im just over 9 stone and looking to own a horse...Whats the lowest i should go? thanks guys

Would be looking towards a 14.2 myself! that would allow for a weight gain!

lovely thanks for your help

It depends on the horse im afraid.

Some 11.2hh ponies can carry 9 stone, however it depends if the rider is able to ride 'lightly' or of they are a heavy rider, in that they cant balance themselves properly. A rider who can ride 'light' who weighs 13 stone will feel easier to carry to a horse then someone who is 9 stone who throws their weight around.

Some heavier built types can carry a lot of weight, even at 13.2 - 15hh, whereas some larger horses cant carry much at all.

I suggest having a look into breeds carefully before you do plan to buy, as you cant say all ponies under a certain height cant carry x amount of weight, as that simply isnt true.

At 9 stone, as long as you are a balanced, light rider you could go down to 12hh depending on your height. Look into it wisely or get a knowledgeable person to help you choose the right horse.

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It always makes me chuckle this question when asked.. and some of the replies people give...

Now Im just wondering what makes people think that a hefty cob can carry more than an arab or TB... I mean that hefty cob has to carry itself first..lol

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Physically bone density and muscle mass equate to a stronger horse. A fit Thoroughbred can often carry as much or more than an unfit "cob" however, a "cob" is naturally larger in bone and muscle, often better lungs and is born able to cope with their own weight to start with. Bad conformation equates to weakness, not always a long back, but adding together a forwards at the knee, overly long backed "cob" will be weaker then a short back Arabian.

Horses are naturally smaller, we have only bred them to be bigger and chunkier to cope with our requirements. At the same time, Arabians and in time, Welsh, Fell, Dales were all strong horses. We have gradually bred the strength out of them by selective breeding for showing.

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Yeah I know that.. But the question always makes me giggle... There are a hell of a lot of long backed cobs out there... But Is what I always imagine is they have to carry themselves first and you quite often see Cob types that aren't really of type just over weight and people are selling them to cobs and people who think they are heavey run out and buy them...

My TBx managed my 15 stone ex... and so did my Arab... Not for a lengthy ride obviously.. Also I backed A's and b's for years... and they are tiny.. but always managed me..

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It entirely depends on the individual. It also brings up the issue of how much knowledge should people have when buying a horse, if they fall foul to grossly overweight horses, they will no doubt keep them on the same diet and the horse will remain obese.

Overweight horses struggle just like overweight people do, compared to those who are just 'naturally big'

People also these days seem to think that the only horse that can carry someone of over 14/15 stone is some form of heavy horse, which isnt true in the slightest. My own horse has one of the longest backs ive ever seen on a horse, and he managed just fine when my OH had a quick sit on him, who at the time was around 14 stone.

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it also depends on your height.

Yes i think 11.2hh ponies can carry easily 9 stone, rest it depends if the rider is able to ride and he/she is a heavy rider or a light weight.

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Australian Saddles