Re: [RC] race brain behavior vs. Training? - FXLivestock
In a message dated 11/09/2008 1:58:47 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
margetts@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Like the
original poster asked, though the horses are "conditioned", wouldn't their
energy, control and performance be enhanced and they would do even better
if more time was also spent in "training" and "ground manners?"
What makes you assume that time was not put into training and ground
manners? How can you make this assumption without knowing what the
particular trainers/riders did to prepare for competition. I am
not defending how the horses behaved at the WEC. I am not making
excuses for this because it is FEI racing. But, I don't think
this is an issue that is isolated at this level or in this
venue. I personally have seen horses behave in this manner at
local AERC rides. I think some of the scariest starts I have ever
participated in were at the Tevis before they put riders in a starting
order. I recall witnessing and avoiding some pretty wild rodeo
moments at those starts. Think about it....the majority of Tevis riders
are just there to complete and earn their buckle and there is still can be a
chaotic atmosphere at the start. This is not just about a racing
mentality vs a riding mentality and if horses are trained or allowed to "race"
in other rides.
Again, from personal experience I have put a huge amount of time into
"training" out the race brain mentality in my horse. After working with
him for nine years, the behavior is still part of this horse's
make up. The difference is, I have learned to manage it better. It
isn't just about how many hours you spend training for ground manners vs
training for fitness. A part of this is about suitability and
management..
If you choose to continue with a horse like this, it really comes down to
management and trying to set up favorable conditions to manage this
weakness. Again, the real question I have with this particular
situation we are discussing is whether these horses had a past history of this
kind of behavior/recovery at other rides and if they did what
strategies were put in place for this ride to lessen the chances of race
brain taking over at this big event? If this is an isolated event because
of weather conditions etc., there would probably have been no way for the team
to prepare if the horses had never exhibited this behavior in the past.
