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Horse Rider Weight Calculator
Discover our handy horse rider weight calculator here at IASF. We are on a mission to help horse riders across the world become better informed about their relationship with their horse, through their saddle. Through years of teaching the next generation of saddle fitters on our courses, our team is well-versed on what’s best for your horse’s riding standards.
One question that might’ve crossed your mind when riding is, “Am I too heavy or too light for my horse?”. It is a completely valid question and comes with an answer that can prompt some changes. Use our calculator below to find out how you and your horse fare.
It is important to remember that there are variables which will affect the amount a horse can comfortably carry such as build, age, level of conditioning and riding style.
As riders we need to be open to disclosing sensitive subjects such as body weight especially when working with your saddle fitter and there is no shame in this, even a slim rider can be heavy or too large for their horse. Pairing appropriate horses with riders should be an important aspect when we consider equine welfare.
Less than 10%
10 - 12%
Light
12-15%
Medium
15 - 18%
Heavy
19% +
Very Heavy
Why It’s Important to Know Your Weight for Horse Riding
Knowing your weight and how that compares to the horse that you ride is critical for your horse’s overall health, safety and performance. With the general rule of thumb being a horse can carry no more than 20% of its own body weight, you need to be aware of how you affect this. When exceeding this limit, you run the risk of causing the horse physical problems such as muscle fatigue, joint strains, lameness and behavioural issues. Not to mention the increased risk of accident for both rider and horse.your own text and edit me. It's easy.
Are You Too Heavy for Your Horse?
Are you concerned that you may be too heavy for your horse? Our handy weight ratio calculator uses calculations based on guidelines from published research and includes a 10kg allowance for tack and clothing.
It is important to remember that there are variables which will affect the amount a horse can comfortably carry such as build, age, level of conditioning and riding style.
As riders, we need to be open to disclosing sensitive subjects such as body weight, especially when working with your saddle fitter and there is no shame in this; even a slim rider can be heavy or too large for their horse. Pairing appropriate horses with riders should be an important aspect when we consider equine welfare.
If you are concerned about your weight ratio result please discuss this with your equine management team.
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It is important to be aware that if you are within the heavy to very heavy range finding a saddle which fits both you and your horse correctly may be present challenges and you will need to work collectively with your saddle fitter, body worker and coach to find a solution.
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