I know Arabs are very strong pound for pound, but it is a little disconcerting to see all these BIG people on these little horses - especially knowing they are going through a grueling distance and terrain with them on their backs! Can't these people select larger horses - there are some bigger Arabs out there - and crosses.
Larger horses don't necessarily cope as well - they are having to pack their own weight as well as that of the rider. Research on this can be found here: shady-acres dot c o m slash susan - look under "1995-96 Tevis Weight and Body Score..." (see "Discussion") and "Influence of Body Measurement...1998 Tevis" (see "Conclusion"). Generally speaking, it's more important for the horse to be in good body-condition than for the rider to be smaller. Bigger horses can also have more problems cooling.
Gah, I had no idea how hard it would be to post that URL. Talk about having to jump through hoops. If it doesn't work, contact me privately and I can give it to you properly.
Another thing - keep in mind many riders (particularly at Tevis) get off and run with their horses, or at least tail up some of the long canyons.
Having a strong-build is desirable - lighter boned horses can tend to have more tendon/ligament problems in the long term, so good bone and good confirmation are important.
This brings back so many of my endurance memories. The sounds and high expectations..I would have loved the challenge of the tevis with my old now retired horse.
I know Arabs are very strong pound for pound, but it is a little disconcerting to see all these BIG people on these little horses - especially knowing they are going through a grueling distance and terrain with them on their backs! Can't these people select larger horses - there are some bigger Arabs out there - and crosses.
hackneyhorse 3 years ago
Larger horses don't necessarily cope as well - they are having to pack their own weight as well as that of the rider. Research on this can be found here: shady-acres dot c o m slash susan - look under "1995-96 Tevis Weight and Body Score..." (see "Discussion") and "Influence of Body Measurement...1998 Tevis" (see "Conclusion"). Generally speaking, it's more important for the horse to be in good body-condition than for the rider to be smaller. Bigger horses can also have more problems cooling.
ponyhill 3 years ago
Gah, I had no idea how hard it would be to post that URL. Talk about having to jump through hoops. If it doesn't work, contact me privately and I can give it to you properly.
ponyhill 3 years ago
Another thing - keep in mind many riders (particularly at Tevis) get off and run with their horses, or at least tail up some of the long canyons.
Having a strong-build is desirable - lighter boned horses can tend to have more tendon/ligament problems in the long term, so good bone and good confirmation are important.
ponyhill 3 years ago
This brings back so many of my endurance memories. The sounds and high expectations..I would have loved the challenge of the tevis with my old now retired horse.
horseridingdoglover 4 years ago