Ridecamp: [RC] Vet Checks

Well, I thought I responded to this before I left home this morning, but
 I may have just responded to the sender. If another post with the same
 general thoughts pops up, I guess it was just delayed. :-P


I agree with most of you about the vet checks.  Yes, Heidi, it is calmer
 at the start of a 100 so there isn't nearly as much of a "stampede",
 but I still think 36 miles is a heck of a long way without a break
. However, I've never heard anything but rave reviews for Swanton
 Pacific so I can't comment on that ride, but if you have trouble at the 14 mile mark I wonder how soon they get the news? They apparently have
 conditions where this may work. Yes, a technical trail does help to
 separate the horses up.  When other riders get out of sight on a
 twisting turning trail it's not so bad as when horses can see a mile
 ahead on a dirt road.
 

I don't think of a vet check *that* much as a place for a vet to tell
 *me* there's something wrong with my horse, so much as it's a place for
 me to take care of my horse.  Yes, there's some grass on the trail, but
 a vet check is where I can really make changes.  

When I say I want to
 split the horses up, I don't mean there are *riders* who are being
 stupid and trying to run too hard...it's usually the HORSES who are
 hooking up with others they don't need to travel with.  The sooner I
 hit that first pulse check, the sooner my arms are going to get a rest.
  Instead of traveling with a pack of 15 I'll probably leave with one or
 two horses. Besides that, by 15 or 20 miles I'm ready for a trip to the
 bathroom and a sandwich.


I've never known anyone who said, "I love the first loop". Instead they 
usually say, "I hope I survive the first loop".  Why extend the misery?
  I  live through the first loop, then I enjoy the rest.


As a ride manager, I try to set up a ride in a manner which *I* would 
want to compete.  It's just a fact of life. Horses like to go fast at
 the start of a ride.  The sooner the packs are broken up, the sooner
 those horses will settle down to business and start drinking, etc. like
 they should.  I'm just trying to give the riders a break.


Angie




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