Re: [RC] What type of training - question for Truman - Sisu West Ranch
Since CTR does not have a national organization the
methods and rules vary widely. Some organizations do start horses at
intervals. UMECRA forms the participants up into groups that leave at 15
or 20 minute intervals. The number and size of the groups depends on the
numbers of P/R people and vet judges.
The pace is controled by the ending time of the
ride. For example if you have 3 hours 30 minutes to complete a 25
mile ride (a typical 7 mph UMECRA pace), a 45 minute hold and start at 10
AM you will be done at 2:15 PM. You have between 2:10 and 2:20 to
cross the line. You are penalized one point per minute either early or
late.
The consistant winners will go down the trail at
quite close to the pace, and plan on arriving at the 2 mile marker (a required
feature of the course) with a few minutes to spare. Then depending on the
speed their horse walks leave so that they cross the finish line at the right
time. Some people, of course, rush through the ride and end up waiting at
the marker for a long time. If you do a few years of CTR, you start to
learn how fast your horse is going, how much time you lost by walking a bad
stretch etc. It is good training for both horse and rider. In the
Midwest about 80% of horses start by doing a couple of years of
CTR.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
