16/07/2024
Another really important message from Pony Club Australia!
๐ช๐ฒ๐น๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐: ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ช๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐?
At Pony Club, our horses participate in various activities, and it's essential to consider their well-being. As responsible owners, we need to be mindful of how much work is suitable for our horses. Researchers have studied the ideal weight-carrying capacity of horses to help us make informed decisions.
As outlined in Pony Club Australia's horse welfare policy, the combined weight of the rider and saddlery should not exceed 20% of the horseโs weight. For example, a 13.2hh pony weighing 400kg should not carry a rider weighing more than 80kg with gear.
๐๐ป๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ'๐ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐
If you're unsure of your horse's weight, you can estimate it using a tape measure and this horse weight calculator: https://bit.ly/3VZlPSm
๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฐ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฎ๐
๐ถ๐บ๐๐บ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐
Once you know your horse's weight, you can calculate its maximum rider weight using this handy tool: https://bit.ly/4d3nVHG. Note that this tool assumes a well-balanced rider, a horse at their ideal weight, and a properly fitting saddle.
๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ช๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐
๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ
A horse that can easily carry weight usually has a well-muscled, short back and thick cannon bones. This horse will have a lower centre of gravity compared to a horse with long legs and a long, weak back. Always consider your horse's build and adjust their fitness plans accordingly.
๐๐ช๐ต๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ด๐ด & ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ
The fitness and balance of both horse and rider are crucial. An unfit or unbalanced horse will struggle to support the riderโs weight while maintaining its own balance. Similarly, an unfit riderโor one that is too tall for the horse or ponyโcan throw off the horseโs balance, leading to discomfort and potential injury. Ensuring both horse and rider are in good condition is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride.
๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ & ๐๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฌ
Activities over rough terrain, for longer durations, and at increased speeds demand more effort from the horse. Only attempt such activities if both horse and rider are fit enough to handle the increased physical demands.
๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ช๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต & ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ
Always ensure your equipment meets the needs of the activity. A properly fitting saddle distributes the riderโs weight evenly without causing muscle soreness. Regular hoof care is also vital; hooves should be trimmed to provide a balanced, flat surface for weight-bearing. For horses that wear down their hooves quickly or have thin soles, consider using shoes or protective boots based on professional advice from a farrier or veterinarian.
๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ-๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ
Understanding your horseโs weight and the maximum weight it can carry ensures their welfare and promotes a long, healthy partnership. Always consider your horseโs physical condition, the demands of the activities you engage in, and the quality of your equipment to keep your horse happy and healthy.
