Re: RC: Re:overweight an issue? - Weight vs. lean mass

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/25/00 3:11:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time, GoldenCMK writes:

<< << This suggests that, as a percentage of body 
  weight of the horse, rider weight can impact stress loads significantly. 
The 
  smaller the horse and the heavier the rider, the more the negative impact.
   >>
 
 Ok, then how does size of the horse compare to weight? I have a 15 hand mare 
who is 950 lbsand a 14.2 gelding who is 975 lbs. Both are in good flesh, not 
too fat not too lean. I guess my question is.... Is it the size of the horse 
or the weight of the horse that this comes into play?
 
 Maria >>


Ok, first eliminate the rider form consideration for a minute. There will be 
a "most efficient" body weight for each of these horses. Given supportive 
nutriton and lots of appropriate miles, each will likely come to that body 
weight on its own. 

In the case of the two horses you mentioned, there isn't a lot of difference 
in body weight at this point in time. If they are both equally fit--that is, 
having received equal training, then there is a conformational difference 
between them. Being that their body weights are nearly identical, and given 
that they are equally fit, and given that their heartrate responses to 
exercises at varying speeds are close to being the same, then rider weight 
should impact them equally. 

ti