RE: Hw vs Fw

[Mike Sofen <miksof7@gte.net>]

I'm a HW or close to it (210+ lbs of all american beef with tack that is mostly uh, all american ex-beef  <g>), and I DON'T WANT a handicap that makes it easier for me to BC.  If I select an appropriate horse to carry my weight and condition and ride appropriately, then in my opinion, I've created the same conditions for success as the FW rider.  

If I want to be successful as measured by BC (which means that I've also top 10'd), then I have to work that much harder to be fitter and make sure my horse is fitter.  I hate the thought of the FW's saying, "Well, HE got BC because he's a lard butt."  I may be a lardbutt, but I'm a FAST lard butt.  Or at least, I am in my dreams...  :-)

Mike Sofen
Seattle, WA

-----Original Message-----
From:	Truman Prevatt [SMTP:truman.prevatt@netsrq.com]
Sent:	Sunday, March 08, 1998 5:04 PM
To:	ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject:	Re: Hw vs Fw

I think that HW riders have a better chance on tough rides.  I don't think
they have a chance on of the 50 mile "race track rides".  A lot of tough
ups, maybe tough weather seems to be the great equalizer.  

For example last year the places 1, 3 and 4 at the OD were HW.  A couple
years ago Mathew MacKay-Smith won both the OD and Tevis - and Mathew is no
small guy.  And how many times has Sax won the Tevis carring a HW.  

Maybe the trial is the great equalizer.  There may be good reasons for
this.  A horse carring more weight has to develop more strength than a
horse carring less weight.  And it may were well be that strength is a key
to the tough rides.

Truman