Sometimes the best motivation comes from the ones we love most—and for Paige Matthews, that motivation has four legs and a mane. When her trusted veterinarian delivered some tough love about her weight, this dedicated rider made a life-changing decision that would transform not just her health, but her relationship with her horse.
The Wake-Up Call
Paige had owned her beautiful 13.2hh Connemara/Arab mare, Dream, for 11 years—since she was just 10 years old. The bond between them was unbreakable. So when Dream unexpectedly went lame, Paige was devastated. During the veterinary examination, her vet asked a simple question that would change everything: “How much do you weigh?”
Without a set of scales at home, Paige discovered the shocking truth—she weighed 175 lbs, which was significantly overweight for her 5’4″ frame. “I was a stone heavier than I’d thought,” she recalls. The weight gain had crept up gradually over the years, fueled by the joys of life: dinners out, takeaways, and holidays.
A Horse’s Health Comes First
The veterinary recommendation was clear: Dream needed a lighter rider. But here’s where Paige’s love for her mare truly shone through. At 27 years old, Dream wasn’t suitable for a novice rider, nor was she ready for retirement. “She’s far too energetic for that,” Paige explained. “I didn’t want to do either option.”
Instead, Paige made a courageous decision. She asked her vet what the ideal weight would be for her to safely ride Dream again—and then she committed to achieving it, regardless of how long it took.
The Journey to Change
Last autumn, Paige joined her local Slimming World group. With determination and support, she began her transformation. The goal was to lose 28 lbs to reach the weight her vet recommended for safely riding Dream. But Paige didn’t stop there—she set an even more ambitious target, aiming to lose 42 lbs in total for optimal health and fitness.
“I knew I’d be running straight up to the yard and getting back on!” Paige said, her enthusiasm infectious. The thought of reuniting with Dream and returning to their life together provided the daily motivation she needed.
A Partnership Renewed
“I can’t describe the sense of relief at knowing I can get back on and she’ll be happy and healthy,” Paige beams. Dream hasn’t been in serious work while waiting for her rider to return to fitness. She’s been lunged a few times, but the real work—the partnership, the schooling, the joy—has been on hold.
Now, with her weight loss nearly complete, Paige is preparing for the exciting chapter ahead. “We’ll get back into work together as she’s not fit yet,” she explains. “That’s what’s been willing me on to lose weight.”
Why Rider Weight Matters
Paige’s story highlights an important conversation in the equestrian community: the responsibility we have as riders to maintain our horses’ wellbeing. A horse carrying excessive weight can develop lameness, joint problems, and other health issues. By taking her vet’s advice seriously, Paige put Dream’s health first—and in doing so, discovered her own path to wellness.
The bond between Paige and Dream is stronger than ever, built on a foundation of mutual care and commitment. As they prepare to return to the saddle together, their story serves as an inspiring reminder that sometimes the best gift we can give our horses is taking care of ourselves.
Have you had to make changes to support your horse’s health? Share your stories in the comments below!