Re: RC: Weight question

[Farafix@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/27/00 2:01:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
gabbani@starnet.com.eg writes:

<<  because the
 process of getting our first things going is brutally frustrating. >>

Maryanne,

20 yrs from now you will be remembered and honored as the Grande Dame of 
Egyptian Endurance Riding & you'll be sitting in your rocking chair in front 
of the Pyramids telling everyone war stories of how it was in the good ole 
days.  Be sure to get lots of photos for the "Back When Maryanne Started 
Endurance Riding" articles.
As I just make the FEI weight I fortunately don't have to worry too much.  
Enjoy ice cream & cookies before a ride to be sure to hit the weight.  I've 
seen folks with lead weights duct taped to bottom of the stirrup.  Friend of 
mine used 2 ankle weights my son had picked up in sporting goods store 
strapped around her waist (they feel like they have sand in them as they 
conform to your waist --- getting sand should be no problem where you are!).  
I've tried adding weight for conditioning rides & found I was most 
comfortable with adding weight around my waist, or just below (seemed to be 
my center of gravity).  Adding it to the saddle made the saddle slip unless 
it was centered & secured so the weight doesn't flap around on the horse's 
back.  Race tracks have saddle pads that have pockets for lead weights.
Hopefully, more experienced riders will respond.  Do know that Linda Crandell 
at Pan Am ride last year used a waistpack with weights --- it broke on her 
during ride so she had to hold it with one hand & hold back horse with other, 
so make sure straps are very strong.  
FEI here doesn't allow full water bottles to be part of weigh-in.
As you probably know, everything on the horse counts as weight (bridle, bit, 
reins, martingale, pommel packs, cantle packs, saddle, saddle pad, rider 
helmet, etc).
Good luck with your ride --- will be anxious to hear how it goes (after 
you've had a reasonable time to recover!)

Nancy
Md