This is a great way to reward limited distance riders. It encourages
riders to pace and protect their horses, and takes the focus off of speed.
The woman who's horse died at Castle Rock had intended to pull at lunch
(Stacey and I were camped next to them), and we talked to her briefly on
the trail before the horse died. The horse was looking tired, and she told
us that the horse was really fighting at the start, and she finally decided
to let the mare go because "she was only doing the first 30, and she was
using up as much energy fighting as she would use running". This was a
fatal mistake, but this happens often enough.
I like the option that one of the 50 milers took when her horse refused
to be controlled. She tied it to a tree! Neither of them looked happy,
but they were so much better off.
Limited distance rides are a limited distance to those of us that have done
50 miles or more, but they are a hell of a long way for a green horse and
rider....
Good idea... be nice if more ride managers would do it.
Later! Linda Cowles
Gilroy, Ca