RC: bone size vs bone density

["John Proudman GGPL B-262" <johnp@lpsi.barc.usda.gov>]

I'm relatively new to endurance (starting second season) and I began with 
a Tennesse Walker- 15-1, a good size for my heavyweight, which ranges 
from 215 to 230 depending on tack and how wet it is.  However, the TW had 
a heart murmur, and while an evaluation showed that it would not hurt him 
to do endurance, 50 miles was long for him and he finished near the end 
(he does well at LD now).  I was very fortunate to find an experienced 
Arabian with a wonderful temperament, 15 yrs, but he was small- barely 
over 14-1, and maybe 850 lbs soaking wet.  I didn't believe he could be 
competitive carrying me, but after a little adjustment on my part (an 
Arabian is a lot different to ride than a Tennessee Walker!) we were 
finishing in the top-ten in mountain rides!  We completed our first 
two-day 100 in South Carolina this month (no mountains!), and he had good 
vet scores at the end- at the age of 16.  So I am now a believer that 
Arabians are THE horse to have for endurance, and that size is not the 
most important thing.  The qualities mentioned below, as well as the 
spirit and structure of the individual, make all the difference.  BTW, 
while I think my little guy can do a slow 100 with me, I recognize that I 
should have a larger horse to be competitive at this distance.  I just 
purchased a stallion coming two who is 14-2 now, and I hope he will be my 
future 100-mile horse.  Any advice on raising and training a stallion 
will be welcome!

John Proudman
Maryland

On Thursday, March 30, 2000 11:24 AM, 
RIDECAMP@SMTP{ridecamp-d-request@endurance.net} wrote:

>Subject: RC:   bone size vs bone density/also pictures

>You might want to conceder the other advantages that Arabs have over other 
>breeds.  The right type of mussel twitch, lighter type of bone, 2 less 
>vertebras for stronger back, two less ribs for larger lungs, less hoof and 
>leg problems, larger & looser wind pipes, and larger nostrils for air in 
>take.  You have to look for a horse that is built and made for long distance.
> 
> Think about a long distance runner Vs and weight builder in humans.  This is
> 
>the difference you will be looking for.  As far as larger bones that is only 
>one factor.  My husbands and my horse are not what you call large boned 
>horses.