Having worked and taught in a number of riding schools I have to say I have never been in one that has a weight limit within reason.
Most men are well over 14 stone so to have a limit of that unless specifically stated only teaching children is a joke.
Most schools will have at least one weight carrying horse.
Don't give up there are penty of horses that could carry you so just ring around and you will hopefully find one near you.

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All, thanks for the kind words and info To those who say that I'm not massively overweight, thanks I think the BMI needs a rethink; as I mentioned, I workout 4-6 times a week. I don't drink or smoke, and to look at me most people think I weigh about 13 stone. Problem is, muscle weighs more.

So when I call a Riding School, I can just tell that the person on the other end of the phone is forming a mental image, and it isn't pretty. Unfortunately, work has been incredibly busy of late (the usual, more people let go and yet more work given to those still around), so my search has stalled. I think I got a bit down about it at one point also, but I am hoping that come New Year I will be able to look around again. Strangely enough I'm usually a confident person, but when I walk into a stables full of women I tend to find it a bit unnerving Something to work on!

it can be quite nerve racking when you are new to it all and dont know what you are doing! your confidence will come when you get used to it. good luck!

Well at my yard we have a lovely cob who carries this quiet fat woman who is at least 18 - 19 stone and he has no problems galloping off whith her so being only 16 stone shouldnt be any problem for a cob...

Trust me!!!!

Just to boost your confidence hun! Woman who are into horses love a man who can ride and if they're looking at you take it as a compliment and play on the fact that your new and ask them advice. woman love thinking they are right and sharing horsey information!

Good Luck and have fun!

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My Beautiful Girl 1993-2008!!!

Thanks for the comments I imagine they're more likely looking at me and waiting for me to fall off! To be honest, I liked the atmosphere at the last stables I visited (too bad I moved), the instructor was patient and chatty. And the women treated me gently! So I came away feeling good. If I could find somewhere like that, I'd be happy!

But I have to be honest.. the thought of jodhpurs makes me swallow a little. I need to work on the legs more, else I'm going to look right wally!

your weight is no problem if it was a proper riding school then there should be no problem as they should cater for all shapes and sizes.

Hey-I am a woman and I weigh the same as you and I have always been overweight but have always been able to ride a horse who can easily carry my weight. Took me 10 mins to bring the horse I ride at a local equestrian centre back to trot today! I was more puffed out than he was!lol.

I learnt to ride at a school where all they had were heavyweight horses if you keep ringing round you will find somewhere

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Many hunt masters I have met have definitely weighed a lot more than 16 stone and look at the great british showjumpers from pre 1980's!
There are riding schools which have a range of different size and breeds of horses and ponies and it's worth searching til you find them rather than attending one that just caters for children.