New weight restrictions on college riding team... opinions?

^ on the actual sheet, they have a BMI chart and a height/weight chart. But it doesn't say that you have to be within your height/weight chart to be on the team, just under 200 lbs.

It certainly seems like it'd be a problem for a good many men. I'm 6 ft and about 200 lbs, and not fat by any definition. (Other than stupid BMI, which doesn't account for people who weight train.) I might, if I really worked at it, get down to about 190, but then there are quite a few guys taller than I am.

I think it's a good idea, it is an athletic sport after all. I can also understand the weight bearing on the horses. Whether a horse can carry 200+ lbs or not isn't an issue but rather how often is that horse required to carry that weight and under what circumstances, ie in demanding performance or leisurely trail ride.

I can see there being an issue about people who are fit but still over 200lbs - but perhaps if it is about the horse, there's not getting around that. I'm pretty sure teams can discriminate against anyone they want - the fact that one would have to try out is discriminatory in itself - which is defined in nearly every competitive sport.

Wow. VERY interesting topic!

I'm curious, how is this illegal? Is there a law that says that in sports you can't discriminate against certain weights?

If someone said, You're too heavy to be my secretary. I would consider that discrimination. If someone said, I don't have the resources (meaning, horses big enough) to accommodate a person your size? I don't know. Airplane seats are pretty small. Some people have to buy 2 to fit. Is that discrimination that only a certain size can fit into the seat? This is an athletic program. The team in our state is NCAA, they don't allow men to join the team, and b/c they consider riders "athletes" you have to run a mile under a certain number of minutes. I can ride 6 horses a day without a batting an eye, but I doubt I can make the running requirement! (i could not run to save my life..) Is that discrimination?

Teams have limited resources and you have to think about the well being /longevity of the horse. Sometimes it's not as easy as "find a bigger horse". I run a lesson program. Beginner horses are hard to find. Big beginner horses are even harder. Believe me. Plus, most are donated to schools b/c of unsoundness. - back, hocks, legs, etc. I think it's good to consider their future soundness and keep them from overstraining themselves.

I'm not entirely against this rule. The problem is that "200 lbs" is a black and white number and doesn't offer any leeway for say, the 210 very fit excellent still rider who may be a huge asset to the team. I don't know.

I would doubt numbers are down b/c of the rule about weight. In my experience the over 200 lb rider is more the exception then the rule. We didn't have this rule in my college and I doubt there were many (if any) riders over 200, and that included the men. Then again, we only had huntseat riders, maybe that matters? Don't know.

Why would it be illegal? It's for the safety of the person and the well being of the horse. These teams travel. Not all locations have horses built or conditoned to handle the work load for an all day - or two day show.

It's discrimination based on a persons physical build. I am 6'8 and have never been under 200 lbs since I was in the eigth grade. I have been in excellent shape and never damaged a horse with my wieght as I ride balanced but under this policy not only me but many men are excluded from being on the equestrian team due to size. It doesn't bother me and I would never sue but you can bet someone will.

I think the "No one over 200 lbs." rule is rather arbitrary, because there are good riders over 200 lbs. Men usually, because they tend to be taller and weigh more than women.

I think if you have a horse who can handle a competent 200+ lb. Rider, where's the issue?

I see what this team is trying to accomplish, though. Asking an older horse to work multiple times a day with bad, 90 lb. Riders is easier on them than asking them to cart around bad, 200 lb. Riders.

This is for the horses' well being, not discriminatory against the heavier riders.

I tend to be more on the 'fluffy' side these days, but I'm a competent rider with horses who have no trouble carrying my weight. My 14.2 h Arab carries me just fine, although I'd be extremely reluctant to let anyone weighing more than 200 lbs. Ride him, even if they are competent. He's petite and can only take so much extra weight.

People need to quit screaming about discrimination and take a close, hard look at their riding skills. Are they up to snuff? Even though you're carrying some extra weight, are you balanced and light in the saddle? If you can't honestly say yes, then maybe you need to step back and consider what you just might be doing to your horse.

Those who yell the loudest about fat discrimination are usually the ones who are unhappy with their own weight, yet don't want anyone pointing out the fact that they might not be in tip top shape.

The college wants the team to look and be healthy. They are representing the school in a way. I agree about the men being 200 pounds and healthy from muscle and height, but there aren't a lot of men on teams, and I'm sure they make an exception for that. Riding is an athletic sport and riders that compete should be fit IMO. If you want to ride on the team it's just more motivation to lose weight. I'm sure the older horses will appreciate the lighter weight too.

What college is it BTW?