Weight limits at barns

[KBC]

Having been born and raised in the UK, I suppose I am used to there being weight limits at most places who offer riding. Varies a lot between places, the trekking stables with heavy cobs and draft crosses who take people out for an hours walk, would have higher limits than a place that maybe gives lessons on smaller horses.

Just as a sanity check, does the place you ride, teach, board…whatever. have a weight limit, if so what is it?

What discipline and sorts of horses are there?

If there is a weight limit, are people actually weighed, or do they rely on honesty or just weigh people they think might be over…I understand that some trail places do this…

Asking as I was kind of surprised to come across a debate about barns setting a weight limit, caused quite a lively discussion…

[Scribbler]

This has been debated a lot on COTH with folks pointing out that a big tsll 250 lb ropimg and reining cowboy can ride a lot softer than a 250 lb 5 foot beginner teen.

[KBC]

@Scribbler

This has been debated a lot on COTH with folks pointing out that a big tsll 250 lb ropimg and reining cowboy can ride a lot softer than a 250 lb 5 foot beginner teen.

But this has nothing really to do with weight per say, but weight limits set by barns…which to me is only prudent and sensible, even though I am a plus size rider…

[toady123]

I’ve seen it primarily at commercial touristy type places (e.g. trail riding establishments, camps, etc). I think it makes sense in this environment as you could be getting Joe Blow off the street who has no riding experience and wants to take one ride and be done. I think it’s the weight plus inexperience that’s hard on a horse in those situations (e.g. a heavier greenie flopping around and pounding on the back versus an educated rider who can keep their balance and sit well.

[Abbie.S]

I’ve only ever seen it at a trail riding type barn, which I appreciated seeing given most of the people who get on those horses do not ride regularly and therefore can do quite a bit more harm to a horse’s back than your average moderately-skilled rider.

Either way: riding is a privilege, not a right. There comes a certain point where a person needs to be honest with themselves about whether they might be harming a horse they go to get on.

[mmeqcenter]

I can’t say I’ve ever actually seen a farm advertise or have a weight limit written down as a notice to clients or anything, but a weight limit is certainly acceptable and prudent for school horses. If a barn doesn’t have a large draft type school horse, they must filter the students appropriately. I remember one barn who I let use my gelding in lessons for a board discount (never did that again) many years ago, used him a fair amount for larger riders because he’s 17hh and very safe. Never mind that he’s a lanky, stringy thoroughbred. Most of the riders it was fine, just annoying, but one time I found out from another boarder that they had put this one beginner on him who I believe was in the 280-300 lbs range, and I was told that he stumbled to his knees during their lesson. I implemented a strict weight limit of 230 lbs for him after that. I noticed, when I’d list him for lease, most people were open with their size information - I’d get a lot of inquiries like “I’m larger and need a big horse, so I want to make sure he’s suitable for that” at which time I’d tell them my 230 lb limit, and either they’d come see him or they wouldn’t. It was never a problem.

Weighing people would be rude, you’d have to work on an honor system. If the horse appears to be struggling with the rider’s weight, and you don’t have a larger horse suitable, you’d just have to say you won’t be able to provide them lessons anymore or something.

[Rackonteur]

You can roughly guess a person’s weight by looking at them. At least enough to tell whether or not you want them on your horse. IMO if a heavier person (heavy within reason) comes dressed appropriately for riding, neat appearance, and is obviously at home around horses, they might be a better risk than another person of roughly equal weight-appearance who is obviously not a horse person.

If insurance permits, you can always get them to help groom/tack up and if they’re obviously knowledgeable you can ask what they ride at home. If it’s a draft cross or a heavyweight cob (or reining horse!) then they might be suitable on your draft cross, etc.

You wouldn’t want a lightweight non-rider flopping around on your horse, kicking him and poking him and pulling on his mouth and then screaming if he spooks!

[Jumping31]

Most boarding barns and lesson barns are just common sense as judged by the instructor or owner. I’ve only seen weight limits on trail riding barns. It’s more for the horses more than anything else. I’d be taken back and mildly horrified if they started weighing everyone who steps in the barn but if I was looking at prospective trail riding companies or barns I’d go in with an honest weight range because chances are they just have a larger better-suited horse set up for heavier riders and not them trying to prevent you from riding.

[meupatdoes]

None of the barns I have boarded or trained at have had weight limits.

Then again, I honestly can’t remember seeing any truly significantly overweight person showing up to ride or doing clinics, so it doesn’t seem to be an issue.

[PonyPenny]

The Grand Canyon has a weight limit to ride the mules down into the canyon. It includes gear. They have a scale right there. I believe it is 200 lbs to ride down to the bottom and 225 for the three hour ride.

edited to add:

Here is the scoop:

Rider Qualification for Mule Ride Tours – valid for rides with an arrival date of October 1, 2017, and beyond

You may be disqualified as a rider if you do not meet the following qualifications:

• Weight Restrictions: [LIST]
• Phantom Ranch–Each Phantom Ranch overnight rider must not weigh more than 200 lbs. (91k), fully dressed—yes, we do weigh everyone! Remember that your clothing and gear may add at least 8 lbs. (2.6k) to your body weight. Even if you are below the weight limit, your weight must be proportionate to your height to ensure comfort and safety. If you are significantly overweight, we may not be able to let you ride for your own safety.
• Canyon Vistas—Each 3-hour Canyon Vistas rider must not weigh more than 225 lbs. (102k), fully dressed—yes, we do weigh everyone! Remember that your clothing and gear may add at least 8 lbs. (2.6k) to your body weight.

Each rider must be at least 9 years old

Each rider must be at least 4'9" (1.44m) in height, regardless of previous riding experience, and will be measured at check-in time. A last minute disqualification is a terrible disappointment to a child so we urge you to measure carefully. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Each rider must be able to speak and understand fluent English. All riders must be fluent in English in order to be able to understand the Trail Guide's instructions. In an emergency there is no time for translations! English competency will be checked upon arrival.

Each rider must be in good physical condition. A mule trip is physically rigorous. Riding requires both upper and lower body strength and good overall muscular condition. Back and knee strain emerge after just a short time in the saddle. Riders with heart or respiratory problems should carefully consider the rigors they will encounter. The trip begins and ends at 7,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures can contribute to dehydration and/or heat exhaustion. Temperatures can be zero and below in winter months and cause hypothermia. If you have any doubts, we strongly urge you to consult your physician prior to making reservations.

Rides may be canceled in case of heavy snowfall or other dangerous conditions.

Riders must not be afraid of heights or large animals. The trails are literally carved out of the side of the canyon and the drops are very steep. Our mules are sure-footed, but they tend to walk on the outside of the trail. Furthermore, mules are big animals and should not be confused with donkeys or burros, which are smaller. A mule is often larger than a horse and can be quite intimidating to first-time riders. If large animals or heights disturb you, we recommend that you not take the mule trip.

We reserve the option to disqualify a rider if, in our judgment, a rider's safety may be compromised. As our Livery Manager says, "We'd rather make you mad than jeopardize your safety." Potential riders with physical or mental disabilities must contact us in writing prior to their ride so we can evaluate their needs on an individual basis. [/LIST]

[KBC]

Makes perfect sense for that ride…I would so love to do that, if I wasn’t fat, old, and TERRIFIED of heights…

[findeight]

My barns that gave lessons on their horses did have unofficial limits that were based on what horses would be available at the time of the lesson. They didn’t weigh anybody but they were really pretty accommodating. Most rent and dude string places I come across in my travels are between 200- 250 max with the more rugged terrain riding being on the lower side.

That’s fair, it’s their horse and their saddle. Think some people forget the saddle part, if they don’t fit in the seat, they can’t be safe in it, Yes it’s a business but it’s a horse, not a rent car with seat belts.

[Glyphica]

I don’t have one publicly advertised, but my cap is 220 (plus tack is right at 20% of my largest school horse’s weight). I personally eyeball students. Anyone who looks too big for the horse, I simply inform them that I don’t have a large enough school horse (I usually pull the card that most of my adult clients have their own horses so the schoolies are geared more towards kids), and give them contact info for other local barns that possibly have bigger horses. I’ve never had any backlash.

[KBC]

@findeight

That’s fair, it’s their horse and their saddle. Think some people forget the saddle part, if they don’t fit in the seat, they can’t be safe in it, Yes it’s a business but it’s a horse, not a rent car with seat belts.

I agree, the saddle is an important and often forgotten part of the equation.

[StillHorseCrazy]

My barn has a weight limit of 200 lbs for their lesson horses. They weigh everyone who rides the lesson horses twice a year (even the tiny young girls, to avoid singling people out). This is stated on their website and in the paperwork you sign etc.

[Pennywell_Bay]

@StillHorseCrazy

My barn has a weight limit of 200 lbs for their lesson horses. They weigh everyone who rides the lesson horses twice a year (even the tiny young girls, to avoid singling people out). This is stated on their website and in the paperwork you sign etc.

omg. that is all.

[trubandloki]

@PonyPenny

Riders must not be afraid of heights or large animals. The trails are literally carved out of the side of the canyon and the drops are very steep. Our mules are sure-footed, but they tend to walk on the outside of the trail.

:eek:
Just reading that scared me.
I guess there is no way I am going to do that ride, ever!

(Sorry for the tangent.)

[StillHorseCrazy]

@StillHorseCrazy

My barn has a weight limit of 200 lbs for their lesson horses. They weigh everyone who rides the lesson horses twice a year (even the tiny young girls, to avoid singling people out). This is stated on their website and in the paperwork you sign etc.

@Pennywell Bay

omg. that is all.

I know, I feel bad for the trainers who have to do the weighing.

Otherwise this is a pretty laid-back, no big deal barn. (e.g., not a barn that’s overly concerned about appearances; this policy is for the horses).

[PonyPenny]

@trubandloki

:eek:
Just reading that scared me.
I guess there is no way I am going to do that ride, ever!

(Sorry for the tangent.)

Here is a short Youtube video. The only good thing is no mule has leaped or has fallen off the rim. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePoDDaEYt8

[KBC]

@PonyPenny

Here is a short Youtube video. The only good thing is no mule has leaped or has fallen off the rim. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePoDDaEYt8

NOPE
NOPE
NOPE