Re: Newbie query: why required weight?

["Robert Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

OK let's get this discussion down to basics which is the expenditure of
energy!

BTU's expended are a factor of the weight moved and the distance it is
moved! (basic physics)

Therefore, a light weight horse with a light weight rider expends fewer
BTU's than a heavy weight horse with a heavy weight rider. Now we know
mechanics are introduced in that the very light weight horse cannot carry
the very heavy weight rider. This is a mechanical limitation and while
influencing the choice of horses, does not influence the basic formula of
energy use. 

The criteria for minimum weight is to influence that part of the formula 
regarding the use of energy. Trying to make the conditions as even as
possible for every one on that course on that day. The uneven factor is the
horse, and that is left to the discretion of the competitor. There is no
limiting factor on the size, breed, sex or color regarding the horse.

Could any thing be simpler???

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

----------
> From: Jerald Thiessen <thiesj@tdbank.ca>
> To: CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com
> Cc: Teddy@runningbear.com; kraussberner@gowebway.com;
ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: Re: Newbie query:  why required weight?
> Date: Thursday, September 03, 1998 9:21 AM
> 
> Either way if the heavy weights ride the whole way or if the rider runs
part of
> the way it takes more effort from the "team" and the extra work has to
take it's
> toll. If the rider is more tired because of the extra effort of running
versus
> riding, it will be transmitted to the horse even while riding. In other
words
> extra weight is a definity a disadvantage.As a heavyweight I have ridden
my wife's
> endurance horse in rides ( she is a lite weight) and it is hard on the
mare beause
> she is not conditioned for the extra weight, on the other hand when my
wife rides
> my gelding he does not seem to that he is even carrying a rider.
> 
> No matter how you look at it the weight is a big factor.If you wish to
test this
> theory go for a run , add 20 pounds run the same distance , add 40 pounds
and do
> it again.Then tell us that weight is not a disadvantage.
> 
> Jerald
> 
> 
> CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com wrote:
> 
> > In a message dated 98-09-03 09:19:35 EDT, Teddy@runningbear.com writes:
> >
> > << That is their "handicap" or "disadvantage"...they wanted to compete
at a
> > higher
> >  level bad enough to develop the ability and train for distances on
foot..TO
> > HELP
> >  THEIR HORSES.  It paid off...
> >   >>
> > They also have the height and the strength to do it.  Even when I was
running
> > 40 miles a week and was much lighter, I still stayed on my horse every
step of
> > the way because I couldn't keep up with him unless he was exhausted,
and if I
> > rode right, that didn't happen.
> >
> > Heidi
> 
> 
>