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The Bob Cesca Podcast: The Track Suit Mafia

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William Lewis1/20/2022 3:25:01 pm PST

re: #23 sagehen

A racehorse in a handicap race carries from 105 to 130 pounds (5 pounds is estimated to be worth 1/5 of a second per mile). For Western riding, the saddle and gear is about 50 pounds, and the cowboy close to 200. And that horse can go all day.

If speed is not of the essence, that horse could easily carry 300 pounds, maybe 400 if there’s a smooth road and they’re only traveling half-days.

Found at equus magazine:
“U.S. Army specifications for pack mules state that ‘American mules can carry up to 20 percent of their body weight (150 to 300 pounds) for 15 to 20 miles per day in mountains,’” Wickler says. “There are some anecdotal reports of 350 to 400 pounds and even an 1867 reference to 600 to 800 pounds for mules.”
equusmagazine.com