Wranglers in the US West for decades have cashed in on the allure of getting on a horse and setting out on an open trail. But they say they have had to add bigger horses to their stables to help carry larger tourists over the rugged terrain.

Draft horses, the diesels of the horse world, are being used in ever greater numbers to make sure wranglers do not lose out on income from potential customers of any size who come out to get closer to the West of yesteryear.

Ranch operators say they began adding the bigger horses in the 1990s, but the pace has picked up in recent years. Horses of 1,800lb now hit the trail, giving riders of more than 300lb an opportunity to experience life in the saddle.