23/06/2026
Always take into account this weight chart alongside the individual rider and horse.
Other factors include the saddle shape/style and fit, the horses body condition and fitness. Also the ability of the rider to use their body to positively effect the horses balance and way of going. Fitter, more advanced horses will find it easier to engage their core and carry the weight of a rider more than a younger or elderly horse. Again, factors in any wellness conditions that will play a part in how the horse can utilise their back and body effectively to lift and carry a rider 🤗
💙💙💙💙EDIT💙💙💙
We are very pleased at this post is getting a lot of traction and opening up discussions.
This post was set up to let our regular riders know this is what we are covering in our Pony Club sessions this week as we are very passionate about our Horse welfare.
Thank you to everybody highlighting the fact that the 15/20% does not include tack on the poster but this is going to be covered in our session on Saturday.
If anybody in our local area has children that are looking to get into riding, please send them along for a trial introduction to our Pony Club session between 10 and 11 at the discounted rate of £5 for this session.
Rider weight can be a sensitive topic but is crucial when discussing animal welfare. It is never about body shaming, always about what’s best for our ponies!
We have a legal responsibility and duty of care to all of our horses to ensure they are protected from pain, suffering, injury as outlined in The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The British horse society offers guidance upon horse to rider weight allocations and as a result we have rider weight limitations for each of our horses and ponies. For this reason, we reserve the right to ask acceptance of our need to ascertain rider weight to enable us, where possible, to pair our clients appropriately.
For a fit horse, the optimal weight for the rider, all their tack and equipment should weigh between 15-18% of the horses bodyweight, with 20% being the absolute maximum.
A horse carrying over this load, even by 5%, research shows that there are observable signs of stress and unsoundnes, risking pain, injury and long term damage.
Examples include:
- lameness
- Increase heart rate and breathing
- Reduced performance
- Bucking
- Stumbling
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Muscle soreness
- Arthritis and joint deterioration
- Muscle spasms
- Kissing spines
- Tension
Each situation and horse is different, with many factors influencing how much weight a horse can carry including their:
- Age
- Height
- Weight
- Breed
- Confirmation
- Fitness level
- Medical history
- Rider balance/ skill
- Intensity/ duration of activity
- Tack and rider equipment weight
- Terrain
We understand that being told you have outgrown a pony can be upsetting, but it can also be an exciting chance to move on a progress on a new horse!
We will be discussing rider weight ratio in pony club to help everyone understand the importance of horse welfare.
