Fw: slow LD - Long Message

["Garner" <GarnerT@email.msn.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: Garner <GarnerT@email.msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2001 9:52 AM
Subject: slow LD - Long Message


> I've mainly done limited distance rides for a variety of reasons (time to
> train, finding the right horse, young horse, etc).  I know what  the speed
> demons in the Limited Distance group do to annoy the 50 milers.  It annoys
> me too!  I agree with the comments that if you can breeze through the LD,
> you probably need to move up to a 50.  I have also observed people using a
> different horse for every race, going all out, just to come in first.
I've
> never been first in my life in a LD.  In fact, on Cisco's first race, I
told
> my husband, don't expect me early, I'll probably be last, and I was.  My
> horse came in great, we were ready at PR when we came in, and he
> successfully completed the Triple Crown.  The best I've ever done on a
> limited distance ride was 8th place, and I didn't even know I was in the
top
> ten!
>
> I don't know what the answer is to slow down some of these irresponsible
> people.  It is up to the rider to be educated and considerate of his/her
own
> horse and other riders.  The fact that they will practically run you off
the
> trail is not only annoying, but dangerous.  However, let me tell you that
I
> have observed many people racing & overriding their horses on 50 mile
> endurance rides.   Some people just don't get it.  My good (loony) friends
> that do 100s and multiday events say the attitude of the people who
> participate in these events is totally different.  I think they are to be
> congratulated!
>
> One suggestion for the limited distance racers is to have the vets give
them
> some extra hold time in the vet checks.  If the rider comes flying in, the
> horse looks bad, and the time has been extremely fast, don't the vets have
> some leeway in having them stay a little longer?  There are a variety of
> factors that pass a horse through a vet check, not just coming down for a
P
> & R.  I have a great deal of respect for the vet's opinions, and what they
> say should go.
>
> Just some thoughts....
>
> Kathy Garner
>
> P.S  Karen & Marci... Let me know how Fire Mountain went!!