WE don’t like to talk about weight. It’s personal, it’s awkward and, for many of us, it can feel like stepping on a set of scales is as nerve-racking as going through a double combination. But when it comes to our horses, avoiding the subject does them no favours. That’s why Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has drawn a line in the sand.

For all their competitions, clinics, and camps, RoR use a clear rider-to-horse weight ratio: ideally, rider plus tack should be no more than 17% of the horse’s bodyweight, and it must never exceed 20%. In Ireland, Treo Eile don’t have their own ratio, but recommends following the guidelines from RoR.

Do the maths. For a 500kg ex-racehorse, the maximum combined rider and tack weight is 85kg, with an absolute cap at 100kg. Anything above that isn’t fair, isn’t safe, and isn’t good horsemanship.

A spokesperson for RoR told The Irish Field: “RoR has had weight-ratio guidance in place for our competitions since 2016, and we’ve now extended this across all our activities to promote best practice and rider awareness. There is growing recognition across the equestrian community that carrying excessive weight can negatively affect horse welfare. contributing to issues such as fatigue, gait abnormalities and injury.

“Our guideline of 17% reflects the fact that the Thoroughbred is typically a lighter-framed breed, while our 20% limit remains in line with the approach of other governing bodies such as British Dressage. The decision is informed by a number of recent research projects that show horse welfare can be compromised when ratios range from 15% upwards, alongside other factors such as environment, fitness, exercise duration and rider ability.

“These guidelines are not intended to create barriers to participation, but rather to support better welfare outcomes for all ex-racehorses and their riders. They have been well received by our members, and we are proud to be leading this important conversation within the wider equestrian community.”

Plain and simple

Asking too much of your horse doesn’t just affect performance. It chips away at muscle tone, posture and comfort. It can lead to stumbling, lameness, or a reluctance to be tacked up. RoR aren’t out to name and shame. Stewards are trained to step in discreetly, with kindness, if combinations look mismatched. This isn’t about policing people – it’s about protecting horses. And, if we’re honest, protecting horses is the one thing every rider should be on board with.

Yes, weight is a sensitive topic. But pretending it isn’t part of the welfare puzzle doesn’t make the problem disappear. Just as saddle fit, dentistry, or hoof care need regular checks, so too does the rider-to-horse balance.

At the RoR National Championships 2025, welfare stewards will be on hand with a weighbridge and friendly advice. British riders who meet the guidelines can even collect a ‘suitably mounted’ certificate - a quiet nod to good horsemanship. Should Ireland introduce something similar?