Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [RC] Heart rate at CTR

Jon wrote:
"...For example, upoin arriving at a vet check we have 10 minutes to present
for pulse. ... At the last ride my guy was a 48 (someone mare was bumping
his behind) and he lost 1 point.  Same thing at the final vet check and he
lost another point."

--------------------------------

Geez Jon, are you still whining about that mare bumping your horse?

While Jon was whining, he failed to mention that our rules allow for an
immediate recheck if the rider thinks that something abnormal is affecting
the horse's pulse (gee, like someone else's horse bumping into yours). He
didn't take advantage of the opportunity for a recheck, nor did he say a
word to the offending mare handler. (Gelding owners! They have no idea! That
mare just had never heard a good-looking boy talking sweetly.)

(BTW, before this takes off anywhere, all the parties are properly
introduced, inc. horses, so there was no danger with the bumping.)

Careful Jon, or I'll have to reveal to RC what division you as a
knowledgeable rider and your fit horse are competing in! >vbeg<

(running for cover now...)

Seriously, CTR is a game and part of the game is learning to get your
horse's pulse down under exciting circumstances. My mare is fit and easily
meets the completion parameters under all but the most exciting
circumstances. She's young and new to the game, so to avoid deductions, one
of my favorite techniques is to stuff her nose in my armpit and stroke her
left ear. If she has an itchy head, she won't drop, but using me as a
scratching post keeps her pulse up. However, if I remember to sponge her
head and wipe it off with something dry, she does much better.

CTR is part show, part game. It's a really good way to learn about your
horse, but there are a million little legal things that can be done to
minimize those point deductions. It takes a little while to learn the game
and it takes a different strategy than endurance. That's why they are two
different sports. :-)

Deanna




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