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| hold that chip! |
I had a lot of positive response to my last post on overweight riders but unfortunately it would seem that the rest of the equestrian industry has got a bit 'hysterical' about this issue. It has resulted in the distinct possibility of new draconian measures coming into force to protect horse welfare.
Various leading equestrian organisations called an emergency meeting following the new research which claims to show our horses are taking the strain of obese riders (any rider over a size 10 automatically comes under their scrutiny) and have decided that the only way to beat the bulge is to implement spot checks at equestrian events.
These checks will involve horse and rider being weighed separately on a weigh table. The horse to rider weight ratio will then be calculated. If you meet the 'ideal' standard (rider less than 10 per cent of horse's weight) you will be able to continue with the competition but if you fall within the new Welfare Issue Weight, or WIW (over 15 per cent of your horse's weight) you will be asked to pack up your over large saddle bags and leave the venue. If you come within the 'satisfactory' category (10-15 per cent of the horse's weight), then it will be down to the organisers discretion, dependent on which discipline you have entered.
There is also talk of a set up similar to the narrow doorway policy implemented in top Parisian fashion stores. A width gauge of upright poles will be set up and riders asked to walk between them. It works in a similar way to the hand luggage size check at airports-if the bag doesn't fit, then it doesn't go on. The narrow doorway policy has been highly successful in Paris and any of us who have been there will have noticed how slim they are despite the fact they are surrounded by mouthwatering bakeries!
Surprise, surprise, it would seem that professional riders won't be faced with these, in my opinion, humiliating tests as it would seem that 'pleasure riders' also know as 'happy hackers' are the target of the new horse and rider fat busters squad.
Fortunately though, it will take time to accumulate the equipment and officers needed for this new sector of the horse welfare industry so it does give us all time to fight the flab.
So, how do you feel about these new spot checks? Is it a heavy hoof step too far?
If you're worried that the scales won't balance for you and your horse I will be coming up with some weighty tips in an upcoming post.
What a load of rubbish! Yes, some riders are heavier, but everyone knows a slightly heavier rider who sits correctly is more comfortable for the horse than a lighter rider who sits like a sack of spuds! Okay, there are limits as to what sorts of weight some horses can carry but heavy breeds, such as the Suffolk Punch, are BUILT to be able to manage heavier loads.
ReplyDeleteI think it's heading in the right direction, all sports have regulations to follow including weight. im not for showing anyone up that's wrong but if these measures go ahead then it should be done with dignity.
ReplyDeleteWe are all quick enough to jump to save a the starved horse pulling he cart in some far off country, but turn a blind eye to a heavy horse and a heavy rider on a horse. education is the key more weigh scales demo.s and condition score at shows.and for judges to mark down if they see a problem. Get the happy hackers fitter and at there optimum weight, then there in a much better place to carry the weight of the rider what ever they weigh. I must say most happy hackers do not have regular lesson and there for pick up bad habit's and your more relaxes about thing when out hacking, so do we carry are weight the same. Over all I think about time. But do it firmly but far.
where is the common sense in this,this is blatant discrimination of those that do not fit the 'ideal' image of equestrian sport, and no i am not overweight.
ReplyDeleteHello!!!!! April Fools!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletebut there again if you feel you need to lose a few pounds that's ok too...we all do :)
They have been talking about this for a couple of weeks, so not sure if its an April Fools joke. Just pc going overboard as usual!
ReplyDeleteHi! I would be really interested in reading the full article that was published by the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour that states that horses are taking the strain of their obese riders. If anyone has the title or link to it could they please reply to this ASAP? I'm writing my dissertation on how different weights effect the horse's way of going (stride length, knee & fetlock angles, etc.) and this paper seems perfect. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna-here's the link to the Journal http://www.journalvetbehavior.com/ Put rider weight in the search box and it comes up-but it looks like you have to pay to be able to read the paper. I have also been told that the width of the horse's cannon bone is influential on his weight-bearing capacity. Did you read my previous post on this topic which wasn't an April Fool? You'll find the hyperlink at the top of my post above. It may also give you food for thought! Hope that helps and good luck with your dissertation.
DeleteLoad of horse poo
ReplyDeleteThere was a famous hunter trainer once that would weigh his riders every week. If they went over a certain weight, they would not be allowed to show or ride any horses until they were back to what he thought was suitable. His daughter became so obsessed that he might not let her ride that she, and most of the other students became anorexic and I believe were very sick for a long time, along with other emotional issues. How long before unless you are a size 0, you can't show anymore? Not saying that obese people should ride, but if these organizations cross the line and go too far... They just need to tread very VERY lightly, or else human welfare will get involved too.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good idea. I have a small mare that anyone can ride and I sometimes let others ride her. We just trail ride, but we go up some steep hills etc. I have secretly placed a weight limit on who I will let ride her. I think the world as a whole are more over weight then we should be. It's just the fast foods and bad habits we have. I think this will help people to think about what they eat which will make them a healthier person. Too many other "issues" come with obesity.We try not to give our horses too much to eat. We should do the same for ourselves and be accountable for both. We need to be responsible riders, and this is just one more area we should be responsible for.
ReplyDeleteIf a person is big they know it, they don't need it rubbed in their faces. I make it clear to people if I feel I am too big for a horse I won't ride it. People need to use good judgement, ride a horse that suits your body type!
ReplyDeleteThe weight of the rider and the saddle/equipment shouldn't exceed 25% of the horse' weight. What is this rubbish, now that says 10%. The maximum weight of a Pony Express rider was 170 and I would guess a McClellan Saddle weighed about 35#. Those horses were ridden to the max and carried 200#s. Now only 100# people can ride horses? A well conditioned horse can carry at least 200#s on a two to four hour trail ride. If the mules going down into the Grand Canyon can carry 200#, any horse can carry that much. Of course the terrain has an effect on the speed and they will sometimes need to rest, but pleasure horses are so slow, they could carry 250#s
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all of your comments. Well done to those of you who spotted that it is an April Fool's joke but I can understand some of you might believe it could be true as let's face it- life can be stranger than fiction! If you read my previous blog you will see that I think we should be careful not to overreact to the latest research on horse/rider weight and the suggested welfare standards and I wrote this to suggest how things can spiral out of control in a very unhealthy way (as Halle Fischer mentions with the hunter trainer.)Many of you have made some interesting points that add to this weighty debate and keep it balanced.
ReplyDelete