I will second Sandy on this one. Horse-swapping aside, the potential for a really bad wreck is tremendous. It is so easy for the horse being ponied to pull away, or pull the rider off, or get tangled up -- and that is under *normal* circumstances. Add in the excitement of a ride + young horse .. nope.
boy I would hate to see this allowed. Very few people are skilled at this, and even under the very BEST of circumstances, something can go wrong and someone can get hurt. I for one would never pony a horse in an event like this, and I have been ponying horses from youngsters to layup race horses for 30 years plus. I would not want to go to an event where this was allowed. One more hazard. IMHO, the benefits if any to one horse or owner are FAR outweighed by the potential for risk and the general annoyance to others participants. I hadn't thought of horse swapping, since, if a horse is young and inexperienced enough to require "introduction" it should not be RIDDEN out there in any case.
s
In a message dated 8/21/2008 8:40:34 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Sbolinge@xxxxxxx writes:
What is the rule concerning ponying a horse on an endurance ride? It sure would be a great way to introduce a young horse to endurance. I assume it isn't allowed because of the chance someone would switch around which one they were riding.
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
