Cosequin 1 2 3

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From: guest@endurance.net 
Email: guest@endurance.net

After reviewing the comments of some concerning the finish of the cosequin regarding those that won "on home turf" on a trail "tailored" to them, I feel compelled to offer an opinion from one who was there and witnessed the entire event.

The fact of the matter is that the absence of light (i.e. it was dark) and any familiarity with the trail that two of the top riders may have had was of no consequence with respect to the finishers and their positions.

FACT: The course was a clover leaf with the trail loops repeated twice, if a rider was not familiar with it, those that stayed on top of the leaders had an oppurtunity to become familiar with it regarding changes in riding strategy later in the event's mileage.

FACT: Rita's horse was within minutes of the first and second place horses throughout the day and each horse had every chance to place differently based on the efforts of either the rider or the pit crew.

FACT: The final twelve miles to the finish (including two stops for vet checks) was comprised of ROADS and not TRAIL, roads which all three riders had ridden previously during the day and with which they each had ample oppurtunity to familiarize themselves with prior to and during the ride (strategy).

FACT: Rita (third place) may have lost some minutes due to her pit crew allowing her horse to wander off from their immediate control during a vet check.

FACT: The top three horses were off mountain trails prior to darkness setting in.

FACT: Rita and her horse did an EXCELLENT job and to complete the Cosequin event in ANY position when faced with the extreme and unusual heat and humidity experienced this year is testimony to the high caliber of the animals presented at the event.

FACT: The top two finishers "opened up" their horses during the last five mile sprint to the finish. Any horse not in top condition would have struggled to maintain the pace they set during the final two and a half miles to the finish and may have risked losing it all at the final vetting (more strategy on the part of all riders, those sprinting and those choosing to hold back).

If you read what others have said you will notice that marking of the trail has been considered EXCELLENT and became BETTER in light of last minute attempts at vandalism. The final 12 miles was relatively level and open and familiarity with it was of little or no consequence or advantage.

Any negative comments regarding who finished where at the Cosequin are truly unfounded, the fact is the best horses, pit crews, riders and strategy bore out and the proof is in the final results.

The Cosequin was perhaps one of the best managed endurance events in the history of the sport. It was undoubtedly one of the fairest as ride management succeeded rule interpretation and enforcement of both the FEI and AERC events to the FEI ground jury members officiating at the event.

All of those that completed this event deserve our praise and admiration regarding their efforts and training.

As far as Rita and her wonder horse, I would love it if she were selected for the World. Many of us believe she has a real shot at surprising some. We wish her the best of luck.