The problem with spouses who are not into horses, is trying to figure
= out if their comments are really out of concern for the horse, or just
= passive aggressive -
suppose true. Especially if spouse never
goes along - and feels 'left out'.
On subject I will admit - back in late 80's, early 90's - I swore,
"I would never do that - ride 25 - 100 miles, on one of my horses".
It was cruel and 'not safe' for the horse.
That was before I did my research......... My husband (
at the time, had acquired a little arab mare, and showed interest in doing CTR /
endurance). I signed up to go and help at few local rides, and gather info. -
ride format, saddles, 'how done', etc. What I 'learned' completely changed
my mind -- I started competing few years later ---- so, maybe husband just
'needs to be educated.'
As far as weight horse/ to rider -- 'rule of thumb' was that a
horse can easily carry up to 22% of body weight,.... after that - yes, can
condition to carry more, often slower, more 'care' with cooling, 'riding
smart', and there are exceptions to 'rules of thumb'. Have
friend who is 6'4", about 245, ( without tack - with tack - figure - 265
-270) . He would sometimes ride of my horses, at the
time - I was competing, and still does ride with me - ( I had
to start him on one I thought he could control, and refused to put him on 'the
firecracker' til knew he could ride) one 14.3 - about 900 lbs, ( yrs of
conditioning- with me), and one 15.1 -about 1000 lbs- 'some conditioning-
a couple yrs., both carried him without problems - though
have to admit would take them longer to cool out with him riding than me,-
Why was advantagous for me to have him condition "Trapper" (
firecracker) the bigger horse, when I was competing - when I got on him he
was carrying about half wt. :)
Now 'new' horse, I have I would
not allow him to ride - as horse barely 'broke', small and
not used to carrying any weight. Couple years from now - horse may be able to
carry him fine.- after conditioned, back used to bearing weight, etc.
Stephanie M
