Carrying ability/rider weight

Chixarecute · #1 03/01/10, 08:53 PM

http://northernwi.kijiji.com/livesto...se/?ad=2087639

13.3 hands - do you think 160# is too much?

beccachow · #2 03/01/10, 08:59 PM

Wow, she is pretty! The Arab in her says you'll be fine, but the age means be sure to put her on some supplements for joints (that is just my humble opinion). Go try her out, you will be able to tell when you are on her back.

malinda · #3 03/01/10, 09:09 PM

She seems sweet, worth checking out. Try riding her and see what you think, but bring a measuring stick. Some horses magically grow when a sale ad is written! Hopefully she is really 13.3 - not more like 13.1!

krische1012 · #4 03/01/10, 09:20 PM

I think it depends on how experienced the rider is. There is a big difference between 160 lbs that is balanced and 160 lbs that is falling all over the place and unbalanced. Definitely bring the measuring stick to double check!

kscowboy · #5 03/01/10, 09:29 PM

rider plus tack to equal 1/5 of horses weight.

GrannyCarol · #6 03/02/10, 01:26 AM

A lot also depends on how hard you will ride. If you are going to walk around for half an hour it takes a lot less horse than jumping cross country. When you test ride her, see if you are comfortable, do you feel as if you are unbalancing her? Are your legs hanging down too far to make good contact with her sides? Does SHE feel relaxed under you and her back soft and comfortable? Think about your plans and her age too, have her vet checked for any soundness issues and to be sure her back is not sore, joints move easily, feet sound, etc. See if you can talk to the owner's vet about her health history. Her age isn't that bad, esp. for a half Arab, but you should know if something has been going on or if there are any red flags.

Chixarecute · #7 03/02/10, 07:50 AM

Thanks, everyone! I am 5'4", so height wise not any taller probably than the girl mounted. I used to ride in my teens, so I'd like to think I wouldn't be all floppy & unbalanced. That was a long time ago! I'd still just be a casual rider, woods trails & fields. Thanks for the tips about measuring as well as the "feel" during a test ride. Hope I can feel that through the "OMG I'm back on a horse!" excitement.

pcwerk · #8 03/03/10, 12:31 AM

If your willing to drive to Lacrosse, Wi area, I have a nice pony/draft
cross that is FAR more stought than this and would make a great horse
for you. He is a gelding almost 5 years old, nearly 14 hands but not trained
yet. Price negotiable to the right home. (That is IF I can talk my DW into letting me sell him ;-)
pc

Chixarecute · #9 03/03/10, 08:47 AM

Sounds like a wonderful gelding...however I have NO experience training, and only slightly more spare time...

owner says the mare is 900-1000#, is that right for a 13.3 h mare? I thought it would be on the lighter end, which would max me out.

tinknal · #10 03/03/10, 08:53 AM

Hard to tell from a pic but I would say 800 to 900 pounds.