RE: Am I hurting my horse?

["Corbelletta, Antonio" <Antonio_Corbelletta@affymetrix.com>]

I am a heavy weight rider too, and I rode a 14.2 Arab on Tevis, plus many
other endurance miles.  The key I think is to condition slowly and properly
and take it slow.  We never did top ten or win but we went out to finish and
we almost always did.  
I think more than formulas, you need to know your horse and condition her,
and don't try to burn up the trail on the rides.  Take your time.  
Also, pay attention to those legs, after a ride ice or cold water on them
and inspect them closely for any heat or swelling.  If you don't see any of
this you should be fine.  Good fitting saddles and tack are very important
as well.
Arabs are really much stronger than other breeds.  I don't believe in
"formulas" when it comes to horses.  I just wish it was that easy.
Tony Corbelletta

-----Original Message-----
From: SunsetOvrC@aol.com [mailto:SunsetOvrC@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 7:55 PM
To: ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: RC: Am I hurting my horse?


I weigh about 200 pounds and my Arab mare is only 14.2.  She has an average
length of back.  Her loin muscles and general condition have improved
considerably since I got her.  (she was underfed when I "rescued her".)  You
could see the bones of her croup and the little hollow behind it, which has
since filled in.  I have been trying to stay on a diet for myself and for
her.  I know a lot has been learned about weight ratio to performance.  Does
anyone have that formula that they figured out at the Tevis?  The one that
showed that above a certain ratio horses failed to complete. 
Not that I'm planning to hit the Tevis any time soon, but it would be
helpful