Compare the rider and tack against the horse's weight using the widely used 15–20% guideline, and see the most a horse should comfortably carry. Enter weights in kilograms or pounds.
Load ratio = (rider + tack) ÷ horse's weight × 100.
Fitness, age, conformation, saddle fit, the rider's balance and how long the horse works all matter as well as the number.
A widely used guideline is that rider plus tack should be no more than 15% of the horse's bodyweight for comfort, and at most 20%. A 500 kg horse would comfortably carry about 75 kg and at most about 100 kg.
Yes. The guideline covers the total load: the rider dressed for riding plus the saddle, pad, girth and bridle.
A guide only, not veterinary advice.
Related: horse weight calculator · hands to cm converter · hay calculator.
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