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2015-12-15: Hi! You're probably here because you did a Google search for 'plus sized horseback riders' or you saw my content quoted elsewhere. There are a couple of things I'd like you to know.

I am still here! But I am living away from my horses and not riding often. I could tell you a lie and say that I am, but I have always endeavored to give you the truth here. As a result, I'm not feeling terribly motivated to write blog posts and I feel out of touch with the community.

I'd love for you to stay a while and look back through the archives. Visit the links listed below. We still have an active forum community and I post on the Facebook page from time to time.

I have tentative plans to try to get more involved in the horse world in 2016, and I will absolutely share whatever that adventure becomes with you, so keep checking back!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Informal Poll

It was brought to my attention elsewhere that in my first mythbusting entry, Fat Rider Myth #1: Fat People Should Only Ride Drafts (Or: Choosing A Suitable Mount), I was making a blanket statement that excluded many wonderful breeds - such as arabians, morgans, etc, in this particular comment:

Spindly little legs probably won't hold up to much work with any size of rider, so those horses are best to avoid in the first place for anyone! However, when I am talking about "good bone", I'm not necessarily talking about the fat legged draft horse. Many stock horses have excellent bone and fantastic feet and are completely suitable, when coupled with a short back and general overall fitness for a plus sized rider.


I wasn't under the impression that that sentiment was what I was implying AT ALL. I am concerned now that other readers may have percieved it that way. Comment?

7 comments:

  1. Personally, I took it as it was written. That you don't feel a plus sized rider has to be riding a draft horse, but a stock horse will do in the right scenario. I feel it leaves out many many suitable horses for any rider.

    I also happen to disagree because the breed of horses I grew up showing, (or showing with) are not at all considered stock horses but the finer (splindly?) boned horses you don't seem to feel are suitable for a plus sized rider. I happen to be able to name many overweight riders, some morbidly obese who ride and even show Morgans, Arabs and Saddlebreds and they hold up with no problems. Can every one of those breeds carry a 350 pound rider? Nope, but then again, neither can some drafts!

    I just don't feel plus sized riders need to just stick to drafts OR stock horses as there are so many great breeds out there that are more than up to the task!

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  2. I didn't take it that way either. I have two ponies I ride. One is a short stocky haflinger. The other is a more petite built Spotted Saddle Horse (who is also pony sized at 13.3hh). The SSH has been carrying me since her 3 year old year and is now a late 7 year old and has yet to be lame or sore a day in her life. We do extensive trail riding and she's always game to go out. She has a fabulous work ethic and wants to go out for rides so I end up riding her more often than the lazy haflinger because I have more fun on a horse that actually wants to go!

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  3. I took it to mean stock horses were just one example of the many different horses suitable for larger riders, besides drafts and draft mixes. I personally think it always comes down to the individual horse and that you can't always label a whole breed suitable.

    BTW, love the blog!

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  4. sorry... showed arabians, and yes they can hold 350... with ease! I knew where you were going Amanda... i think my little arab can handle me better then my big paint... my problem is, i dont have the right saddle for him... they are all too wide of bars... anyway. thats my 2 cents

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  5. "I took it to mean stock horses were just one example of the many different horses suitable for larger riders, besides drafts and draft mixes. I personally think it always comes down to the individual horse and that you can't always label a whole breed suitable."

    Timberline, that was exactly the intent of my words. I did mention in the comments that I hadn't met any arabians that *I* would feel comfortable riding but that doesn't paint arabs with one brush!

    I did ride a charming arabian/shire cross once. :) And I know several plus sized riders who ride arabs and look darn good on them. I don't have a discriminatory bone in my body for ANY breed of horse, honest to God. I never thought I'd ever see it but I was sent pictures of a 6' man riding a 13hh Newfoundland Pony the other day and he looked perfectly fine on him! I was even told said pony's previous owner was over 200lbs and rode him just fine. And look at Icelandic horses carrying big men riding them!

    I think that this post as well as many of the other things I have posted clarifies my intent.

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  6. This: "kalamitykaren said...

    I just don't feel plus sized riders need to just stick to drafts OR stock horses as there are so many great breeds out there that are more than up to the task! "

    I agree whole heatedly with this statement.

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  7. I also agree with that statement - even though I did not say it in exactly those words in the blog entry. :)

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