01/08/2025
Letโs be clear, if your horse is overweight, which many horses currently are, this reduces their ability to carry weight on their back.
Today I've put on my brave pants because equine welfare is important to me.... as is being kind, compassionate, supportive and understanding to my fellow riders. This topic is emotionally charged, but it's a conversation that is necessary and sticking our heads in the sand won't help ourselves or our horses.
๐ง Fat Shaming vs. Equine Welfare: Let's Clear This Up ๐ด
In the equestrian world, conversations around rider size can quickly become uncomfortable. But here's the thing: talking about load limits isnโt about fat shaming โ it's about equine welfare. Thereโs a big difference between targeting a personโs body shape and discussing what a horse can physically carry without risking pain, injury, or long-term damage.
๐ฃ Your amount of body fat or how much you weigh does not need to be discussed. In fact, a tall muscular person can weigh more than a shorter person who has higher adipose tissue (bodyfat).
This is not a conversation about anyoneโs worth, appearance, or character. Itโs about physics and biomechanics (which is measurable and does not change), and the welfare of our horses.
๐ The Research Is Clear
Multiple studies support the 20% rule: horses should carry no more than 20% of their bodyweight, including tack and rider. Beyond this point, horses begin to display observable signs of stress and unsoundness โ regardless of how balanced the rider is or how well the saddle fits.
๐ฌ Key Findings
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Clayton (2020) found that even with a balanced rider and appropriate tack, horses showed increased gait asymmetry, higher heart rates, and signs of discomfort when load exceeded 20% of their bodyweight.
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Greve & Dyson (2013) observed that exceeding this threshold often led to lameness, saddle slipping, and altered movement patterns, even in well-conditioned horses.
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Powell et al. (2008) demonstrated that horses carrying 25โ30% of their bodyweight had significant increases in muscle soreness, heart rate, and fatigue compared to those carrying 15โ20%.
โ๏ธ Yes, There Are Other Factors Too
Itโs not just about the numbers. Factors like the age of the horse, their back health, fitness level, the type and duration of activity, and rider skill and balance all matter. A fit, skilled, and light rider may impact a horse less than an unbalanced one โ but weight is still weight, and the research shows even the best riders cannot eliminate the risk once past the 20% threshold.
๐ค No Room for Bullying
There is absolutely no place for abuse, bullying, or humiliation of riders. Conversations around appropriate rider-horse matching must be sensitive, kind, and thoughtful. Itโs essential to create space for honest, supportive discussions without shame.
๐ด But We Must Do More to Protect Our Horses
Our horses canโt speak up when they are struggling. It is our duty to advocate for them, to keep their welfare front and centre, and to ensure they are not placed in situations where physical harm is inevitable.
If youโre unsure whether you're within your horseโs safe load limit, consider:
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Weighing yourself and your tack
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Knowing your horseโs actual weight (not just guessing)
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Speaking with a vet, bodyworker, or qualified saddle fitter
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Exploring different breeds or horse types that better match your riding needs
๐ฅฐLetโs keep these conversations kind, factual, and horse-centred.
Protecting our horses is not up for debate.
