How to win the Tevis

[Trishmare@aol.com]

Dear Ridecampers,
     A lunatic endurance friend of mine has come up with a formula which will,
if followed, tell you how to pick out and condition a horse who is sure to win
the Tevis.  

First, you'd need to:
Look at all the horses that have started the Tevis in the last five years. Put
these on a spreadsheet.   And then look at:

1. The number of training miles under 6mph.
2.  Number of days of rest between conditioning rides.
3.  Number of years . . .oops, I mean months, of riding under 6 mph before
introducing speed.

4. Number of training miles over 6 mph.
5. Number of days of rest between conditioning rides.
3. Number of years . . . oops, there I go again, thinking . . . I mean months,
speed work.

4. Number of training miles in terrain similar to the Tevis trail<6 mph.
5. #4, at speed.

6. Number of 50 mile endurance starts vs completions
7. #6 top ten.

8. Number of 100 mile endurance starts vs completions.
9. #8, top ten.

okay, that can be part one.  Then we would have part two.

1. Susan's weight and condition score.
2. Rate horses according to % correct conformation (against an ideal
endurance/performance horse)
3. Rate tack and equipment for correct fit and comfort . . .

and at this point my friend ran screaming from the room, yelling, "SOMEBODY
STOP ME!!!!!!!!!! "  so I guess we don't get a formula which will absolutely,
positively assure a Tevis win after all.  But I am personally sure that the
rider's tastes in clothing style and color have a significant bearing on the
outcome . . . 
     My best suggestion?  Consult an astrologer.  If that doesn't work, one
can always try voodoo . . .

Trish & pretty David, TNG
Grand Blanc, Michigan