Weight & Height Guidelines for Horseback Riding
Horse and rider safety is our number one priority at Broken Rail Ranch; therefore, we need to have general guidelines for the weight and height of our riders. A rider who is not proportionate to their horse risks injuring themselves (not able to balance in the saddle or the horse buckles under weight) and their horse.
The general rule of thumb is that a horse is able to carry 20% of its body weight (rider & tack), but it is not an exact science. Athletic ability, muscle mass, rider experience, and rider balance all play a role. Most of our horses weigh between 900-1000 pounds, so the 'safe zone' for the average rider is under 200 pounds. Athletic riders and tall riders might weigh more and still ride comfortably as they generally balance their weight evenly while riding.
Please be honest and accurate when providing your information as we will not be able to accommodate you if weight/height is misrepresented. We do have one lovely Percheron who is okay to carry above the guidelines...up to 275 pounds. We are hoping to add a few more sturdy horses to our ranch as we would love to be able to offer more inclusive riding opportunities.
Horse and rider safety is our number one priority at Broken Rail Ranch; therefore, we need to have general guidelines for the weight and height of our riders. A rider who is not proportionate to their horse risks injuring themselves (not able to balance in the saddle or the horse buckles under weight) and their horse.
The general rule of thumb is that a horse is able to carry 20% of its body weight (rider & tack), but it is not an exact science. Athletic ability, muscle mass, rider experience, and rider balance all play a role. Most of our horses weigh between 900-1000 pounds, so the 'safe zone' for the average rider is under 200 pounds. Athletic riders and tall riders might weigh more and still ride comfortably as they generally balance their weight evenly while riding.
Please be honest and accurate when providing your information as we will not be able to accommodate you if weight/height is misrepresented. We do have one lovely Percheron who is okay to carry above the guidelines...up to 275 pounds. We are hoping to add a few more sturdy horses to our ranch as we would love to be able to offer more inclusive riding opportunities.