Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

It's an interesting idea, but seeing as they had to significantly shorten the cross country course from ~14 miles to ~3.5 miles to keep eventing in the Olympics, I'd say it's not going to get much play even if it's only 35 miles [vs. 100]

 

At Athens, the FEI trimmed the endurance phase of the three-part discipline by removing the steeplechase and the two road & track tests, leaving only the cross-country phase to be contested. That shortened the total distance covered from 22,835 meters to 5,570—which ultimately decreases the amount of land needed for the venue, as well as costs to operate the remaining parts of the event.

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From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Susan
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 2:37 PM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] Ride and Tie as an Olympic event

You bring up a very good point, Bruce.

 

In addition to your thoughts, the general public may also be more inclined to watch since the human is having to put forth some effort as well.  Most people don't understand how athletic riding can be...especially at the FEI level.  But, they understand how difficult cross country running can be.  They see the human working and the horse gets to rest.

 

Additionally, a 35-mile R&T could last an hour and a half or so?  That is a much easier time to cover via TV vs a 100-mile race over the course of even 7 hours.

 

We have to consider the public's perception.  They already think we're a bunch of loonies racing our horses around and killing them.  One could argue televising an endurance race would put those perceptions to rest.  Historically, we know that isn't true.  People will believe what the WANT to believe...no matter what the facts say.

 

I hadn't thought of R&T...but like the idea.

Susan [Young], The Princess of Pink
Semper Obliquo (Always aside)

Glenndale Grace Farm, Ft Gibson, Oklahoma U.S.A.

"Ride on! Rough-shod if need be, smooth-shod if that will do, but ride on! Ride on over all obstacles, and win the race!" - Charles Dickens (1812-1870)