chaumi
Well-known member
Not long been home from the morning walk. Been doing 2 (sometimes 3) miles early morning and 3+ at night since the start of the Scotland trip early last October. And the 3 at night for well over a year now. Pretty brisk-paced and - about two/3 times a week - wearing a 22lb weighted vest. Don't listen to anything, just thoughts. And thoughts this morning centred heavily on weight.
<Aside> It's getting lighter earlier. You can see it. Traditionally, the first time I'd really clock it was in Cheltenham week where you're watching the last race and thinking 'hooray, it's still light. Spring is here!' When you're out early, it's more noticeable. Spring is nearly here!</Aside>
So, I'd never taken too much notice of actual weight carried in races, much preferring to look at it from a relative standpoint. So what if xyz has 12 stone, if 80% of the rest of the field are carrying 11 8 upwards and those a stone further down are clearly (or likely) outclassed. So what if ABC beat DEF 10 lengths last time and there's a 10lb turnaround - they're horses ffs. Big, strong, and lots of other factors have a likely greater influence on outcomes. The ground, the track, the way the race is run, the actions of the others, the pace, the pace changes at different stages, something else getting in the way at any specific point, trainer form, the unknowns. form and fitness levels, etc etc etc
Clearly and obviously, weight is a factor. The laws of physics, force, gravity, whatever, will unquestionably reinforce that fact. And that's been illustrated (to me) by what happens when the vest comes off. And, partly, what's been happening with regular wearing.
When it comes off (the moment I step in the door, tbh), the first 10 mins it feels like floating. + there's little argument that the last mile of the walk is slightly slower than doing it with nothing. Especially the further you go. Notably, as you get used to it, starting out (while wearing it) becomes less and less noticeable. And when not wearing it, the first mile at least feels like nothing. Not surprising - general fitness level is increasing, posture is improving, etc. And, ofc, as time goes on, it's easier to carry it further and further without noticeably slowing.
So all that made me think 'what is a horse really feeling with different weights on their back'. Like I said, he or she is a horse. A big, powerful animal. Do they even ever register a different weight from race to race? And, following on from that, can a horse become conditioned to carrying heavier weights with less impact over time. And, following from that, do (some) trainers deliberately attempt to condition their horses to carry heavier weights on the gallops as part of a training regime?
The big question with all this is ' are there any (sensibly) usable angles that'll help find winners coming out of thinking this through?'
Perhaps not. And it might not be worth it, given all the other influential factors in a race.
So, while a lot of this might be rambling rubbish (to some), and nowhere near has fully covered all the relevant points, the note to self is to give it some more thought. On another walk, another day!
<Aside> It's getting lighter earlier. You can see it. Traditionally, the first time I'd really clock it was in Cheltenham week where you're watching the last race and thinking 'hooray, it's still light. Spring is here!' When you're out early, it's more noticeable. Spring is nearly here!</Aside>
So, I'd never taken too much notice of actual weight carried in races, much preferring to look at it from a relative standpoint. So what if xyz has 12 stone, if 80% of the rest of the field are carrying 11 8 upwards and those a stone further down are clearly (or likely) outclassed. So what if ABC beat DEF 10 lengths last time and there's a 10lb turnaround - they're horses ffs. Big, strong, and lots of other factors have a likely greater influence on outcomes. The ground, the track, the way the race is run, the actions of the others, the pace, the pace changes at different stages, something else getting in the way at any specific point, trainer form, the unknowns. form and fitness levels, etc etc etc
Clearly and obviously, weight is a factor. The laws of physics, force, gravity, whatever, will unquestionably reinforce that fact. And that's been illustrated (to me) by what happens when the vest comes off. And, partly, what's been happening with regular wearing.
When it comes off (the moment I step in the door, tbh), the first 10 mins it feels like floating. + there's little argument that the last mile of the walk is slightly slower than doing it with nothing. Especially the further you go. Notably, as you get used to it, starting out (while wearing it) becomes less and less noticeable. And when not wearing it, the first mile at least feels like nothing. Not surprising - general fitness level is increasing, posture is improving, etc. And, ofc, as time goes on, it's easier to carry it further and further without noticeably slowing.
So all that made me think 'what is a horse really feeling with different weights on their back'. Like I said, he or she is a horse. A big, powerful animal. Do they even ever register a different weight from race to race? And, following on from that, can a horse become conditioned to carrying heavier weights with less impact over time. And, following from that, do (some) trainers deliberately attempt to condition their horses to carry heavier weights on the gallops as part of a training regime?
The big question with all this is ' are there any (sensibly) usable angles that'll help find winners coming out of thinking this through?'
Perhaps not. And it might not be worth it, given all the other influential factors in a race.
So, while a lot of this might be rambling rubbish (to some), and nowhere near has fully covered all the relevant points, the note to self is to give it some more thought. On another walk, another day!
