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Re: [RC] Racing - Joe LongOn Fri, 9 Apr 2004 09:18:21 -0600 (MDT), <heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: ... 3) Furthermore, a rider who runs near the top and might be in a position to race has the responsibility IMO to check out the finish area--personally, if possible, or questioning those who HAVE seen it personally, if not. One of the things I always have admired about the Westlake family is how they go down to the finish the night before the ride and already have in their minds even which side of the road they want to be on at the finish, should they be in a horse race. I've heard Terry chortling post-ride more than once about how he took the right-hand side of the road because there was a puddle on the left side, or the view of camp was clearer from the right side, or some other small detail, and he knew the other horse might hesitate and give him an edge. At FEI events, you will see entire squads out reviewing the finish area in advance of the ride, checking for holes, checking for footing, etc. This isn't because it is FEI--it is because riders didn't get to that level without taking details into account. If you are going to race, RACE SMART. Anyone anticipating racing needs to preride the finish not only for his own knowledge, but so the HORSE knows the lay of the land (and that he's coming to the finish). Whenever possible I not only preride the finish, I WALK the finish. I've chucked many a rock off to the side out of the finish area, so it wouldn't be there for my horse to trip on at racing speed. Hmmm ... I wonder if some of the folks who've been saying "Our horses here are better, they can stop in one inch" (what "on a dime" literally means) will tell me "good horses just avoid the rocks?" -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com ============================================================ They're athletes! This is a partnership between horse and rider - we don't have any jockeys out there, just pals and partners. We'd allow a rider with a broken foot, a sore back and a nasty cold to compete - but we would never let a horse in a similiar condition hit the trail. ~ Dr. Barney Flemming DVM ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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