Competitive is more judgmental than endurance, at
least for the trot out. Pulse and Respiration need to be low so one
doesn't lose very many points. I have ridden competitive for over 30
years, first in Ohio and now in MI. So I have ridden under Ohio rules and
UMECRA rules. Also have ridden under ECTRA rules. Name of the game
is to know different regions rules and ride accordingly. But the trot out
is the big gotcha at the end, so that horse that shows itself well at the
trot out at the end no matter how tired, will lose less points. One of my
guys use to chase me with his teeth at the trot out but he flew. Always
made the vets laugh. My mare on the other hand, knows she is done, has
done this for 12 seasons, and her attitude is one of 'leave me alone'. You
can see in endurance too, the different attitudes that horses have since the
trot out for BC with a willing horse will glean more points.
Jeanie
