Re: [Philmont]: Adding Cavalcade members later

> I wonder how the weight limit of 200 was arrived at.

Theory #1
---------
Someone weighing 201 lbs. got on a horse outside the dining hall and the
horse collapsed and died right there.

Being resourceful, the dining hall staff pounced on the dead animal and
the campers had real meat for several meals.

However, once they reached the back country, many boys begin to smell like
horses and the advisors complained.

In turn, the Philmont administration called in a consultant who then
called in a representative from the National office (who did not want to
get PETA involved). These people determined that 200 lbs. was a safe load
for the typical Philmont horse. Thus, a 200 lb. weight limit was
established.

Theory #2
---------
Wilbur, of "Mr. Ed" fame, was hired as a consultant to the Philmont Horse
Department many years ago. Wilbur, along with Mr. Ed, after extensive
study and library research, determined that 200 lbs. was the optimal load
limit for the typical Philmont horse.

Theory #3
---------
Joe the Wranger, a Philmont employee for many years and noted Horse
Whisperer, communicated with his heard of sturdy steeds and they told him
that 200 lbs. would be an excellent weight limit.

I'm sure there are other theories too.

Maybe Rod Taylor (aka the Philmont Cowboy) will someday write a song about
the horse that died in front of the dining hall. :-) No, a horse didn't
really die in front of the dining hall but we did see a dead one at Fish
Camp during Autumn Adventure one year.

YiS,

--
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)
http://www.troop405.org/
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