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Location: Never in one place long | Of course one of my new years goals this year is to eat better and get in better shape... my goal is to lose 25lbs... I'm not huge(155) but could stand to lose some weight like most of us... My question is how important do you think that being very slim is for having faster times in barrel racing? Has anyone lost a little weight and seen it make a huge difference? Or do you think it matters more how you ride? obviously it would be easier for a horse to run with a 120lb person over a 300lb person but does being 150 vs 125 make a difference? I know many times its the little kids who run the fastest and I'm guessing probably due to being to small... Very curious to know, my friend once told me that Ed Wright told her that the difference between running in 1d from 2d could be done by losing a little weight..... |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | It's very significant, in my opinion. If I weigh 185 and I am running against someone who weighs 115, nobody can tell me I am not at a disadvantage because of that 70 lb difference.....HOWEVER, on some bigger horses that weight could translate into better responsiveness, I THINK. If I am riding a big muscular 16.2h horse and I ask for rate, he will feel me!
Overall, yes, I think it's a significant disadvantage when there's a significant weight difference. |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
 
Location: Alberta | There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Edited by dream_chaser 2014-01-02 3:25 PM
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 Perky Gal
Location: On a paint horse... | I lost 45 pounds and my balance improved tremendously! Its got to make a difference for the horse as well! |
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Expert
Posts: 1488
| dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM
There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth
Most(not all that would be spelled different) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy.
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 Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | Heres my experience with weight and riding and how it affected my horses. In my late teens and early 20's I had gotten pretty heaving for me. I am about 5'8" and I quit getting on the scale when it hit 185. I was wearing size 15's then and I know those suckers got tighter before I had had enough. I had been a gymnast growing up and super active. Quit gym as a 14 year old but the eating habits never really changed. I was still very strong up until about 22 or so, then my core strength wasnt' what it needed to be especially at the weight I was.
Anyway, I had an older mare that I had run HS rodeo and also some gymkhana's, she was little just a tad over 14 hands, and that was probably because we kept her shod in the front....She was 22 or so also and we werent' winning like we had, I chalked it up to her age. Saved my money and bought a faster younger mare and while I was patterning her realized how much harder to stay with she was than myo old mare. Also decided why spend money for younger faster and handicap her with the added weight so I started going to the gym and at first I did the stairmaster for about 15 minutes 4-5 nights a week. After so many weeks I lost a little weight without having to change eating habits, so then it made it easier to kind of change the eating habits. Started going on the stairmaster for about 20-30 minutes and doing some weights too. After 8 months I had lost @60 lbs I'd guess total, I was down to 130 and my old mare had started clocking again also at 23/24 years of age. Some of it could have been me hitting the weights again and getting stronger but it was also easier for me to get up leaving a barrel and be in the right place for her and the young mare without the added weight I had packed on. To this day the reason I run (I hate running with a passion, like I said, I grew up a gymnast, anything further than 80 feet is to darn far to run, that 's how long the vault run way is...)the reason I do it is to be part of a fit healthy team with my horses.
Edited to add, I've been on the other end too, got carried away with the weight loss thing and was down to 112 at one point. I didn't have the strength to rate the Beduino bred mare I was running to save my life at the time. Early in the year at 125 we were dong good, got carried away with the weight loss and by the end of the season I was just hanging on hoping to still be in the saddle at the end of the run.
Edited by run n rate 2014-01-02 3:31 PM
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | I tell myself 10lbs = 0.1seconds on your time. It's my motivation :-) |
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | I know speaking from personal experience, I started to loss a lot of confidence when I started putting on weight. I just don't ride as well. It is a snow ball effect, I am not in good shape thus my muscles and overall strength is less effective in keeping proper body position. I am flopping all over the place and it greatly affects my horse's performance. Plus weight has made my knee's hurt more and riding does NOT help the matter. I know I need to loss but this past month has not helped my issues any.
Edited by Rolling J 2014-01-02 3:33 PM
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | As mentioned above- in straight away horse racing they calculate that a pound equals a tenth. Not sure there is scientific barrel racing data but it has to be kind of in line. But what I will say- is there is NO substitute for speed. Can your horse be faster with a lighter jockey- most likely. But can you improve an average horse by a second- by losing 20#- I don't think so. JMO.
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| Of course it matters. Why would they handicap race horses if it didn't. |
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  Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576
Location: ND | I think it matters a lot, not just in barrel racing but riding in general. I've lost 15 pounds in the last year simply by changing my eating habits a little (no ice cream & rarely any pop). I wasn't over weight to start with but loosing that has really improved my balance. I was feeling sloppy in the saddle even though when I watched video's I looked fine. I now feel like I'm balanced & back in time with my horses. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 3:21 PM It's very significant, in my opinion. If I weigh 185 and I am running against someone who weighs 115, nobody can tell me I am not at a disadvantage because of that 70 lb difference.....HOWEVER, on some bigger horses that weight could translate into better responsiveness, I THINK. If I am riding a big muscular 16.2h horse and I ask for rate, he will feel me!
Overall, yes, I think it's a significant disadvantage when there's a significant weight difference.
agreed |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy.
And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Anyone remember reading this? Average weight among the contestants was 129lbs.
http://www.janemelby.com/MelbyBlog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/CFR_2011_Ladies_Barrel_Racing_Qualifiers-1.pdf |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | TurnLane - 2014-01-02 3:44 PM As mentioned above- in straight away horse racing they calculate that a pound equals a tenth. Not sure there is scientific barrel racing data but it has to be kind of in line. But what I will say- is there is NO substitute for speed. Can your horse be faster with a lighter jockey- most likely. But can you improve an average horse by a second- by losing 20#- I don't think so. JMO.
My estimate was 10lb = 0.1sec. So, 20 pounds is 0.2 seconds. Yes, I think that sounds right. |
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Expert
Posts: 1488
| WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 4:10 PM
DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy. And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people.
aight
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | I'm not fat. I'm just big boned, especially my ass bone and my belly bone. I'm still in shape though. |
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Expert
Posts: 1488
| HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 4:46 PM
I'm not fat. I'm just big boned, especially my ass bone and my belly bone. I'm still in shape though.
I too have fought the battle with the belly bone
There is nothing sadder than a finely tuned, world class athlete trapped in a fat guys body.
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 How freakish is that?
Posts: 3927
Location: Oregon | All else being equal the more weight a horse is carrying the slower it will go and the harder it is on it. |
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Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 3:10 PM DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy. And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people.
Edited by dream_chaser 2014-01-02 4:57 PM
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Expert
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| dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 4:56 PM
WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 3:10 PM DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy. And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people.
You will I will give a pass to since being from Canada ESL
but I can only assume that the one you are dittoing does not put a lot of value on reading comprehension.
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The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | DD2012 - 2014-01-02 4:58 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 4:56 PM WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 3:10 PM DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy. And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people.
You will I will give a pass to since being from Canada ESL but I can only assume that the one you are dittoing does not put a lot of value on reading comprehension.
I comprehend just fine. |
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 BHW Cheerleader!!
Posts: 6847
Location: Where it is too cold, SD | While I KNOW I am overweight and need to lose about 50 pounds ...............
If I was to lose that weight ..........I am 6ft tall and have a big bone structure. I will never be 120 pounds ever. Even if I were anorexic. So with that I think that if I were at a "thin" weight for my build and height? My 150 pounds compared to a 5'2' gal weighing 150 pounds would be a big difference.
In any case - I need to start eating healthier and monitoring portion size! Stop my snacking so that come summer I am not a big ol ooompha looompha good year tire man sized cousin to the Pillsbury Dough boy wanna be barrel racer  |
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Expert
Posts: 1488
| WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 5:08 PM
DD2012 - 2014-01-02 4:58 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 4:56 PM WYOTurn-n-Burn - 2014-01-02 3:10 PM DD2012 - 2014-01-02 3:25 PM dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
Here's a simple truth Most (not all that would be spelled different ) "in shape" women are not going to be heavy. And exactly what constitutes the definition of "heavy?" I know women who weigh 170 and 180 lbs that are lean, mean, muscle machines. Muscle weighs more than fat so I don't buy the BS of less than "in shape" women are heavy.LOL I've also seen plenty of "soft" thin people.
You will I will give a pass to since being from Canada ESL but I can only assume that the one you are dittoing does not put a lot of value on reading comprehension.
I'll let you study on this for a while
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | dream_chaser - 2014-01-02 3:23 PM There has been many threads on this topic.....I do think weight plays a factor, but I also believe being in SHAPE plays even more of a factor! When your in shape, your able to work together with your horse better.
I agree and sometimes being in shape can mean you weigh a few pounds more than just being thin. I've started working out again and I can tell a big difference in my strength. I look and feel better than I did at 127 lbs (when I was never exercising other than riding) but I weigh 132 now. Muscle just weighs more than fat I guess. |
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 Queen Bee Cat Owner
Posts: 3629
Location: Way up North | Put a backpack on with 50#s in it and run around for awhile then take half out, guarentee you will feel a difference. I am a heavier barrel racer and while I think I ride decently well I know I have to work a lot harder at it than I did several pounds ago. I also can't make the type of mistakes other riders can because it affects my horse more. I have put myself at a disadvantage because of my weight especially running against the youth that enter the open. When I weigh twice as much as they do you can't tell me it's not a disadvantage to my horse. That being said, your riding ability and how you move with your horse will make the biggest difference.
Edited by AllAroundRider 2014-01-02 7:43 PM
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| FOR ME … a big difference. I've lost about 23 lbs in 6 months … I'm more confident, I'm able to ride into the turn a little longer and thus have had more clean runs. But its not just about weight … its also about strength … |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot. |
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 Always Off Topic
Posts: 6382
Location: ND | HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 7:41 PM
Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot.
comparing the same rider, 10-15 pounds makes a huge difference.......and yes, while muscle weighs more than fat, racers aren't meant to look like bodybuilders on a horse....... |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 7:41 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot.
Of course it will but...many youth riders run faster because they just kick and go and never get in the horse's way.
If a horse isn't fitted with the weight he is going to run with, that will sure make a difference.
With what a lot of people are saying...Male futurity riders shouldn't be doing as well as they do.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 557
Location: Kansas and loving it | Weight does matter and can make a huge difference. Although horse racing is quite different, handicaps are weighted, fillies get weight breaks. For barrel racing I was told a tenth of a second equals ten pounds over weight of rider. I also think that ability goes longer than weight. This is why I think men do well despite being heavier than a lot of women. |
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Expert
Posts: 1561
| dhdqhllc - 2014-01-02 7:48 PM
HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 7:41 PM
Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot.
comparing the same rider, 10-15 pounds makes a huge difference.......and yes, while muscle weighs more than fat, racers aren't meant to look like bodybuilders on a horse.......
Whats a "huge" difference?
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| Don't expect a horse to perform at his highest level with more than 20% of his own weight on his back. |
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Member
Posts: 11
| They say 1/10 of a second for every 10 pounds. In Brazil everyone must weigh at least 165 pounds or be weighted . |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | azin - 2014-01-02 8:58 PM They say 1/10 of a second for every 10 pounds. In Brazil everyone must weigh at least 165 pounds or be weighted .
Interesting and that is where the record is held on a standard course. That run was amazing. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 101
| I think that barrel horse world did an article about this and it said about the 1/10th people are saying. I am 4'8 (forever until I start shrinking) and 90 not in shape (but I am working on a healthier living after my friend got diagnosed with IC) and my 15'3 horse can do well for not being in shape( college gal who took a summer class so I didn't have anytime). Had been an average person I am sure he would not have ran as well as he did. I also think height plays into factor just a little bit. |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I believe abilty weighs in more then weight. |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 7:57 PM HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 7:41 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot.
If a horse isn't fitted with the weight he is going to run with, that will sure make a difference.
With what a lot of people are saying...Male futurity riders shouldn't be doing as well as they do.
You have a good point there, NTO. It's probably because men tend to be better riders. Oops, I guess we just had this discussion, didn't we? |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 9:42 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 7:57 PM HotbearLVR - 2014-01-02 7:41 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
I think this is true, NTO, but there has to be a line beyond which it makes a significant difference. If I weigh 190 lbs and a rider weighing 130 lbs, of identical ability, rides my same horse, I am pretty sure she/he would clock consistently a lot better. It just makes sense. It's a fact of life, much to my chagrin. Now 10-15 lbs, probably not a significant difference, but at some point it matters a lot.
If a horse isn't fitted with the weight he is going to run with, that will sure make a difference.
With what a lot of people are saying...Male futurity riders shouldn't be doing as well as they do.
There is a difference in dragging one around the barrels but barrel racing is a timed event..not judged. Sometimes muscle beats out finesse..LOL |
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10D Crack Champion
| Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 9:32 PM
azin - 2014-01-02 8:58 PM They say 1/10 of a second for every 10 pounds. In Brazil everyone must weigh at least 165 pounds or be weighted .
Interesting and that is where the record is held on a standard course. That run was amazing.
In what way was she weighted? I remember seeing the video when Sharp posted it, but didn't notice anything to add weight. |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | All very interesting points... I know a LOT of weight makes a difference but wondering if 25 and under does... many great points! I too think it's on how you ride but the ability to ride often increases with weight control in my opinion but like someone posted earlier, if you are a skeleton you won't have the strength to ride well either! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 591
| It's pretty clear - they add weight to race horses to handicap them. |
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 Forever Young
Posts: 6768
Location: relocated to Texas | I think the biggest problem with a barrel racer being overweight is that it hurts their ability to ride as balanced as they could. Being in shape just makes sense if you want to ride to the best of your ability. I agree with what NTO said about the male futurity riders. Men can sometimes get a lot more out of a horse just because of their strength. I know that 16.2 HH horse that Hotbear is talking about throws me around like a flyweight at 115 lbs. I think he would respond much better to a man with more strength in his legs. |
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 Curious Mind
Posts: 2049
| I think it matters. You don't see people with a pronounced muffin top at the NFR or on the cover of BHN and I think you have to remember the male futurity riders almost always are small guys. Around 150 pounds give or take a little. We aren't talking about 200 pound men |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| run n rate - 2014-01-02 1:28 PM
Heres my experience with weight and riding and how it affected my horses. In my late teens and early 20's I had gotten pretty heaving for me. I am about 5'8" and I quit getting on the scale when it hit 185. I was wearing size 15's then and I know those suckers got tighter before I had had enough. I had been a gymnast growing up and super active. Quit gym as a 14 year old but the eating habits never really changed. I was still very strong up until about 22 or so, then my core strength wasnt' what it needed to be especially at the weight I was.
Anyway, I had an older mare that I had run HS rodeo and also some gymkhana's, she was little just a tad over 14 hands, and that was probably because we kept her shod in the front....She was 22 or so also and we werent' winning like we had, I chalked it up to her age. Saved my money and bought a faster younger mare and while I was patterning her realized how much harder to stay with she was than myo old mare. Also decided why spend money for younger faster and handicap her with the added weight so I started going to the gym and at first I did the stairmaster for about 15 minutes 4-5 nights a week. After so many weeks I lost a little weight without having to change eating habits, so then it made it easier to kind of change the eating habits. Started going on the stairmaster for about 20-30 minutes and doing some weights too. After 8 months I had lost @60 lbs I'd guess total, I was down to 130 and my old mare had started clocking again also at 23/24 years of age. Some of it could have been me hitting the weights again and getting stronger but it was also easier for me to get up leaving a barrel and be in the right place for her and the young mare without the added weight I had packed on. To this day the reason I run (I hate running with a passion, like I said, I grew up a gymnast, anything further than 80 feet is to darn far to run, that 's how long the vault run way is...)the reason I do it is to be part of a fit healthy team with my horses.
Edited to add, I've been on the other end too, got carried away with the weight loss thing and was down to 112 at one point. I didn't have the strength to rate the Beduino bred mare I was running to save my life at the time. Early in the year at 125 we were dong good, got carried away with the weight loss and by the end of the season I was just hanging on hoping to still be in the saddle at the end of the run.
I'm with you on this one...as for the straightaway racers vs. weight on barrel racers think of it this way: yes, a straightaway horse will be affected by weight, but a barrel racer will be more affected through the turns where his balance is less. It's physics, the weight of the rider whips around the barrel on top of the horse and if you've ever spun a toddler through the air in a circle while holding on to their arms, it's easy. Well...as the kid gets heavier and bigger when you do this it takes more effort to keep your balance as well as not lose your grip on the child.
I have watched my runs and have noticed that where the majority of your weight sits ALSO seems to affect your run. There are 4 or 5 of us gals in our local jackpots that need to lose from 20-50 lbs. I have noticed that the ladies who's weight is in their hips and thighs usually clock better than us gals who have the weight in our gut. because the weight is closer to the center of the horse and NOT sitting above it to get left behind around the backside and the takeoff. I have a VERY secure seat and my seat does not leave the saddle. But my stomach weight draws me sideways or back and then my upper body gets left. I am one of the ones that needs to lose 25#. The girl who needs to lose 50# is "hippier" and consistently kicks us in the behind. This could definitely have to do with our horses, too, but after watching our videos over and over, this is my theory.
My 3 year goal is to lose 60#...not because I need to, but because I want to be in top jockey shape for my colt's futurity year. There will be no starving...it is all through crossfit and eating like a caveman. I totally believe this affects a barrel racer, and having this colt and an opportunity to do the futurities is a HUGE motivator for me. |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | I don't think 20 lbs makes much of a difference. I remember a couple winters ago I was 120 but rode like CRAP (getting behind, no core strength) when we went to the indoor to rope. This winter we went roping and I'm 148 and rode great and the only thing my horse probably noticed was my riding, not my 20 extra pounds. 115 to 125....not a big deal.
Edited by hammer_time 2014-01-03 12:34 AM
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 Expert
Posts: 1558
Location: TX | sodapop - 2014-01-02 9:56 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 9:32 PM azin - 2014-01-02 8:58 PM They say 1/10 of a second for every 10 pounds. In Brazil everyone must weigh at least 165 pounds or be weighted . Interesting and that is where the record is held on a standard course. That run was amazing.In what way was she weighted? I remember seeing the video when Sharp posted it, but didn't notice anything to add weight.
Is that with the saddle? Like they do on regular tracks where jockeys weigh in with their tack? |
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 Dr. Ruth
Posts: 9891
Location: Blissfully happy Giants fan!!! | I believe it is a big deal. I lost over 40 pounds about a year or so ago and I definitely ride better and more confidently. I need to go back and stop the breads and lost about another 10 pounds that is sitting around my belly. :)
I agree with just about what everyone else is saying-confidence, balance, etc all play a part. |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | rsracing - 2014-01-03 7:37 AM sodapop - 2014-01-02 9:56 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 9:32 PM azin - 2014-01-02 8:58 PM They say 1/10 of a second for every 10 pounds. In Brazil everyone must weigh at least 165 pounds or be weighted . Interesting and that is where the record is held on a standard course. That run was amazing.In what way was she weighted? I remember seeing the video when Sharp posted it, but didn't notice anything to add weight.
I try to find out, I have a few that FB me to purchase horses....
I would like to add, I'm considering turning out of Odessa this week. I've not kept up "my" training and I can't even get in the groove working a single barrel with my horse. You have to have so many variables "in the zone" when your running in 1D competition. I will handicap my horse with my injured back and without a secure seat I will probably cause him to bleed when he slaps me back to center as he leaves his turns.
A few years ago for my 45th birthday I gave the bareback/halter race that Booger Barter held at his finals one last shot. The little 4 yr old that I ran had a better time in the bareback race (she placed 3rd) than in the reg. race. So, was it me staying out of the babys way and letting her do her thing since I was hellbent on staying on rather than micromanaging the run or was it the weight of my 30# saddle that made the difference?
All things NOT being equal on the back of a race horse (matching pretty equal horses) the lighter riders normal had the horse that would show the best and pull up "fit" after a work. |
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 Sweet Tea
Posts: 3496
Location: Home of the World Famous "Silver Bullet" | bingo - 2014-01-02 4:55 PM Of course it matters. Why would they handicap race horses if it didn't.
when you put a 100 pound kid on a guided missel, they win the barrel race. watch them go though puberty and you stop hearing about how fast they are. been happening for years.  |
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Veteran
Posts: 101
| Anybody else agree that height can be an impact too? |
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Balance Beam and more...
Posts: 11511
Location: 31 lengths farms | You mean like Sherry Cervi????? |
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 Uh....never mind
Posts: 2696
Location: Midwest Farmer's Daughter: Central Illinois | I haven't read all of the replies, but here's my personal experience.
I am 5'8. Last year I was 140#. This year I am 160+# (happiness = food for me apparently).
My comfort & balance have fallen to ridiculous lows. And I feel like a fata$$ & look like one too. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| The more in shape you are, the better you are at riding. period. Now, this can mean different "weights" for different people and horse combos. Think about how you ride when you are in shape ... up in position and keeping up with your horse in turns. You can "stay out of their way" better too.
So, I don't think it is a matter of weight so much as rider fitness, horse fitness, and riding ability that will help you clock competitive times. You don't go out and expect to win a 1D when your horse is fat and out of shape, right? Well, same can be said for yourself. Don't expect to win checks and be competitive when you are out of shape too. IMHO.
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | Kaitlyn19 - 2014-01-03 10:07 AM Anybody else agree that height can be an impact too?
Someone once told me that people with longer legs can balance themselves a bit better. I have a 37" inseam and I do have pretty good balance.... but it does not match my coordination :) |
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Veteran
Posts: 101
| :). I just thought height would influence a horses ability to turn. The taller the person the more influence they have on the horse turning like a weighted pole.
I think longer legs would help balancing especially bareback or of you lose your stirrups. I have great balance unless I lose my stirrups then I become a flopping fish lol. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 306
| I weighed 145 lbs while I was riding 7-10 horses a day and cleaning stalls, my horse ran in the 1D. I went to college got a desk job and still weighed 145 lbs out of shape and my horse was running in the 3D. I don't think weight matters as much as ability and balance in the long run.
I've ran against a friend who weighs 115lbs and I weigh 160lbs and my 14.2h horse was out running her 16h horse several times. She rides and trains horses daily I ride two horses 3 to 5 days per week.
In the long run being fit and in shape is going to put you at more of an advantage then being skinny. |
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 Left Out
Posts: 6797
Location: Silex Missouri | It does matter or jockeys wouldn't have a weight limit :-)
But to me I have seen heavier riders do good. A lot of it has to do with WHAT you do with your weight when you ride. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 104
Location: Southern Michigan | I really like all the theory's so far, motivating me to get my lazy butt back in shape! Having my horse hurt for a year has not done me any benefits to my figure.
I will say I used to work for a Reined Cowhorse Trainer and when they hit around 50 years old they did not feel on top of their game at all and was having a hard time keeping up with the horses working cattle. So they became a vegetarian (I did not know there were so many unique vegetarian recipes!) and starting getting more into natural health benefits and they lost a bit of weight and started feeling a lot better and soon regained some of the timing they had loss. Since then they have won the snaffle bit futurity (again).
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 Expert
Posts: 1218
Location: Great NW | yes - have ridden competively at 120 and 160... it was so much easier for me when I was 120. My horses could make mistakes and still clock when I was lighter. when I got heavier our runs had to be picture perfect to clock. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 107
Location: Michigan | I am 190, daughter is around 100. My mare is a big girl at 16.1 and pretty much runs the same pattern most runs. My daughter will usually outrun me by a couple 10th's. Watching videos in slomo it seems she gets off the barrel a little quicker with the lighter load.
I do not think 10 or 15 pounds will make a difference, but in our case the 90 does.
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 950
Location: MO | RLB - 2014-01-03 10:31 AM I haven't read all of the replies, but here's my personal experience.
I am 5'8. Last year I was 140#. This year I am 160+# (happiness = food for me apparently).
My comfort & balance have fallen to ridiculous lows. And I feel like a fata$$ & look like one too.
I feel the same way with this extra 20# that I can't shake, even with a treadmill, weights and watching everything going into my mouth. :0( |
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| Next time you unload hay or feed .... try unloading 2 bales or 2 sacks at time and carry them into the barn ...... instead of just one at a time ....
This is the same situation your horse is feeling ..... overloaded ....
At your race tracks ... typical weights for jockeys for certain races is 118 lbs minimum and 126 maximum or the jockey is scratched out of the race .... some handicap races they will load the saddle pockets with weight and max out at 132 lbs to even up the best horses from the less talented horses ... ... yes ... rider weight makes a big difference!! |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | As far as heavy people being fit or strong, I've kept a BMI of around 30-32 for years. We put up square bales every year, 300-400 per cutting, usually 2-3 times a year, and I always toss. I keep up with fit young guys literally half my age and I work a desk job. What I would like to hear about is someone who has lost 20 or more pounds how much did it actually improve your time? We can speculate all day long as far as x pounds = x tenths off. But I'd like to know actual times. |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | No matter how you cut it....no matter how you rationalize.....all other things being equal, more weight is a disadvantage. You don't have to be overweight to be strong. If you think that having the strength of a middle linebacker to run competitively, than I think there's something wrong with your riding. Most of us are heavier than we like. I could stand to lose 20 lbs without sacrificing any strength. We've all seen some fatties make good runs, but they would be even better if they weighed less. It only stands to reason. No way in hell is my excess 20 lbs any kind of advantage. Fat does not equal strength. My extra 20 lbs is not muscle....it's fat. We can't all be 120 lb jockeys, but most of us would probably do better if we lost a lot of that excess fat. Until you are down close to your ideal healthy weight, you can't say you are being the best you can be. I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. If I want to be a better rider, besides working on my riding, I need to get off my fat ass and start moving more and stop eating like a glutton getting ready for a 10 day hunt. Lowering calorie intake doesn't have to be drastic. It can be sensible and eating can still be very enjoyable. |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | I agree that the weight can be a disadvantage. I think it makes a bigger impact on shorter horses than it does taller ones, just from personal observation. Two horses can weigh the same but it seems like the shorter ones will be easier impacted by where you put your weight. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Fairweather - 2014-01-03 1:53 PM As far as heavy people being fit or strong, I've kept a BMI of around 30-32 for years. We put up square bales every year, 300-400 per cutting, usually 2-3 times a year, and I always toss. I keep up with fit young guys literally half my age and I work a desk job. What I would like to hear about is someone who has lost 20 or more pounds how much did it actually improve your time? We can speculate all day long as far as x pounds = x tenths off. But I'd like to know actual times.
I take the challenge. I used to keep spreadsheets of all my results (my time, winning time, place, etc), got a new horse 2011 and stopped. Here they are:
2009 weight 150lbs
Average time off winner = 1.25 seconds
2010 weight: 120lbs
Average time off winner = 0.96 seconds
If that doesn't sway you, here are some times from the same arenas:
Arrowhead: 3/15/09 I ran 16.52, 3/28/10 I ran 15.969
Houcks: 9/13/09 I ran 17.632, 9/12/10 I ran 16.714 |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | linds - 2014-01-03 2:26 PM
Fairweather - 2014-01-03 1:53 PM As far as heavy people being fit or strong, I've kept a BMI of around 30-32 for years. We put up square bales every year, 300-400 per cutting, usually 2-3 times a year, and I always toss. I keep up with fit young guys literally half my age and I work a desk job. What I would like to hear about is someone who has lost 20 or more pounds how much did it actually improve your time? We can speculate all day long as far as x pounds = x tenths off. But I'd like to know actual times.
I take the challenge. I used to keep spreadsheets of all my results (my time, winning time, place, etc), got a new horse 2011 and stopped. Here they are:
2009 weight 150lbs
Average time off winner = 1.25 seconds
2010 weight: 120lbs
Average time off winner = 0.96 seconds
If that doesn't sway you, here are some times from the same arenas:
Arrowhead: 3/15/09 I ran 16.52, 3/28/10 I ran 15.969
Houcks: 9/13/09 I ran 17.632, 9/12/10 I ran 16.714
Thank you!!! Thats helpful and hard core proof! |
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | Fairweather - 2014-01-03 2:48 PM linds - 2014-01-03 2:26 PM Fairweather - 2014-01-03 1:53 PM As far as heavy people being fit or strong, I've kept a BMI of around 30-32 for years. We put up square bales every year, 300-400 per cutting, usually 2-3 times a year, and I always toss. I keep up with fit young guys literally half my age and I work a desk job. What I would like to hear about is someone who has lost 20 or more pounds how much did it actually improve your time? We can speculate all day long as far as x pounds = x tenths off. But I'd like to know actual times. I take the challenge. I used to keep spreadsheets of all my results (my time, winning time, place, etc), got a new horse 2011 and stopped. Here they are:
2009 weight 150lbs
Average time off winner = 1.25 seconds
2010 weight: 120lbs
Average time off winner = 0.96 seconds
If that doesn't sway you, here are some times from the same arenas:
Arrowhead: 3/15/09 I ran 16.52, 3/28/10 I ran 15.969
Houcks: 9/13/09 I ran 17.632, 9/12/10 I ran 16.714Thank you!!! Thats helpful and hard core proof!
I'm going to throw my hat in the ring here on this one-I do like the stats, gives a person motivation, BUT personnally I feel I learn and ride better with every passing year AND my horse gets better every year.......just food for thought. (this is assuming a lot of variables like horses age etc) |
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Veteran
Posts: 101
| Barrel Horse World news did write an article that said how much pounds equals 10ths, but I can't seem to find the issue. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 417
Location: CA | HotbearLVR - 2014-01-03 11:56 AM
No matter how you cut it....no matter how you rationalize.....all other things being equal, more weight is a disadvantage. You don't have to be overweight to be strong. If you think that having the strength of a middle linebacker to run competitively, than I think there's something wrong with your riding. Most of us are heavier than we like. I could stand to lose 20 lbs without sacrificing any strength. We've all seen some fatties make good runs, but they would be even better if they weighed less. It only stands to reason. No way in hell is my excess 20 lbs any kind of advantage. Fat does not equal strength. My extra 20 lbs is not muscle....it's fat. We can't all be 120 lb jockeys, but most of us would probably do better if we lost a lot of that excess fat. Until you are down close to your ideal healthy weight, you can't say you are being the best you can be. I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. If I want to be a better rider, besides working on my riding, I need to get off my fat ass and start moving more and stop eating like a glutton getting ready for a 10 day hunt. Lowering calorie intake doesn't have to be drastic. It can be sensible and eating can still be very enjoyable.
^^^^This^^^^ |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | lindseylou2290 - 2014-01-03 10:48 AM The more in shape you are, the better you are at riding. period. Now, this can mean different "weights" for different people and horse combos. Think about how you ride when you are in shape ... up in position and keeping up with your horse in turns. You can "stay out of their way" better too. So, I don't think it is a matter of weight so much as rider fitness, horse fitness, and riding ability that will help you clock competitive times. You don't go out and expect to win a 1D when your horse is fat and out of shape, right? Well, same can be said for yourself. Don't expect to win checks and be competitive when you are out of shape too. IMHO.
This is what I was trying to say. I agree.
I had quit smoking and gained weight but was working out and I didn't have trouble riding or my horse clocking. I have lost weight and haven't been working out and right now I can't ride in a stagecoach with the doors closed. I'm starting back working out next week.
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Veteran
Posts: 101
| run n rate - 2014-01-03 10:23 AM
You mean like Sherry Cervi?????
Well there is no denying Sherry Cervi is a pro and an awesome barrel racer. I just mean generally that height could influence turns. Not that being tall is a bad thing or it could influence it a whole lot just some. I just mean it's like having a weighted pole and the whole thing is leaning wouldn't the horse have to adjust to that. I guess it combines with weight and would be hard to totally find if it influences the run. I just was looking for some brain picking haha. |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Saw my videos at 185 and was appalled. Felt, looked, and even fell off like a fat chick once. Back to 155 and I could wear my old measurements like a sack. Now in my videos I look like my mind tells me I do. It's hard to say directly about the times, because the horses have changed, but I know for a fact I couldn't have ridden the caliber that makes up my current string at 185. You better be on your game and be riding strong, because you're getting left if not. I do know I'm riding 1D/2D horses in Texas and asking for more all the time, and I feel sure I could do an even better job at 140. That's a goal in m y mind I'm working towards actually getting together. A measly 15 pounds and I could be a serious badass!!!!
Edited spelling
Edited by classicpotatochip 2014-01-03 7:04 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 410
| Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM
There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
Yes there is. There is more of a chance of extra weight getting in a barrel horses way than a racehorse. Sharp turns and trying to accelerate as quickly as possible at three different points. So I guess I do not understand how it would have MORE of an effect on a racehorse rather than a barrel horse. Also many of the quarter horse races (younger horses go shorter distances) race for less than what would be a normal barrel pattern. |
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 Saint Stacey
| Does weight matter? Sure it does. But you are comparing apples to oranges.
I know some women that might be a little chunky. But they can ride better than their 130 lb counter parts and they take less out of a horse.
I've also seen smaller girls with zero athletic ability be out run by heavier girls that were athletic.
Now when you get the ideal in the jockey, they are tough to get by.
Yes, being smaller can improve your times. That's obvious. But if you have natural ability and are atheltic, that can easily make up for a few extra pounds.
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Saint Stacey
| RoadToVegas - 2014-01-03 6:03 PM Nevertooold - 2014-01-02 6:30 PM There's a big difference in a race horse running and a barrel horse sprinting for under 17 seconds.
Yes there is. There is more of a chance of extra weight getting in a barrel horses way than a racehorse. Sharp turns and trying to accelerate as quickly as possible at three different points. So I guess I do not understand how it would have MORE of an effect on a racehorse rather than a barrel horse. Also many of the quarter horse races (younger horses go shorter distances ) race for less than what would be a normal barrel pattern.
How many barrel patterns are a total of 250 yards? Pendelton and that's about it. The shortest QH's races are 250 yards with the average for a 2 year old being around 330-350 yards.
Very few barrel patterns are even close to that size. |
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 I Am Always Right
Posts: 4264
Location: stray dump capital of the world | In April I was about 20 lbs over weight. I got bucked off in April and broke some bones. I'm having a hard time recooperating from that incident and put on an additional 15 lbs. I can't ride worth flip. It is compounded with the injuries to my back, but I have no balance right now. I need to get the weight off, but any work out sets off my injuries. I'm very frustrated right now. |
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Veteran
Posts: 101
| SKM - 2014-01-03 7:28 PM
Does weight matter? Sure it does. But you are comparing apples to oranges.
I know some women that might be a little chunky. But they can ride better than their 130 lb counter parts and they take less out of a horse.
I've also seen smaller girls with zero athletic ability be out run by heavier girls that were athletic.
Now when you get the ideal in the jockey, they are tough to get by.
Yes, being smaller can improve your times. That's obvious. But if you have natural ability and are atheltic, that can easily make up for a few extra pounds.
I definitely think you need athletic ability that is the key ingredient to a nice time. |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| I also want to add one more thing into the mix:
I was 145 in highschool, and could ride endlessly in the western Wyoming mountains and deserts next to my Dad ranching. In the saddle at 7 am, done at 5 pm through some of the most grueling country to ever hit the big screen. I was strong, I was ruthless, I was fearless, and I had my riding down to an art. Here's a statement that would have had my 18 yr old self in a rage: My horsemanship isn't half of what it is now.
I've learned, I've gone to clinics, I've researched, I've spent endless hours asking questions, watching videos adding, taking away, changing equipment, changing horses, feeding horses, understanding what makes them tick, vetting horses, bawling over horses, bleeding over horses, dying of shame over horses, thinking about timing, learning about timing, relearning posture, muscle memory, and wrapping my mind around the mental difference in a rider scraping 3D times at best, to a 1D/2D rider getting faster and faster every run.
I personally feel that experience, education, mental game, equipment, a super feeding program, a great vet plan can get you a lot further down the road than 10 or even 15 lbs. I can outride and outrun the crap out of the 18 yr old me, by WAY over a second. That was 11 yrs ago. 11 years of pure struggle and about 2 hours of pure euphoria. The euphoria is what keeps me going!
Bottom line:
I think that now I could ride a rocket at 140 and ask it for its life. I also know that a decade less of experience, education, no feeding plan, and the wrong equipment, I scraped top 3D times in a slower region at 145. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 331
Location: Loma Linda, CA | I weigh about 140. A good weight for me is 120 and that is my goal. I go to the gym 3-4x a week. My philosophy is that if my horse is in shape then I should be too.
I think of myself as a jockey (I think a lot of barrel racers do) and if I'm a jockey, an athlete, like my horse, then I'm gonna work as well :)
And it definitely probably helps to be lighter. And in a sport where tenths of seconds count, it definitely couldn't hurt, but I'm not gonna starve myself to be 100 pounds either.
Also if you look at girls winning rodeos they are generally petite small things. I have no idea if theres correlation there, but I have noticed it. |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance.
That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | TXBO - 2014-01-03 10:17 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud.
I look hot too. |
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Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:29 PM
TXBO - 2014-01-03 10:17 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud.
this made me giggle, you go girl!!! You should definitely be proud and show that off!!! |
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Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | sophiebelle - 2014-01-03 7:31 PM In April I was about 20 lbs over weight. I got bucked off in April and broke some bones. I'm having a hard time recooperating from that incident and put on an additional 15 lbs. I can't ride worth flip. It is compounded with the injuries to my back, but I have no balance right now. I need to get the weight off, but any work out sets off my injuries. I'm very frustrated right now.
Have you tried doing some yoga or taking some classes? A lot of times, yoga won't aggrevate injuries as much because it's low impact and non-repetitive. You could build some strength without putting a lot of stress on your injuries and you might be able to make some headway. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | hoofs_in_motion - 2014-01-04 11:15 AM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:29 PM TXBO - 2014-01-03 10:17 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud. this made me giggle, you go girl!!! You should definitely be proud and show that off!!!
I was just being stupid. Poor TXBO probably thinks I'm a spaz.  |
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How freakish is that?
Posts: 3927
Location: Oregon | I think people are confusing weight with ability and a bunch of other variables. All else being equal if the horse is packing less weight it is going to turn faster and run faster. It's just physics. |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | crapshooter - 2014-01-04 1:48 PM I think people are confusing weight with ability and a bunch of other variables. All else being equal if the horse is packing less weight it is going to turn faster and run faster. It's just physics.
I totally agree. I'm amazed this discussion has gone as far as it has. People can say, "I've seen chubby riders beat riders who weigh a lot less." Of course...we all have, but that same chubby rider would clock even better, if she wasn't as chubby. When was the last time anyone heard, "She would have clocked better if she had a little more fat on her ass"? Like Crapshooter said, it's basic physics. You don't get faster with more unnecessary weight. |
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Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| CYA Ranch - 2014-01-04 12:35 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2014-01-04 11:15 AM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:29 PM TXBO - 2014-01-03 10:17 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud. this made me giggle, you go girl!!! You should definitely be proud and show that off!!!
I know you're a spaz.
Waiting for a hawt pic. |
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Expert
Posts: 1956
Location: Ky | I heard Dale Youree say one time that, "equal riding ability on the same horse every 10 pounds of added weight equals 1/10 of a second".
I'm sure that was his opinion and not some study he did but his opinion carries quite a bit of weight in the barrel racing world. |
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More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | TXBO - 2014-01-04 2:41 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-04 12:35 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2014-01-04 11:15 AM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:29 PM TXBO - 2014-01-03 10:17 PM CYA Ranch - 2014-01-03 10:13 PM I lost 30 pounds last winter/spring. It made a huge HUGE difference in my riding and balance. That's a worthy accomplishment. You should be proud. this made me giggle, you go girl!!! You should definitely be proud and show that off!!!
Waiting for a hawt pic.
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How much of an impact do you believe human weight is for barrel racing...