Re: RC: Height in FEI Horses

[Trailrite@aol.com]

    I'm responding to you, not to disagree but to add some input on your 
observations.  Please don't take this as "I thought your wrong. OK?" :))

    My Husbands horse is 15 hands or 60 1/2 inches.  (we measure by the 
inch).  He is 1st PS Heavyweight - 1998 & 1999 & 1st Pioneer Heavyweight 
division - 1999
Charlie Robinson on Ima Liberated Lady.  1005 miles to date just in 
multi-days. This horse has about 4000 recorded miles in 3 years.  Lady is 7 
years old.

    My horse Katie Bar The Door is 15 hands or 60 inches.
PS Lightweight - 1998 & 1999  has about 4000 recorded mile in 3 years.  Katie 
is 8 years old.

    So I don't think, because we do so well with smaller horses, that size is 
that important.  But, I wouldn't want to see a 6' , 200 + rider on a 14.2 
horse either.  I think a more overall picture is evolved in success.  I'm 
sure you do too.
Size to match rider
Basic good conformation
Good conditioning program with a relaxed attitude to cover ground
Well, balanced diet, this includes that the horse is a good eater & drinker
Proper balanced shoeing (very important)
Education on endurance related problems (thumps, tie-ups, exhaustion)
Balanced rider with good fitting equipment
Knowledge on pace and weather conditions
Knowing when & how much electrolytes to administer during competition
etc. etc.......

    Even after knowing all of the above, something new will tap you on the 
shoulder out there in competition.  What I tell my students is "If there is a 
ride that you competed in, and you didn't learn something, then your past me 
in experience" of 23 years.   I will even get all of the students together 
after the ride and we will all share what we as individuals learned today.

Tammy Robinson


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