Am i too overweight to ride?

I just want also cast a vote for the percheron crosses. All of the perch crosses I've met have been strong and level headed horses.

Here's a shot of me and my mare who is a percheron/thoroughbred cross. She's 16.2 hands and 8 years old.

Some riding stables put the limit at 200 lbs. (not counting the saddle)

I think that's most likely because they don't keep the type and build of horse best suited for the plus size rider
The percheron is a great foundation breed, the clue to finding the right draft/draft cross is to research the breed characteristics and go for the ones that in conformation are described as shorter backed and muscular - there are plenty that fit into this slot
OP - don't let negative posts discourage you, owning a horse will be great for your weight loss programme. I go back to your comment - boredom is my worst enemy when it comes to my own weight battles, when there isnt enought to do to make me need to get out there and escape the cookie jar the pounds soon pile on
You are not on your own!!!!

Those horses are lesson horses that are being used multiple times per day.

You are FINE, OP :) Go out and have a blast riding.

In that you are worried is an okay thing, but really, you don't need to. Be mindful of your weight and learn how to accommodate yourself. But don't be TOO hard on yourself, either.

I am overweight. I've been overweight since I was 3 years old. I'm sure I would be a much better rider if I were lighter and I'm working on that, but the yo-yo is always a "fun" ride and I am starting to appreciate how short life is and I'm not going to wait around for it.

So, I ride now. I actually hit my second heaviest I've ever been a few months ago, I've lost since then but I'm not anywhere near my lightest either. I ride more now than I have in a very long time. Besides my two, the trainer at my barn (I don't train with her, but she is a friend and trains games, western pleasure and all around horses) asks me to hop on her game horses every now and then to do some dressage with them, refine lead changes, what have you. In fact, one of her clients brought her a mare to sell as a jumper and I am going to ride her for the sales video, she goes better for me than anyone and I feel I can show her off nicely.

There are so many factors that go into our horses, weight is a touchy subject but its definitely not the only factor that causes injury or anything else. If I thought my weight was negative affecting my horses, I would stop riding (and have, for that same reason) only to have trainers, vets, chiros tell me I'm fine and to keep on riding. I've been riding my same mare for 13 years and she is sound, we do not do much for eventing anymore, haven't had a horse trial since 2009, but I do some schooling shows, lots of dressage and trail riding. My gelding I've been his main rider since he was started at age 3, I am am back to riding him a lot as well until his new lessee starts in January (cute pony clubber, he's a wonderful kids horse).

When I get off having an especially satisfying ride I always think "if only I were thin, I would be even better than this, and that was already spectacular". But I am trying to lose weight and we can all only do what we can do.

You also need to keep in mind weight distribution which can work against you as a rider. One gal I know had large deposits of fat on the inside of her knees. This forced her lower legs out and away from the horse. It was very difficult for her to correctly use her legs.

I agree with those who encourage you to go ahead and get your ride on! With the plethora of information given here (including the great weight debate that some were involved in) I know you will find exactly the right horse for you! Have fun!!!

Reading this thread & others on the forum, have noted how quite of few bigger riders are looking to draft or Draft crosses to meet their needs.I saw this one advertised & he seems to fit criteria for alot of people.Really,thought was a nice mount see what you think!!
Seniorita, 2005*Belgian*Sorrel with a flaxen mane & tail*Mare - for sale

Big time percheron advocate here!....Here we are...the two 'big booty' girls!...doing just fine!

Wow! How tall is that girl? She's beautiful.