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How much weight can a horse support on its back2007-11-24 21:16:06Answers:

Most people work from a rough equation that a horse can carry 20% of it's own weight as a load on it's back. This is just a very rough guide because it doesn't mean that a very fat horse could carry more weight than his thin stable mate.

Some breeds are better weight carriers, so if you see something with a short stocky body, and good thick legs then he will be able to carry a bigger % of weight than his long backed, lean legged mate.

EDIT

Is this a first, every answer has a thumbs down? Whats wrong with saying that a horses build affects it's weight carrying?

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depends on how big the horses' butt is. and also how big the rider's butt is. jk jk well actually it does depend on how big the horse is.

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depends on the horse.

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Depends on the size and breed of horse. A quarter horse can handle more than an Arabian of the same size. But in general, for a good sturdy large horse...I wouldn't put anyone over about 200 lbs on it's back. But, that's just me. = )

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It depends on how stocky, and muscled, in shape, and tall the horse is.

Also, obvioulsy a draft horse could carry more than a quarter horse or an arabian.

For a standard saddle horse I would say about 250 pounds, but it depends...

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I would not put anyone over 200 Lbs on a hot blooded animal but a warmblood or draft can handle more as they are stronger with denser bones.