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Re: [RC] Mares vs geldings statistics - heidiWhat I find most interesting on the mares vs. geldings in endurance is...how many MORE geldings there are. The easiest statistical info can be gathered at the Tevis web site, as they have ride results with the gender of the horses listed. While Potato had a winning mare, it seems fairly rare. Is it just that in general, geldings are what "most" riders want to ride? I prefer geldings because they are of that even temperament, and I know what to expect every time I pull them out of the pasture. And, my geldings have wonderful personalities. But then, I feel all Arabians have wonderful personalities. Also, with my current set up, a mare would just disrupt my little "herd". I do feel mares have that extra 'spark', but if that was something that made them do better in the sport, you would think their would be more of them out there. I think most folks just figure that geldings are "it" and won't even consider riding mares. I grew up on a ranch where we ONLY rode mares, and so was fortunate to learn early not to have a prejudice against them. Our lone gelding had been the family's very first horse (predating the ranch) and he died of old age by the time I was old enough to do more than just sit on a horse as a toddler. There are two market factors that contribute to folks riding geldings in addition to the general notion that they are the "only" thing to ride--one being that they are actively marketed as riding horses, and the second being that knowledgeable breeders simply don't let their better mares go. Two of Potato's mares have been right up tops at Tevis--Fille de Cailana is one of those good ol' CMK mares, and her half-Arab daughter has also been right up there. Considering how few mares START Tevis, it would be interesting sometime to crunch numbers and see what their relative completion percentage and placing is... Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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