Excess Rider Weight Can Cause Lameness

The latest results of a study into the effect of excessive load show suitable mounts and suitable saddles are paramount

- Eleanor Jones

RIDERS who are too heavy for their mounts can cause temporary lameness, which could become a permanent issue in the long term.

The latest results of a study led by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) last September show that a high ratio of horse-to-rider weight has a “substantial” negative effect.

The study involved six horses, each ridden by four riders of different weights. And although all six finished it moving at least as well as at the start, all the tests involving the two heaviest riders had to be abandoned, mainly owing to the temporary lameness.

The results were to be announced by Dr Sue Dyson, AHT head of clinical orthopaedics, who led the study, at the National Equine Forum today (8 March).

“I had expected this, based on previous clinical observations,” said Dr Dyson. “I have seen many horses ridden sequentially by people of very different weights and seen an immediate change in the way the horses moved. I have evidence of horses in full work with no underlying clinical problem showing lameness when ridden by a heavy rider. Horses with low-grade lameness when ridden by a light rider may show much more obvious lameness when ridden by a heavier rider.