a
verage bodyweight is increasing the world over there's
no escaping the fact that people are larger now than
they were some 20 years ago. Blame increasing access
to fast food, hormones pumped into our meat or just plain old
genetics - the truth of the matter is, people are getting bigger.
Whilst many people would like to lose a few kilos,
acknowledging that this would benefit their overall health
and quality of life, very few are likely to embark on a weight
loss program to help make the life of their horse easier. Yet an
increasing body of research claims that the majority of horse
riders exceed the `ideal' weight range, which leaves their
horses more at risk of muscle soreness, behavioural problems
and reduced performance ability.
"If I were to ask the average horseperson `Do you really
love your horse?' more than ninety percent would answer
with a resounding, `ABSOLUTELY!'" says Monty Roberts
renowned US horseman and clinician, "I believe them; and
yet certain facts lead me to question their answer. It is not that
I believe they are being dishonest - because I have been guilty
of the same claim - I think they haven't yet thought it through
to its logical conclusion.
It is my intention
to cause the reader
to reconsider many
preconceived notions
as to weight and the
effects it has on
horses and humans.
FOOD FOR
TH UGHT
by Kaye Meynell with Monty Roberts
"
"
On tour in Germany
April, 2006
One month before diabetes
diagnosis
Weight: 121.56kg
A health scare forced Monty
Roberts to stop making
excuses and start living.
In California Sep 2010
4 ½ years after diagnosis
Weight: 86.18kg
Continued