My boyfriend treated me to a trail ride for my birthday and I was lucky enough that the stables had a very stout horse that could accomodate my plus size, however, now I want to return the favor and treat my boyfriend to a ride. He loves horses and had always wanted to ride, however, he is 6'4" and approx. 300 lbs and the stables I rode at didn't have a horse that could accomodate his size. We live in Oregon, near Portland, so even somewhere in mid-to-lower WA would work too. How would I find a stable or riding outfit that would have horses that would be able to accomodate his size? I don't even know where to look without calling every single ranch or riding place in the state. Does anyone know of any place that might have horses that would fit him? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 Does the height really matter??? I searched it on google about your concern, but I didn't find anything. I don't think there are different genes of the horses for bigger and shorter size individuals. If you find some class of horss, please post it here.

Horseback riding vacations

 You are correct, his height doesn't make a difference really. It is the weight that is the major factor. Obviously he will need a horse that can carry his weight, which would be a draft horse type, which are not easy to find for riding.

 Thank you Megan. That helps a little.

 It is not terribly insensitive, in fact, I expected several comments as such, however the information is much welcomed. I knew it was a long shot but I'll keep trying to see if there are any available. Thanks.

How the horse is built may be more important than how much it weights.  A good short, stout horse with good sized bones would be a better bet than a tall slim horse, even if the taller horse is heavier than the shorter one. 

Note, actor Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, was 6'4" and weighted between 250 and 300 pounds and the horse he was given to ride was a 15.3 hand QH type ranch horse.  This horse had no trouble carrying Blocker around at all gaits.  Even though he was a native born Texan, Blocker really didn't know how to ride, and it shows in the early episodes.  Even so, he had the same horse throughout the run of the series. 

 Spotted Pony

 Thank you Spotted Pony, very interesting facts.

we went to ocean shores, washington a couple years ago and they had trail rides on the beach.  i had a solid horse and my dh had a belgian.  i'm not sure if it's purebred or cross.  he was a big solid horse though.  the trail ride was mostly walking and a bit of trotting, on the beach.  pretty laid back ride.  my dh weighed maybe 230, 240.  i would think they have horses that can carry you.

i don't remember the name of that particular stable.  they trailered the horses to the beach and tethered them, so, we just went up and paid to go.  but, it was in  ocean shores washington.

i have visited a number of trail ride stables over the years and i think almost all of them have had a drafty or two in their herd.  and you know everyone is getting fatter, so, a smart stable will try to accomodate.

not everyone is a fit little athlete.

here's a facebook page for the plus size rider.  maybe they know some stables??

http://www.facebook.com/pages/EighteenHands-A-Community-for-Plus-Size-Equestrians/244691265570962

 Thank you Gailforce. That is excellent information!