How to properly add lead weights

[TrakGeorge]

I figured I’d ask in the racing forum first since you guys do this on a regular basis

I’m training an off the track standardbred pacer for a friend (Advance Beginner) to do low level dressage. We’ve been taking things very slowly and training wise the horse is doing great and slowly getting fitter. Yet there is a big difference after I ride him (a balanced 5’1 and about 130 lbs) and when he (unbalanced rider at around 5’7 and about 170 lbs) gets on afterwards to walk around and do a few laps trot.

I was wondering if I start carrying some dead weight around would that help the horse get more use to carrying a heavier load? How much should I carry to start? Do I add to that over time? What would be the best way to do this?

Thanks in advance!

[NancyM]

It would be ineffectual with what you are trying to do.

But if you want to try it, you need a lead pad. And not one from TB racing, an old one from the show jumping world. Racing lead pads are small, there is not a lot of room for a lot of lead in them, only 5 to 10 lbs. Showjumping lead pads can hold 30 lbs + of lead. They don’t make them any more, and don’t use them any more, so they are hard to find. (Showjumpers used to have to make 165 lbs on weigh out from an Open Jumper class- they changed this rule about 40 years ago. Smaller riders had to carry a lot of lead to make weight). You could have one made by a saddler if you want, that might be the easiest way to get one. I have one, but you can’t buy it from me. I have no idea where you can get the lead, some supplier I guess. The lead weights have to be in the correct shape to go into the pockets on the pad. My dad made my lead weights for me many years ago, poured it molten into molds.

You do not have to add the weight gradually, but you can add activity while carrying the weight gradually. But if the horse is sturdy enough to carry the weight, fit and strong enough, sound enough, the difference between you and the other rider is negligible to the horse for ring work. IMO.

[sk_pacer]

The other rider has to learn to balance. I don’t see where adding weight will help either you, the horse or the other rider - it is a matter of learning balance on a different horse; breed is irrelevant.

[LaurieB]

I agree with the others who have said that the problem is the ability of the heavier rider, not his weight. Until the rider learns to carry himself correctly, the horse will mostly likely continue to regress when he rides him.

[TrakGeorge]

Thanks guys for your honest opinion. The horse has good size bone and girth to support the gentleman and seems to take very good care of him.The horse is also fairly fit, but his back is still not strong and just now figuring out how to carry himself. I also knew we had to work on the gentleman’s balance/position (which will take sometime as he is an older man, but we’re in no hurry) I was just curious if I could also help the horse at the same time. I were already thinking about dead weight vs moving/body weight and where to put it.We were even thinking I wear a diver’s belt with weight! NancyM thanks for the suggestion - we live in Amish-land where I am sure to find someone to make a pad - Do you have pictures of it?. Might be worth it to see if it helps, but then again, it could be a waste of time.

[gumtree]

A 1000 lb horse isn’t going to notice/feel 40 lb weight difference. That’s only 4% of it’s total body weight.

I doubt the average 130 lb person carrying a 25 lb back pack would notice much difference if 4% was added to it.

Horses are much better built to carry weight on their backs. That being said. Horses can be bothered by riders that “ride heavy”. As other have pointed out.

[NancyM]

@TrakGeorge

Thanks guys for your honest opinion. The horse has good size bone and girth to support the gentleman and seems to take very good care of him.The horse is also fairly fit, but his back is still not strong and just now figuring out how to carry himself. I also knew we had to work on the gentleman’s balance/position (which will take sometime as he is an older man, but we’re in no hurry) I was just curious if I could also help the horse at the same time. I were already thinking about dead weight vs moving/body weight and where to put it.We were even thinking I wear a diver’s belt with weight! NancyM thanks for the suggestion - we live in Amish-land where I am sure to find someone to make a pad - Do you have pictures of it?. Might be worth it to see if it helps, but then again, it could be a waste of time.

I have no picture of the lead pad by itself. But I can try to attach an old pic of it in use for you. Basically a leather pad, has a wool backing on it, but you usually put it over a protective cloth (saddle cloth or thin saddle blanket). Leather pockets in front of the saddle knee roll, and behind the saddle flap, to spread the lead out. Leather straps that affix the lead pad to the saddle, under the flap. Leather strap over the withers in front of the saddle, to help support those front pockets. IDK how much you can see of the pad in the picture, but I’ll try to attach it here. Nope, sorry it won’t upload. Somebody else here may be able to supply you with a picture if you ask on the hunter/jumper forum. It’s gotta be an OLD jumper rider, from when these lead pads were common.

[gumtree]

Various types of weight pads. There are other types that aren’t on this website

http://www.bestpad.com/morewtpads.htm

[beaujolais]

What if his back isn’t strong because he has something going on that you don’t know about? Weight contributes to wear and tear. Don’t care for the idea. It’s most likely the level of the rider, though.