My Weight Doesn’t Make Me a Good or Bad Rider
My weight has fluctuated my entire life. I use the term ‘fluctuated’ loosely – what I really mean is that since the time transitioned from junior to young adult rider and from young adult rider to middle-aged adult rider, my weight has fluctuated over 100 pounds. Sure, I have looked different in my breeches over the years, but the reality is I was never a better or worse rider due to my weight.
There are so many factors that come into play when determining whether or not someone is a good rider. Although opinions may vary, I think most of us can agree that a good rider is someone who is compassionate and fair to their horse, balanced and quiet in the tack, flexible, able to adapt on the fly, and patient. None of these qualities are mutually exclusive to a certain weight. You do not have to be “X” number of pounds to jump a course with a light seat, soft hands, and good eye. Practice and fitness, which can be achieved no matter what your body type is, can help you master those skills.
“I have never had a horse point out or punish me for my weight. Only people seem to do that.”
When I look back chronologically through my life and riding, my favorite riding memories were in no way tied to the number on a scale. I had some really great rides in my bigger breeches, and some not so great ones in my smaller ones. I look back fondly on my days of riding two horses every night, being as strong and fit as I’ve ever been as an adult. But I also look at the work I’ve done more recently on a friend’s green horse after having time off and being a bit less fit. Those were amazing, satisfying rides where we really did some great work. The same mechanics produced both good rides. Mechanics riders wearing any breech size are capable of.
I have never had a horse point out or punish me for my weight. Only people seem to do that. And so while I’m careful to make sure that I maintain my balance and fitness level so I can remain effective, I’ve stopped clinging to an arbitrary breech size. Because at the end of the day, my experience – but more importantly my heart – tell me that it doesn’t matter.