How much weight can he pull and pack

[Ariesgrl131]

I am considering going on a camping trip and was thinking I could use my gelding as a pack pony. He is 14h 800lbs and stout. How much can he typically pack. Also If he is still around after the holidays (he's up for sale), I am going to buy him a cart. How much weight can he pull? He is the first horse I have EVER owned under 15h hands so I am so clueless. Thanks in advance!

[FrogInABlender]

He's a CUTIE!! You didn't say how old he is, but that'll have some bearing on the amount of weight he can carry too. You don't want to put too much weight on a horse that's less than 5 years old coz the growth plates on their bones are still open. From everything I've read, the rule of thumb seems to be 20% of the horse's body weight, but that depends on a lot of other factors. Here's one good article I found...

http://www.trailmaxsaddlebags.com/trailmax-news-updates/how-much-weight-can-my-horse-carry

[Ariesgrl131]

Sorry he is 4 y/o I will read that article thats!

[WashingtonBay]

It depends a lot on whether you have a nice, well fitting pack saddle that can evenly distribute the weight, or whether you'll be trying to make do with something else. And what kind of stuff, and if it's balanced.

Out of shape and new to it, I guess I'd start him out simple, and not to much. You have to break them in and condition them to packing just like anything else.