The front runners were probably wearing pads; their horses may have been
trained over similar terrain; the riders may have known that they could
safely gallop over the rocks; etc...One thing I have found is that
everything looked steeper, rockier, harder, etc....on my first ride or two
than it does now after more rides and more time conditioning on lots of
different terrain. I find myself moving faster over more difficult terrain
now than I would have year ago. Just because those riders were going that
speed does not *necessarily* mean they are doing their horses an injustice.
about selling your horse - if your horse is doing what you want him to do,
are you sure you want to sell him? I mean soundness and good metabolics
account for A LOT in this sport. While a conformation fault is important
and you are right to be concerned about it, you also have to look at the
history of this horse, how long it would take you to get another horse to
the same level, $$, his re-sale value, your relationship with him,
etc....This is not the show ring - if the horse is doing well, I'd think
twice about it. Nina Warren told me that she's seen horses who looked as if
their feet were going to crumble right off go out and win 100's over and
over again....a lot really depends on the individual horse.
congratulations on a good first ride.
Tina, Embers, Tony
huntsville, al
hickst@nichols.com