How much weight can they carry?

[haffyfan]

Anybody any idea how this is calculated and or what do you think is a reasonable weight for Harry to carry?

I ask because a couple of good sounding enquiries over him have been from people weighing more than i had in my mind so wondered what others thought were on this? Potentially i'd also like the person to maybe Murph occasionally and i'm certain both are too heavy for his light frame.

Harry about 13.3hh, 14 this time, haflinger. About 8 to 8.5 inches of bone.

[spotti]

I have seen something somewhere that tells you how to calculate rough weight limits, but can't for the life of me remember where!!! Will google it in a mo though and see if I can find it.

When I did it for Faith (just out of curiosity) I measured her bone and she has about 9-9.5" on the back and 9.5-10" on her fronts...apparently that means that she could happily carry up to about 14 stone if fit and well. Obviously she has dodgy hocks and a weak pelvis and her back is prone to having a hissy fit so I personally wouldn't put any more than about 10 stone on her, just to be on the safe side. I think she'd manage with more but I'd rather not push it.

I think the weight limits also take into account the level of activity the horse will be doing - i.e they can carry more if only plodding around the countryside than if they were out hunting or eventing or something. I think the ability of the rider affects it too...so if you're well balanaced then maybe you could be slightly heavier than if you were an unbalanced novice.


Like I said, I'll google it...

[fimacg]

Chompy easily carries 15 stone

[solomon]

I would say he can easily carry a twelve stone person bear in mind that tack can add quite a few pounds more though. It is also whether they can ride too. A novice will ride heavy! I would'nt want more than twelve stone on Pete but he doesn't have the bone. For half an hour to an hour though it wouldn't hurt I am sure. If they were going jumping or out for four hours maybe worry!

[fleabitten]

ditto, he is a good sturdy pony i wish i didnt live in a different country as id bite your arm off