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[RC] WEC completion rate -- Travel? - Ridecamp Guest

Please Reply to: Naomi Preston mustanglady@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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One factor that needs to be taken into account when looking at the WEC poor 
completion rates is the significant travel time required for horses and 
adjustment to their new environment.  Travel is stressful for horses, whether 
it is in the back of a horse trailer of in a jet.  Horses can arrive at the 
Tevis already dehydrated just from the trailer ride.

I've seen the effects of travel even at North Am. Champs (FEI) -- one that 
comes to mind is 1989 in Flesherton, Ontario, Canada.  The Pacific team at the 
time had AWESOME experienced 100 mile horses and riders  (Jackie Bumgardner, 
Cassandra Shuler, Chef D'Equipe Andy Bender) -- but none finished (I believe) 
and it was theorized that the travel from California to  Canada (near Toronto) 
was a possible reason for the pulls.  I was the first US rider to arrive at 
camp -- a week early.   I think it took that long to recover from the trailer 
ride and somewhat acclimate to the new climate/surroundings.  I don't know how 
much in advance the US horses arrived for the WEC, but perhaps more time is 
needed.  I really think this is an important factor that might be underrated.   
Particularly as related to metabolic pulls.

Just MHO
Naomi Preston
Mustang Lady, 2001 AERC Hall of Fame


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