[TwisterRush]

i don't think there is much problem, inless the horse has some medical condition, also may i ask that you use smaller text and change the color, it really hurts the eyes and makes it difficult to read.

Anyway's i think you have nothing to worry about, and if you called the RSPCA, they will probably laugh at you.

I also think that this is offending to overweight riders. Im just saying that just because the horse is 15 HH, and the rider is overweight doesn't mean that the horse is in agony or pain.
I know alot of 'overweight' riders and they are perfectly fine... these animals have strong backs and are large, considering he is a cob also.

Horses can pull carts and wagons also, just going to say again, you don't have anything to worry about.... most likely i dont see a problem with it.

 

[Kayty]

Unless he's an extremely finely built little pony with not much bone to his legs, I wouldn't be worrying at all. Ponies ad cobs are SO tough and they can carry more weight relative to their size than a lot of draught horses. I have a 13.2hh welsh pony who is reasonably solid, and she quite happily carries a 100+kg man.

Calling the RSPCA is un necessary and I highly doubt they will take any action. If the horse is in good condition and his back is not being inverted, then they have no interest.

 

[Honeysuga]

This is one of those rare cases where I will say it really is not your business to do anything. Whether or not you feel the rider is to heavy does not matter in the least.

 

[Marielw]

Wow ... great replies. I am a 'larger' rider. I ride a horse who is about 18 years old and is 15 or 16 hh. I have been assured that she can carry me and she had proven she can carry me up hills, down hills, in the ring. I've been told if a horse can pack an elk out of the woods ... I have no need to worry about a horse carrying me.

Frankly, I do find the post offensive ... in several ways. The conent and the size and color of the font. Stop yelling, please.

 

[NorthernMama]

Too big is any font size over 14. Keep it black with proper capitals in a reasonable size please.

As for the horse's situation, I agree with the previous posters. There are 'way too many issues that come into play here for anyone to make a judgement from the road. Not your place to butt in, IMO.

 

[jamesqf]

Too big is any font size over 14. Keep it black with proper capitals in a reasonable size please.

Excuse the digression, but with any decent browser, the viewer can control the size, color, and just about everything else about the way text is displayed. On my system, a 14 point font is too small for me to read comfortably, so I specify all normal text as 16 point. I prefer white text on a black background, and disallow various cutsie things like blinking text...

 

[kmdstar]

While I'm not an overweight rider I still find this pretty offensive. :-|

If you called...anyone on this matter, as someone else said, I'm sure you'll get laughed at. It really isn't your business and I know if I was that horses owner I would be beyond angry about you talking about calling RSPCA or even thinking this is anything to concern you.

 

[whiskeynoo]

i got to agree on what everyones saying here, horses are sturdy animals and we're originally used as pack animals, so it shows they can carry a great deal.

 

[ptvintage]

I find your post offensive as well. And not just because of the huge red text.

We used to ride up on my horse double, that's almost 300 lbs on her back, she was 15.1... I bet you wouldn't feel like the horse was in agony over that.

It may not look right to you, but it's really not your business.

 

[twh]

Unless the horse is practically collapsing, I would leave the situation alone.

 

[centrestableswendy]

I was offended. I'm not huge, but my horse is 14.3hh, and I'm a size 12-14.....about 175, but I'm only 5'1". That makes me a "heavier rider". Does that mean I'm abusing my horse? I don't think so.

 

[CrazyChester]

I agree with everyone else, keep your nose out of it.

 

[Jacksmama]

I can understand why you would be concerned IF the rider is VERY obese, but IME the horse will tell you if they are carrying too much. Cobs especially are sturdy critters.

 

[Horseychick94]

I am VERY offended by this. I am about 5' 5-7" and I weigh 244 lbs and I ride a 3 yr old paint mare and she has no probs carrying me http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?pid=503687&id=1637795866
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?pid=503689&id=1637795866

 

[TheRoughrider21]

Wow I'm completely offended. I'm 5'10" and a heavier rider. I used to worry that I was hurting my horses back but I have been assured by vets, trainers, and friends that horses can handle alot. Given, you won't see me riding around on an Arab(no offense but most Arabs are short and fine-boned). I've seen some pretty big people ride horses and the horses didn't even seem to mind.

 

[trailhorserider]

I am 5'6" and 210. I had two Arabians that carried me great until they colicked and passed away at ages 24 and 26 (I had them about 10-15 years each). They were larger examples of the breed, but still, they were not huge horses. I have a 14.3 stocky little Mustang that takes me everywhere, and a fairly average sized Foxtrotter. While I am not proud of my size and I am constantly struggling with it, the horses actually do seem to carry me fine. Do I wish I was smaller? Of course. :-(

 

[StormyBlues]

That IS very offensive! Some of the best riders in the world, reiners, dressage riders, etc arn't the skinny sticks that all of us wished to be. I'm 5'8" and weight around 170. I'm not obbease by any means, but I ain't a stick either. I always felt that I was hurting my horse, but she never showed any pain, because horses can carry alot more weight than you would think. I mean, a mini horse can pull up to like, 300 something pounds I think. If the horse isn't hurt, keep out of it.

 

[eventerdrew]

I weigh 140 and I'm 5'2". I'm overweight for my height but you can bet that I work my A$$ off to even stay AT 140! I ride a 14.3hh horse that I always feel like I'm too big for (maybe because I'm used to huge horses) so these kind of comments are hurtful.

 

[mbender]

I have to say,,, you made me laugh. Not at the offensive question, but at the ignorant way you went about it. I am not a heavy person but have friends who are and you know what,,,these horses are fine with any weight you put on them. I have a larger pony maybe a little bigger than a shetland and I feel huge on her. She doesnt seem the least bit hindered by my size. She carries me with no problems and rides like a dumptruck. Just tough.