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Member
Posts: 27
Location: Sahuarita Arizona | My cousin (female) has an Arabian gelding she wants to give me but I feel I may be too heavy for the horse. My average weight is 230 to 240 so please don't suggest I lose weight just to get the horse. I am trying to match a horse to me, not me to the horse. Thank you for your input. |
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Veteran
Posts: 282
Location: southcentral pennsylvania | Thanks for asking the question, rather than just getting on....good for you! First, look at proportions.....if you are 6'3", and the weight is well distributed, you will be less a burden on the horse than if you are 5'5," with the weight basically in one place. Also, what is your riding ability? A good rider can evenly distribute their weight. A novice can not. Additionally, an old rule of thumb is the saddle, saddlebags, and person should not exceed 20% of the horse's weight. So, if the arab weighs 1,000# (and that is a big arab), you and the saddle should not exceed 200lbs. Of course, the horse's condition, bone, etc., also plays into this. If you are getting on for a short period of time, things may be O.K. If you are going on a long trail ride, probably not. Again, thanks for asking.....I admire you for your concern about the horse! Brenda |
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Expert
Posts: 1723
 
Location: michigan | I have seen many heavier riders manage on an arabian not to mention other breeds. I don't think this is a breed issue anyway... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 781
Location: La Cygne, KS | Good for you on determining whether you will be a good match.  There are many factors that contribute to whether this horse will work for you. The build and weight of the horse and your size proportions are key along with temperment and your riding ability. Just an FYI for you - Polish Arabs are typically bigger boned and sized while Egyptians are more fine boned and smaller build. And then Spanish and Russian bred are not as common, but fall in between these two build styles. However, most Arabs are of medium build and are not able to carry the overall weight you are describing when you factor in the tack. More info is needed to determing whether this horse will work. If it's a half Arab with a Quarter Horse background, then maybe. I'm thinking you are pretty sure this will not work for you and need encouragement to say "No Thanks".
Edited by ponytammy 2008-07-23 1:27 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI. | It depends on the length of the back, strength of the loin, bone, and leg conformation. Honestly, your weight combined with the saddle and possible bags is too much for that horse. Could the horse carry you? Yes, but you want that horse to comfortably sustain the weight for a longer period of time and I believe it would be too hard on him. I have arabs....sorry. I would consider a foundation bred QH....just a thought.
Edited by Gone 2008-07-24 7:10 AM
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Member
Posts: 27
Location: Sahuarita Arizona | Thank you all for the replies. I have had horses previously, a Morgan, and paint and quarter and my riding skills are good. My cousin being a female weighs about 135-140 at most. The horse is more the Egyptian style Arabian. I will have to pass on my cousin's offer for the good of the horse. I never factored in the saddle and tack. That was a great point to bring up. I am 5' 10'' and rather stocky. I used to be a body builder and at 57 I think my growing days are over, okay at least height wise. No smart remarks now, you all have been a wonderful crowd...............so far. Thanks again. This forum is a great help. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | It sounds as if you have made your decision. But just a little FYI. I am 6'2" and 220 and one of my horses is a Arabian. But he is 16 hh and probably weighs close to 1100lbs. I've done endurance rides on him ( Back when I was 20 lbs lighter and I didn't use my heavy western saddle) And I still often do 20 mile mountain rides on him. And I have loaded him up with an elk to pack out from hunting. And he has done fine. The old axiom that I learned was that they can carry 20% of their body weight for 8 hours, 30% for 4 hours. This is not a whole lot different than what you can can pack comfortable. I have carried a 65lb back pack across the Wind River Wilderness for 5 days straight when I weighed 180lbs. That's over 30% of my body weight, But I was in shape, I took breaks when I needed a breather and I feed the engine with lots of carbs stayed hydrated. Now 20 years older, I'm not sure that I would want to carry that same pack over that demanding terrain. A horse is not a lot different. A horse in the prime of his life, in shape, given the proper rest stops, could carry you. So not only is your weight a factor, but the type of riding you will be doing. A long climb at higher elevations for a summer pack trip. Better stay at 20%. a short hack around the block on sunday afternoon on fairly level ground. You may get away with the 30%. You need to consider all the factors. |
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Veteran
Posts: 294
Location: Fort Worth, Tx | I remember reading an article on cannon bone thickness, which helps determine how much weight a horse can carry. Arabians are known for having a round cannon bone and a thicker one than many larger horses. Basically, a smaller Arabian can carry more weight than a larger thoroughbred. The past twenty years have also seen a lot of larger Arabians, even though the breed standard calls for a horse between 13"2 and 14"2, I think. So I would not call it outside the realm of possibilty if the horse has a short back and good thick bone. Another thing you might want to consider is taking the horse and using as a driving horse. I have many "mature" friends (many of whom are in better shape than me!) and they have switched to driving instead of riding, finding it easier on their joints. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont |
Look at a DRAFT-CROSS...
Edited by PaulChristenson 2008-07-25 12:49 PM
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Member
Posts: 27
Location: Sahuarita Arizona | Thank you for the two additional replies regarding this issue. Most of my riding is trail riding in the mountains so yes it will involve inclines. I heard Arabians had a bone structure that could carry some extra weight but being that the horse probably goes 900 pounds at most, even 30% is 270 so that is me and saddle and lunch and raincoat and severe weather gear which may just tax this horse more than is fair. My level of riding enjoyment may be compromised thinking I may be taxing this horses limit rather than knowing the horse is more than capable of handling my needs. It may be the case of better safe than sorry and I don't want to damage a beautiful animal. Being that the horse is also getting close to 20 years old means that maybe like me, we are in our declining years. There's no need to try to act like kids anymore. My level of fitness is good for my age, but it is nothing like when I was in my 20's. After all this is about the horse, and not about me. The horse deserves a good life with an appropriate rider and I feel I may just not be that rider and don't want to find out the hard way. My cousin said she will find a suitable rider and owner for her horse, that she too understands my concerns and appreciates my taking the horse's needs into consideration. Trust me, it is not and was not easy to say NO to this generous offer and gift. But I have to do what I feel is right and hopefully I can find a more suitable horse to live out my life with. |
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Veteran
Posts: 147
Location: santa clara, ca | As others suggested look at draft or draft crosses. I'm 6'3" and 215lbs w/o tack and used to ride a percheron PMU 5yr old rescue at almost 17h and around 1500-1,600lbs (that unfortunately passed away) and now a fast growing shire 3yrs...17h and 1400lbs. They are very good climbers as well and very sure footed
…the only problem is getting on them as they are so tall….might want to teach them to take a knee…
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Member
Posts: 31
Location: Way, Way Up North | You may want to consider a good, sturdy mule. They can carry a lot of weight, are dependable and great on their feet, versatile, low maintenance, and can go all day. They don't have the same brain/disposition as a horse though, so you would be well-served to research how they think and what makes them tick (flight vs. fight). Their brains and bodies also take longer to mature, but they live longer. LOVE MY MULES! Love my horses too. |
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Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas | I agree. The mountain riding you want to do is ideal for mule riding. And those ugly hammerheaded ewe-necked mules most people think of? They are still out there, but there is an entire industry of folks raising very attractive good minded mules out of performance mothers. So don't assume that you have to sacrifice good looks in mule riding. Their ability to mentally process and manage tricky terrain is legendary. This does not mean a person with your size and equipment to tote needs to be on a 14h mule, you still need an animal with some size and structure, but you could be very happy with a good mule! We are! Good luck in your search, and I compliment you on researching and considering the needs of this older arabian and being willing to allow him to have a good life, albeit it may be with someone else. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1391
Location: North of Detroit, MI | Oh yeah, I've seen some spotted mules that are just gorgeous!! and you're right about their sturdiness. They can be good watch animals too... when some strange critter tries to creep into the campsite, the mule's braying scare soff the coyotes and whatnot. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | The only problem with MULES are they tend to be SMARTER than the RIDER... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 376
Location: Missouri | After raising Arabs for many years I've come to the conclusion the amount of weight they can carry doesn't follow other breed guide lines at all. I've seen a lot of 250+ pounders on small Arabs and they carried them just fine. They look odd as can be. Not saying all Arabs can do that, but the majority can.
It takes an experienced horse person to view the actual horse and rider to make the determination of whether or not the horse is capable of handling this weight. |
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Member
Posts: 31
Location: Way, Way Up North | Paul--well said. But then that's why a good partnership with your mule will keep you safe and happy on the trail! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 303
Location: Grapeland, Texas | Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2008-07-30 12:16 AM
The only problem with MULES are they tend to be SMARTER than the RIDER...
And that's why a lot of people don't get along with mules!
Love my longears!!!
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I weigh @240 pounds, am I too heavy for an Arabian?
