at 16 stone i dont think you are too heavy to ride - its just a case of finding the right riding school with couple of weight carrying horses available - the riding school i worked at had a maximum weight limit of 16 stone (unfortunately for you it was in devon!). also the more experienced you get the better you learn to carry yourself and your weight and so you will find you can ride the lighterweight type horses without being detrimental to the horse. i would sooner have a 14 stone experienced rider on my 15hh middleweight horse than a 10stone novice!

riding schools shouldnt be condemmed for having weight restrictions though - of course one hour a day carrying 16 stone may not be tough on a horse - but many can work up to 4 hours a day and thats when it becomes more of an issue - and dont forget if you have your own horse and it works hard one day - if you are like me you give them a day off the next day or do something less tiring - a riding school horse doesnt have this option - its likely to be booked up for another 4 hours of work the next day - and the day after - hence the weight restrictions.

also im going to be controversial here - but someone mentioned that riding schools should cater for larger riders - while i agree they should have some chunkier horses available im afraid i do believe some people do just weigh too much to ride - im sorry if that sounds harsh but this is an animals welfare we are talking about and just because someone of 20 stone wants to ride - is it fair at the expense of the horse - imo - no! lose some weight and then get riding lessons - as i say controversial but thats how i feel!

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