Enter the total weight of the horse and the saddle weight into the calculator to determine the maximum horse rider weight.

Maximum Horse Rider Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Maximum Horse Rider Weight. 

MHRW = .20 * (HW - SW)
  • Where MHRW is the Maximum Horse Rider Weight (lbs)
  • HW is the horse weight (lbs)
  • SW is the saddle weight (lbs)

To calculate the Maximum Horse Rider Weight, subtract the saddle weight from the horse weight, then multiply the result by .20.

What is the Maximum Weight a Horse Can Hold?

The general consensus is that a horse can safely carry 20% of its body weight. Any greater than this amount, and there runs an increased risk of injury.

How to calculate Maximum Horse Rider Weight?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines how to calculate the most weight a horse can carry.

First, determine the weight of the horse. In this example, the horse weighs 1300 lbs.

Next, determine the weight of the saddle. The saddle for this problem is measured to be 50 lbs.

Finally, calculate the horse rider’s weight using the formula above:

MHRW = .20 * (HW – SW)

MHRW = .20 * (1300- 50)

MHRW = 250 lbs