How much do you think hunt seat tack (english) weighs? 20% Rule?

"Another quick and popular method is to use the 20% rule. You take 20% of your horse’s body weight and the result is the amount of total weight your horse can carry. For example, a 1,000 pound horse should easily carry 200 pounds of rider and tack. The 20% rule typically applies to competitive or otherwise “hard” riding. For pleasure riding, many use a 30% rule, so this 1,000 pound horse could carry 300 pounds for shorter pleasure rides."





I am thin (106.8 lbs, to be exact), but let's say 125 with clothing, boots, and a helmet. What do you think average hunt seat tack would weigh? Based on an old 16" close contact saddle,saddle pad, leather girth, snaffle bridle and bit, standing martingale....I feel like this all is going to add up close to 200 lbs. Or am I just crazy??

How much do you think hunt seat tack (english) weighs? 20% Rule?
You are thinkin way to much into it... and if your only 106 der is no way you with your tack and stuff would weigh 200lbs. I have ridden a pony that was only 600lbs-700lbs and i weigh 136 and he had no problem with the weight... i dont think it really matters...
Reply:my close contact saddle (i would guess) is probably about 10 or 20 lbs with my girth, saddle pad etc, and your clothes weigh a lot less then that, probably no more then 5 lbs. your fine.
Reply:You are thinking too much! I think that your horse will be fine as long as you don't ride a 12 hand pony! LOL! You will be fine
Reply:Adding 15 pounds for clothing is a LOT. I have weighed myself with and without clothing, and including a cell phone, fat wallet and combat boots, the biggest difference I ever got was 2 lbs.





English saddles weigh closer to 10 lbs.





So, conservatively figure 5 extra pounds for clothes and 15 extra pounds for the saddle. So, 20 extra pounds, tops - and you weigh 127.





This is a very conservative estimate - when I was about your weight they talked about how I was to light to be a jockey. Most horses race with 120 to 125 lbs on their back and if the jockey is to light, they have to ride with weights attached to their saddle or they are disqualified. So, weighing 105, I was to light to ride - the racing saddles take up about 5 lbs, clothing only 1 or 2 more pounds for the clothes and I was a bit over 110....that is a minimum of 5 lbs worth of weights.





So yea...you are just crazy....or just overly worried about hurting your pony, which is just fine.
Reply:All of that would probably add up close to the 150-160s. (With you included) You will be fine.



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