extreme example. However, we're not in Iceland, Toto. The ponies around here are not bred to carry more than 20% of their body weight. Poor pony.

[polomare]

Saddlediva, you  mention an excellent example.  Not to bring the thread too far off the OP's original question, but I just have to ask about Paso Finos.  How many times have we seen a full size man riding one of these teeny tiny little horses (some as small as 13.3)?  There seems to be something about the breed that almost attracts men (often macho-type men, but that's another discussion altogether) to own them.

Unlike Icelandics, you can not cite a Paso's stoutly built conformation as a reason for their apparent ability to carry full size men.  Many of them have toothpicks for canon bones.  I would love to hear a Paso person on the board comment on this.  Maybe it is something about their stride or way of going that makes it ok?

[deb be]

I too have noticed the large guys on little pasos with all the comments in total agreement.
I think its worth adding that if a 'chunky' rider is atleast well balanced and the horse and rider are united so to speak it wouldn't be as bad as if they were a very poor rider.  Or the horse didn't respect the rider.
If you watch any shows about China you'll see pretty large people on what appear to be ponies as I guess thats all they have out in the country.
A rather large man once wanted to ride my TB who is big and I flatly said no.  (of course I did some tap dancing around the real reason!)
Maybe if the riders foot goes all the way down to the horses knee - thats a sign you need a larger horse. 

[polomare]

I missed the post that said what the presumed weight is of the rider that is riding this 835lb pony?

[lisa@loewenberg.net]

I agree 20% of the horses weight is the LIMIT. Remember the LIMIT so maybe we should think more on the lighter side of that. Not all horses are as able to carry the 20%. And maybe they can for a while but don't we want to enjoy our horses for many,many years to come.
And I'm sorry to say some people are just too large to ride. But they can still enjoy the company of their Equine friends without being in the saddle.

[Classic2011]

I had an Arab mare....14.2 hands.....and she carried my husband like nothing.  He weighs a little over 200 lbs.

I also just went to a Paso Fino show and saw exactly what was stated before.  I saw tall and heavy men riding these fine boned pony sized horses.  Those horses are strong and beautiful and legs a flying.  It is so fascinating to watch them.  It must be the way they have been bred. 

Some horses smaller than others can carry heavier loads than bigger horses.  But it will be evident when the weight is too much. 

[polomare]

I was always taught that a 15 Bulldog QH can easily carry way more heavy weight than a 17 Greyhound TB.

Clearly, the horse's height is not the issue. Conformation is.

I've seen 18 hand draft horses with backs so long and loins so weak, they shouldn't be carrying a child.  No surprise, Clydesdales weren't bred to be saddle horses.  The confusion comes from their reputation for strength.

Still, nobody has posted what they think the weight is of the rider they think is too heavy for the pony that started this discussion . . . unless I missed it and it was erased for some reason.

[Classic2011]

Like I said, my mare carried over 200 lbs no problem.  Ponies are very strong and seem to be able to carry more weight in proportion than horses.  But the 20% per weight of pony is safe.  And it also depends on what is being asked of the pony.  Are you going on trail rides or jumping?