I'm following this with considerable
interest as a ride manager of nearly 30 years experience. One issue
I think of frequently when someone proposes X number of vet checks at X number
of miles apart is the accessibility of the trail by ride personnel. Many
of the trails in our rides, present or past, have been inaccessible at a
certain pre-set number of miles. But these discussions give a lot to
think about, and it IS possible to have a full vet check at 15 miles from
the start on Swanton Pacific, either the 75 or the 100. This would
necessitate hiring another full-time vet, which I plan to do.
I'm impressed with the ideas that are
being submitted, and I like the idea of having a full vet check at the 15-mile
site.
We already have 3 hours of mandatory holds
spread over 6 vet checks for the 100 and 2 1/2 hours over 5 VCs for
the 75, but the 15-mile check has been only a trot-by and water stop.
Perhaps it would be beneficial to have a more extensive VC at that
point? Any input from riders who have ridden SP?
Barbara McCrary Ride manager, Swanton
Pacific 75/100 "The most beautiful trail in the world"
From the humid CT region, I also like the longer holds, and we see more
and more of 2 holds of 45 rather than 3 of 30. 30 minutes just isn't
long enough for the horse to eat, esp when you have long vet lines. At
some big rides, you can have your entire 30 minutes eaten up just waiting in
line for the vet! And many/most of us don't have crews either.
From what I have seen with my horses (family miles @14,000), they do
better with less and longer holds than several short ones.
But each ride has its own reasons..it may be terrain, trail, or weather,
so I definitely think this should be a ride managers' decision, not a RULE!
