Sigh...

On Craigslist today...
"We are looking for a trail riding, kid broke, safe, sane, sound, broke broke gaited horse, must be big enough to carry a 330lb person, we don't care what breed, can even be a cross, just no pacey horses please, do not want an expensive pedigreed horse, we only pleasure ride, we don't show, we prefere an older horse, have vet and personal references upon request, our horses are taken excellent care of and fed twice daily. Thank you" Link

I politely emailed and suggested "You should really consider a draft or draft cross for a 330 lb person"

To which I received this reply "No thank you, I know there are plenty of big gaited horses out there!"

Sigh... No offence, but a 330 lb person is going to have a hard time being balanced on any sized horse. I feel sorry for the Fox Trotter who ends up having to pack this person around! Gah!

FYI: It is a common idea that the weight of the rider and tack should not exceed 20% of the weight of the horse. Therefore, a 1000lb horse can comfortable carry appx 200 lb of person and saddle.