[RC] National Championship 50 & 100 - Cunningham, Marci
Has anyone stated how many of
the 100 mile starters that were pulled actually had to be treated? The
riders that I knew who pulled did not need treatment for their horses. I
rode the 50 and am only aware of one 50 mile horse that had to be treated and
that was later that evening, hours after the finish. Sixty nine horses
started the 50 and I believe 55 horses finished which isn't a bad completion
rate. With all the innuendos and emotions flying around Ridecamp I
would like to see some facts. BTW my horse and I finished and he now has
3,995 miles. I went to this ride, only 5 hours from my
house, for the miles, new trail, and to experience the hoopla of a
championship ride and wasn't disappointed. Terry Howe is to be commended
for taking on the responsibility and management of this ride after the
original venue north of Reno was lost. Because of this change, a
preride of the 100 mile course wasn't feasible and anyone who has ridden a
100 mile ride knows that problems can occur over a first time 100 mile
course. The terrain was challenging and I think there were a half dozen
loops on the 100 which is not the norm for 100 mile rides in the west.
Most 100 mile rides that I have attended are 3 loops or
less.
Again, I would like to see some
facts as to treatment numbers for the 100. Also, the vets at this ride
were some of the best endurance vets in the business and Barney stated that they
were the good guys and not our adversaries and encouraged riders to be very open
with the vets.
I also tend to agree with those
who think head to head competition is not ideal for a National
Championship. I never for an instant thought my horse and I were in the
same league as the top horses at this ride but we weren't interested in racing,
we were just along for the ride. To finish is to win.
