Ethical Carrying Capacity: How Much Weight Can Your Horse Comfortably Carry?
Are You Too Heavy for Your Horse? Let’s Find Out.
If we are completely honest about our weight—including our gear, saddle, and tack—many of us may find we exceed what our horses can comfortably carry. So, how much weight can a horse ethically carry? The answer isn’t as simple as the 20% rule from old cavalry manuals. Newer veterinary studies suggest limits ranging from 15% to 30% of the horse’s body weight.
Rather than relying on a single percentage, each horse should be individually assessed based on breed, age, condition, and fitness level. Let’s break it down.
This picture was taken in Tusheti in Georgia, where Horses are still need for transportation of goods.
Factors That Determine a Horse’s Carrying Capacity
1. Breed and Conformation
Some smaller, stout breeds like Fjords and Mongolian horses are exceptionally strong for their size.
Larger draft horses, despite their size, often have lower proportional weight limits due to their body structure.
2. Age and Bone Maturity
A horse’s skeletal system doesn’t fully mature until around 7 years old.
Older horses (late teens or early twenties) may suffer from reduced fitness levels, joint issues, and muscle loss.
3. Body Condition Score (BCS)
An overweight horse is already carrying excess weight before factoring in the rider and tack.
Keeping your horse in a healthy weight range ensures better endurance and comfort.
4. Fitness Level & Training
A pasture-kept horse without conditioning is not ready for long rides, even if it meets the weight limit.
Regular exercise and muscle development improve a horse’s ability to carry weight comfortably.
This picture is from our early days in Kazakstan
A Proven Formula to Determine Ethical Weight Limits
Studies on endurance horses, such as Tevis Cup competitors, have given us a formula to calculate weight-carrying ability:
Step-by-Step Weight Calculation
Calculate Total Weight (horse + rider + tack in pounds)
Example: Horse weighs 1,010 lbs, rider and tack weigh 210 lbs → Total: 1,220 lbs
Measure Cannon Bone Circumference (midway between knee and fetlock, in inches)
Example: 8 inches
Divide Total Weight by Cannon Bone Circumference
1,220 ÷ 8 = 152.5
Divide the Result by Two
152.5 ÷ 2 = 76.25
Interpreting the Results
Below 75 → Excellent weight-bearing ability
75–80 → Acceptable range
Over 80 → Caution required, especially in tough terrain
Over 85 → Reduce weight or consider a stronger horse
Pete and Bill the Bastard from our Example
Use Common Sense, Not Just Numbers
While the formula helps, don’t rely on numbers alone. Long rides require more than just meeting weight limits. Would you enjoy carrying a 30 lb backpack for 20 miles? Even if you could, would you want to? Your horse feels the same way.
When I walked across Europe carrying a 15 kg (33 lb) backpack, I quickly learned that every extra kilogram matters. The same applies to your horse. Pack only what is absolutely necessary. And most of the time, if you think you are to heavy you most likely are.
Optimize Your Horse’s Comfort & Performance
Best Practices for Ethical Riding: Keep your horse fit, healthy, and properly conditioned. Choose a well-fitting saddle (Check out our article on saddle fit!) Reduce unnecessary gear and pack weight. Take frequent breaks on long rides. Monitor signs of fatigue (stiffness, stumbling, or reluctance to move)
Want to Learn More?
We cover this topic and much more in our book: Horseback Long Riding Explained or in our online course
Check out our article on saddle fit – make sure your saddle isn’t causing extra strain!
Next Month’s Topic: Balance – subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss it!
