Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Shaquille O'Neill, who is trying to bulk up to 350 pounds for next season,
works harder during a game than a player who weighs two-thirds what he does.
So what? That weight is comfortable to him. He has conditioned to it. At the
end of the game, I sincerely doubt his body is suffering on whit more than a
lighter player who played the same number of minutes (excluding nursing
bumps and bruises). Now, will his extra size work against his body as he
ages? Maybe. I really couldn't tell you. He's the height nature meant him to
be, and muscle increases bone mass. So, who knows, he might be better off. I
expect he'll have more lasting problems from basketball-related injuries
than size-related issues.

So Horse A is conditioned to carry a heavyweight, and Horse B is conditioned
to a lightweight. Horse A works harder, but since he's conditioned to it,
his body isn't stressing appreciably more. Long-term -- maybe there are
effects. So, what's the proposal? No one is allowed to ride if they're over
180 lbs because it's cruel to the horse, no matter what his size or
conditioning?

If you and your daughter rode your horse over the same course, your horse --
conditioned to you -- would probably do better under her than under you, ALL
OTHER FACTORS BEING EQUAL. If you're a better rider, you might still win. If
you are better at rating your horse, you might still win. If you have more
experience with that trail, you might still win. If you have good luck on
that day, you might still win. Even in this situation, weight isn't the only
factor. And it never will be.

How you and your daughter would perform riding the same horse IS IRRELEVANT,
because you won't be, and neither will anybody else. Everyone has their own
strengths and weaknesses. This sport is NEVER a case of "all other factors
being equal." They aren't, and they won't be.

Melissa 


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