Re: Endurance & Racing (track)

["Mike Sofen" <miksof7@gte.net>]

Tom Ivers is a known authority on this, his book, The Fit Racehorse II, is
an amazing, detailed explanation of the different strategies for
conditioning for sprint races.  From his viewpoint,  the protocols that he
has developed to produce a successful and sound racehorse (for sprinting
races) will also tend to produce an extremely fit horse overall, HOWEVER,
the reverse is not true - an endurance horse, not conditioned for speed,
will probably get injured, or at best, be totally uncompetitive due to the
lack of appropriate speed training.

Frankly, many of the offtrack arabs that I've checked out were pulled from
racing with bowed tendons, which doesn't speak well of the so-called
trainers in that industry.  I wouldn't trust my horse with ANY racetrack
trainer.  I'll bet you dollars to donuts they're not doing for free.

Mike Sofen
Seattle, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: Lauren Horn <lhorn@home.com>
To: RideCamp <ridecamp@endurance.net>; Arab-L Horse List
<ARABHORSE-L@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>; Suzi Morris <arieana@fea.net>
Date: Thursday, August 27, 1998 3:21 PM
Subject: Endurance & Racing (track)


My husband and I have enjoyed the few times we have spent at the local
race track watching arabians race. We have always planned on breeding my
mare and we are hoping to try the racing game with her offspring.

But, the other day a "bug" got in my head and I had a idea,(a dangerous
one at that) and I thought about trying my 9 year old mare at the racing
game NOW, instead of waiting for her future foal.

Right now, she is in shape for LD rides. I talked to a couple trainers
who may be able to work out an arrangement with me mostly keeping her at
home instead of the stressful track conditions. I would trailer in.

Can a horse do both at the same time? Any warnings, advice?

Lauren