Re: Newbie query: why required weight...yada yada yada

[Trishmare@aol.com]

Dear Suzanne,
     The fitness and horsemanship of the rider are probably the primary
considerations, not the weight, all too true!!!  I do agree!!!  However, I
don't think that this being so therefore means that the weight the horse is
carrying is irrelevant.  I'm also pretty darn sure that every subscriber to
ridecamp is concerned about how well they ride, no matter what they weigh.  At
least, I've never heard any rider say, "ya know, I really don't care how well
I ride, as long as I stay thin . . ."

Trish Marie
Grand Blanc, Michigan

<< Subj:	 Re: Newbie query:  why required weight...yada yada yada
 Date:	98-09-04 10:28:48 EDT
 From:	FIT-TO-RUB@worldnet.att.net (Suzanne J. Griffin)
 To:	Trishmare@aol.com
 CC:	ridecamp@endurance.net
 
 It seems like this topic like many on this "chat room" has created many
 diverse pathways, ie I believe this started as a question regarding FEI
 weight rules and then has gone along the ways of the impact of weight on the
 horse (lightweight riders vs heavyweight riders).  I'm creating another one.
 I chose to respond to Trish's post, well, because it was one of the ones I
 actually read instead of instantly deleted, but also it brings up a good
 analogy, something WE can easily identify with...weight on our backs.  My
 belief is if you train and condition your horse, he/she is accustomed to
 that weight (we've discussed this before) as opposed to throwing a heavier
 rider on a horse that is accustomed by being ridden by a lightweight.
 HOWEVER, I think Donna Snyer-Smith is the only person I have heard of (might
 not be the only one you flamers..) speak about the EFFICIENCY of the rider.
 That is something I feel is a lot harder and a lot more important, if not
 impossible, to measure the affect on the horse than is just weight.  Packing
 your backpack with weight is one thing...HOW you pack it and WITH WHAT kind
 of weight is another thing.  Same thing with weight of riders...a heavier
 rider that is more efficient than a lighter weight rider who is much more
 imbalanced...which is better, which is worse?
 Uh huh...let the games begin.
 susie (lightweight rider who is unconcerned with her weight but how well she
 rides! and what that weight consists of) >>