Weight Limits

Horses on riding holidays work hard week after week and even with regular breaks and good tack, one of the most difficult challenges for the stable manager is ensuring horses don't develop sore backs.  Although in the UK we have ready access to superb weight carrying hunters with Irish draught in their breeding, that type of horse either isn't available in many countries or just couldn't cope with the heat or terrain.

Some riding holidays have a rider weight limit of 13.5st/190 pounds/85kgs.  Others a limit of 14st/195 pounds/90kgs.

However, it's not an exact science and a tall, experienced rider, who may exceed the weight limit, may ride very light on the horse's back. So, please do check with us first.

There are a good selection of riding destinations for riders who weigh more than 14st/195 pounds/90kgs. These will be ride operators with appropriate horses or indeed enough horses (such as Iceland) to enable riders to change mount regularly. In some cases there is a small charge to ensure that an extra horse is made available.

However, sometimes there is a limit on the number of heavier riders which can be accepted on any given date, so when you email or call to check availability, please do let us know your weight so we can ensure an appropriate horse is available for you.

Please inform us if your weight changes significantly prior to your holiday since this may affect horse allocation.

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