SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/horse-weight-carry-20
About what share of its ideal body weight can an average adult light riding horse comfortably carry?
About 20 percent.
- 5 percent
- 50 percent
- 20 percent ✔
Why: Ohio State studies found an average light riding horse handled about 20 percent of its ideal body weight comfortably. Rider plus saddle count toward that load. Fit, fitness and the rider's balance matter too.
Huh, didn't know that: UMN notes some Icelandic horses could work aerobically up to a load of about 23 percent.
Why does a pregnant horse run faster? It has two horsepower.
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References
Answer: 20 percent. Ohio State studies found an average light riding horse handled about 20 percent of its ideal body weight comfortably. Rider plus saddle count toward that load. Fit, fitness and the rider's balance matter too.
- Guidelines for the weight-carrying capacity of horses, UMN Extension extension.umn.edu/node/19291
about 20 percent of their ideal bodyweight.
Checked 2026-10-10.
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