01/15/2024
I came across this article today on the KWPN.org website. This subject has come up many times among trainers in our industry. I had noticed that when a heavy rider (especially an inexperienced heavy rider) would ride one of my lesson horses their stride was shorter with less suspension so I knew weight had an effect. At one point I finally put weight limits on all my lesson horses to protect their longevity but never heard of anyone else doing that. This is a cut and paste directly from the website. It's the translated version.
Am I too heavy for my horse?
Weight is topical for anyone who rides a horse. We do not see overweight, but also underweight. It appears that 'the average Dutch person' is gaining weight, so this probably also applies to 'the average rider'. However, research shows that an ideal weight ratio for horse and rider is difficult to determine. More factors play a role, such as a suitable saddle, the balance and experience of rider and horse, and the vitality of the rider. English research shows that in general horses experience few problems with a load between 15 and 20% of their own weight. An example: a reasonably sized riding horse weighing 600 kilos can carry 105 with an average of 17.5% of its own weight. Count on 10 kilos of harness, which leaves 95 kilos for the rider. This is therefore the advice that the KNHS adheres to. To be sure: a large KWPN horse is approximately 600 kg. It is therefore possible that there is not a suitable horse for everyone at an equestrian center.
Only the best is good enough for our horses. The most beautiful hay, in a balanced mix with concentrates, lots of exercise and of course optimal training. We closely monitor the condition of our horse. We often find it less interesting what our own stomach looks like. Fries at the match, a beer at the bar and once we get home we collapse on the couch, satisfied. Still running now? We've already exercised, haven't we?
Computer generation
Of course, this is a lot of clichés and there are certainly exceptions. But the fact is that the average equestrian, compared to other athletes, does not always excel in condition, flexibility and fitness. Instructor Lammer Haanstra agrees, who sees that our physical condition is deteriorating. 'The best group of teaching clients I see now is worse than the worst group before the computer generation. The fact that we now breed much better horses cannot compensate for this decline. This is mainly because the exercise that every child automatically received is now exceptional. Children are taken to the riding school by their mother, ride and go home again. Parents often find playing outside too dangerous and computer games are an easy and attractive alternative for children. Being overweight is one of the consequences of this. In my opinion, the problem is therefore broader. I think it is important that we pay more attention to exercise in the broadest sense of the word.'
Keep reflecting
Inga Wolframm, sports psychologist, agrees. 'Since the 1980s, research has been conducted into the effect of rider obesity on the horse. The common thread is that a horse has no problem if it carries between 15 and 20 percent of its own weight. In the KNHS instructor training, a guideline of 17 percent is used, because the weight of the saddle is in addition to this. A horse weighing 600 kilograms can therefore carry a rider weighing 102 kilograms. But that is no more than a guideline, because there are more factors involved. Is the rider slightly heavier but in good condition, can he sit independently and provide assistance? Or is he a little lighter, but limp and uncoordinated? The musculature and training of the horse also play a role. The torso stability of both horse and rider is very important. And what do you ask of the horse? Which exercises should he do, which corridors do you let him walk in and for how long? The horse's well-being must always come first. We have a special sport, where we have the privilege of interacting with animals. Of course we can develop rules around this subject, but it is quite a complex subject. The most important thing is that riders continue to reflect on what they are doing. And because you sometimes get blind spots when you work on something for a long time, it is good to let others watch. How does my riding style affect the horse? You always have to ask yourself that, whether you ride Grand Prix or mainly do outdoor rides.'
Sensitive subject
But what if self-evaluation seems to be lacking and you suspect that the well-being of a horse leaves much to be desired due to an overly heavy rider on its back? Is it then up to the instructor, fellow riders or officials to point out to the rider that he or she is overweight? According to Lammer, it is certainly up to the instructor. 'It must be open to discussion. Not in the group, but for example after class over a cup of coffee. You can solve a lot with a correct conversation, in which the rider can tell his story.' Inga: 'We all actually have a responsibility in monitoring horse welfare. Starting the conversation is the most important thing. Weight is a sensitive subject, especially in our horse world populated by young women. We are now talking about being overweight, but being underweight can be just as much of a problem. Many young women want to be very slim. It happens that they go through this and have serious problems with their health. That's the last thing you want to achieve.'
In the meantime, more and more attention is being paid to the importance of fit riders. Equestrian fitness, boot camp for riders, exercises you can do at home…. Rider analyzes are relatively new, in which the rider is examined by a team of experts while riding. How does the rider use his body and what could be improved? Lammert makes these analyzes together with Ferry Ferweda, owner of Ruiterfit. Lammert: 'I think the future lies here. Everyone is busy and horse riding is an intensive hobby. It is much smarter to start with exercises that specifically work on your weaknesses in the saddle. You then notice that you are progressing very quickly.' The KNHS also pays attention to this subject. In the second phase of rider training, silver, rider fitness is also a topic. The instructors' further training uses the flexchair, which provides insight into the effect of posture and sitting on the horse. Furthermore, riders can do a lot themselves. For example, there are many apps that can help you work on your physical condition.' Lammert: 'I sincerely hope that riders will get started with this. If you want to perform better with your horse, you first have to work on your mental and physical condition. Only then can the horse improve. Improve the combination for yourself.'
