Are There Weight Limits for Horseback Riding?
Starting anything new often involves worries and concerns. Many prospective horseback riders wonder if there are weight restrictions, whether their weight might burden the horse, or if they are too heavy to ride comfortably. Weight and age limits for horseback riding vary by riding club, but generally, if the rider’s weight is about 20-30% of the horse’s weight, there are usually no major concerns.
So, what is the average weight of a horse? What happens if the rider’s weight exceeds 30% of the horse’s weight?
Types of Horses and Average Weights
Horse weights differ depending on the breed. There are heavy breeds, medium breeds, light breeds, and ponies, each with different weights and roles. Heavy breeds, over 800 kg to more than a ton, are not fast but are powerful and used for pulling carts, plowing fields, etc. For instance, Banei horses in Hokkaido fall into this category.
Light breeds, such as Thoroughbreds, weigh around 400-500 kg, are fast, and typically used for racing or riding. Thoroughbreds are often considered some of the most beautiful horses, but they are also more delicate and nervous, prone to injury, and easily startled by loud noises.
Mid-sized breeds, used for riding or draft work, have temperaments suitable for dressage, jumping, and Western riding. Ponies have various breeds, some suitable only for children’s rides, and others not recommended for children.
Ideal Rider Weight is Less Than 10% of the Horse’s Weight
While generally, riding is accepted at up to 30% of the horse’s weight, optimal performance is often achieved when the rider weighs less than 10%. For example, a rider should ideally weigh under 45 kg for a 450 kg Thoroughbred. Considering tack and equipment, the rider’s weight should be even lighter. This is why speed-focused race horses are strictly weight-managed.
Performance tends to stay consistent within the 10-20% weight range, with little difference up to 20%.
Realistically, Including Tack, 20-30%
If the rider’s weight exceeds 20%, the horse can become fatigued. Over 25%, signs of fatigue or labored breathing appear, and for safety and welfare, it’s recommended to keep total weight — horse plus rider plus tack — within 30% of the horse’s weight.
What Happens When Rider’s Weight Surpasses 30%?
Heavy loads can harm the horse’s back and legs. To protect the horse, total weight should ideally be below 30%. For beginners, carrying more than 45-50 minutes can put undue strain on the horse.
Is It Easier to Improve if Your Weight Is Lighter?
Watching horse racing, small jockeys tend to be more prominent. But does being smaller and lighter make riding easier or help improve skills? Not necessarily. Racehorses are young and still growing, with strict weight limits to avoid hindering their development. For riding horses, most are over 6 years old, with stop-growth signals, so weight is less critical.
Many international riders are large, proving weight isn’t a decisive factor. However, heavier riders can have advantages and disadvantages, which are explained below.
Disadvantages of Heavy Weight
Being heavy can put extra strain on the horse and also make riding more physically demanding, possibly discouraging some people from continuing. For those, riding might be a way to challenge weight loss while enjoying a full-body aerobic workout.
Advantages of Heavy Weight
Heavier riders can generate more power through their legs, providing greater thrust to move the horse. While lighter weight benefits racing, sports like dressage and show jumping often favor a moderate or heavier rider to help the horse bounce and perform better.
Don’t let weight be a barrier to starting horseback riding. You can pursue riding while working on your fitness and skill improvement.
If Still Concerned, Check With Your Riding Club in Advance
If you’re worried about whether your weight is suitable for riding or if you can challenge it, contact your riding club beforehand.
Check on the Website
Many riding clubs specify weight and age limits on their websites. Limits may be set at 70 kg, 80 kg, 90 kg, or 100 kg. Some clubs have different limits for men and women, often around 80 kg for men and 70 kg for women. These differences depend on whether they have suitable horses for those weights. Most clubs set age limits from elementary school age up to around 70, which is a practical age for controlling the horse.
Check by Phone or Email
If the website doesn’t specify, contact the riding club directly for details. Some members ride for fitness or weight management, so larger individuals are often accepted. Still, heavier weight may mean fewer horse choices or restrictions, and you might consistently ride the same horse or feel intimidated by a taller horse, but you will get used to it quickly.
- Weight: Up to about 100kg.
- Height: No strict maximum, but over 120cm is preferable.
- Age: No specific limit, but elementary school age and above are recommended.
Summary
Most horses kept at Japanese riding clubs are of the Thoroughbred breed, which are prone to leg injuries. The weight limits are meant to reduce the burden on these horses. While the limits are not as strict as for racehorses, most people with average body weight can meet them. If you’re still concerned, contact the riding club directly to confirm.