Many horse riders could be too heavy for their steeds

A recent news story caught my attention this week. It reported on the results of a study which suggested that equestrianism could be facing an obesity crisis.
I realise I might have to clarify that statement. I don't mean that participants have been purchasing horse rugs in XL sizes, but rather these people could be getting too big for their riding boots – in a manner of speaking.
It has been stated that when mounting a horse, an individual should weigh less than 10% of the animal's mass. To put that into perspective, if a steed is about 500kg, the rider should be approximately 50kg.
However, the results of the study – published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour – suggested that many individuals could be too heavy for their mounts. In fact, it appears that only 5% of riders could be within the above limit.
Moreover, approximately 32% could be so heavy that they may place the health of their horses at risk. As a result, their steeds might suffer from various problems, such as back pains, arthritis in parts of their legs, and could even become bad tempered.
Now, I realise this is quite a sensitive subject, but perhaps riders should consider investigating how much they weigh before jumping in the saddle. As a spokesperson from the Association of British Riding Schools put it when speaking to the Daily Telegraph: "What's more important – saving someone's blushes, or saving the horse's back?"
Photo © Just chaos via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Michael Schumacher - Future western riding champion?

If you are a fan of formula one racing, you will have probably heard of Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion has achieved quite a lot in his motoring career, but he will be retiring later this year.

However, his greatest challenge could be just around the corner...
Speaking to an Italian newspaper, Schumacher told journalists that his wife, Corinna, had suggested taking part in equestrianism.

He added, "I'm thinking of getting involved in western riding competitions…
"Corinna, who has been doing these events for years, has already chosen the right horse for me. I'll give it a try…"

The formula one legend already owns a farm in Switzerland and is a fan of cowboy shirts and boots, so it sounds like he might have the basics covered already. As well as picking out the right steed, here's hoping that Corinna has also advised her husband about proper equestrian clothing, such as riding hats and boots.

If this new challenge does not work out, then the driver reportedly has other options which he is considering. Still, I'm personally looking forward to seeing Schumacher in the saddle, especially if he handles a horse as well as he controls a car.

Photo © ph-stop via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence