weight, work, heat

[Jon.Linderman@notes.udayton.edu]

Weight is by no means the sole factor affecting performance, but for any
form of motion work performed is multipled by the grade of the vertical
component. The conversion of chemical energy to mechanical energy is FAR
less than 50%, more on the order of 30% in mammals, decreasing in
efficiency as work intensity increases, with the remainder of lost energy
being "shed" as heat.  Why do cars burn more gas driving 100 miles in the
mountains than 100 miles flat across the desert?  Why do semis literally
fall backwards going up a grade while smaller cars whiz by?

Horses themselves have genetic variability and differences in fitness,
training status, dietary manipulation, and lest one forget management of
the animal during an event by their rider/crew.  That is ALOT of variables
affecting perfroamnce and we can all think of even more.  Just as we know
that humans are gentically endowed with predispositions to being poor,
good, great, phenomenal, so to  are horses.

By the way there is no comparison to say eventing horses who complete
courses in a relatively short time and requiring that they they move their
mass vertically for a brief explosive period of time.  The vertical leap of
large athletes, humans and horses, is quite obviously impressive.  However,
can that same explosive athlete toil vertically climbing hills as
favorably?  Maurice Green fastest human flat, likely with a tremendous
vertical leap, but can he run marathon in the mountains?

Further,pointing out single observations, such as a HW winning one NC
previously is just that, a single observation.  The inverse of this
observation is the plethora of Championships that have not been won by
HW's! That number staggers in comparison.

Traithlons, running, cycling all have clydesdale divisions (>200 pounds).
Many of these athletes are splendid, consuming in exess of 5 liters of
oxygen/minute, but ask them to compete against smaller similarly fit
athletes on a hilly course........hello Mr Newton!  Now sometimes a
Clydesdale will win, but most of the time they won't.

Weight is not an issue of can't, never, or impossible.......it is an
explanation of why it is more difficult & less probable.