A Weighty Issue...

Here is a thought to keep in mind during the festive season, the season of food, and drink and very little exercise! Are you fit to ride?

There have been various occasions this year when the overweight rider debate has surfaced. We are pleased to hear of the formation of a working group under the chairmanship of the British Equestrian Federation, with support from World Horse Welfare to tackle this issue. The Animal Health Trust and the University of Sunderland are both beginning research that explores the optimum loading levels for horses. We are pleased that this issue is being tackled in a scientific manner, with the highlight being on horse welfare, which, after all, is the most important thing.

A recent study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, suggests that the rider should weigh less than 15% of their horse's body weight. This means a 1500-pound horse should be able to carry a rider of 150 lbs or less. It is not to do with the rider’s weight, it is to do with the relationship between the horse and the rider. Since the increase in food availability since the post-war era, our bodies have been getting bigger, while the horses that we ride have by and large remained the same. This is not a debate about our image obsessed society, but merely an observation about ratios. That of the horse and rider.

However it is worth bearing in mind as you reach for another helping of turkey and potatoes that our weight does affect how we ride. So my festive tip to help keep you and your horse healthy is to dismount from your horse (providing it is safe to do so) half a mile from home and walk the rest of the way. This is will give you an extra walk, and your horse a chance to cool down his back muscles. Happy, healthy horse and rider!

Merry Christmas!