Is it really that bad out there? I am really
new to this sport, but do people really slam
into other riders/horses at watering spots?
(notice I said people...) ;^)
So far, I've only done 25-30 mile rides, and
am most definitely not in the front, but I've never
seen anybody around my area act like that.
I've ridden with 50 and 100 mile horses when we
were doing a 25 mile (they were on their 2nd loop),
I've never had anyone slam up behind me or act
impatient if there was no place to pass.
Last year at a ride, virtually the only water on the
trail was a small muddy pond. Only one entry point
was safe to enter. Everyone was orderly waiting
their turn (standing far back - I interpreted that
as a courtesy so the horse drinking wouldn't feel
"pressured" or rushed - I appreciated that as my
gelding still has a problem drinking on trail unless
he is relaxed - that helped us, he drank, we got
out of the way and let the next people in - who
were a group of 50 mile frontrunners).
Neither of my horses are kickers - *but* both will
get very testy if another horse sticks its nose in
their tail. I don't know that I could train my
horses better by ponying another horse along - I
do that, with my yearling filly, but she's their
pasture-mate - a lot different than a *strange*
horse running up on their tails.
Well, sorry this got so wordy, the bottom-line
that I'me trying to communicate is that so far,
I have seen only a lot of courtesy, helpfulness
and understanding out there on the trail. We
don't use green ribbons either (I think that
is a great idea).
One more thing - I've yet to see an ill-mannered
stallion on any of the rides I've been on either..
I have a lot of respect for the stallion owners/riders,
it sounds as if that is not the case with all
people, all areas....
Jude Hall
Hall@cc.denison.edu
Who is hoping to do a 50 mile ride this year....