Re: RC: race track to trail

[Rides 2 Far <rides2far@juno.com>]

>A point to remember here is that "horses don't *lean*, riders *pull*"!

There was an article in Equus years ago explaining why jockies "pull". 
It was in an article about the horse's center of gravity.  It was
something to the effect that the horse "leaned" into the bit and the
jockey's center of gravity was projected about 6 feet in front of the
horse at full gallop.  If they'd stopped they would have all fallen
forward. (very loose description of the way I read it quite awhile back) 
All I know is the horse was supposed to really be pulling on the bit, and
you will not see them loosen the reins to let them out in the stretch. 
The horse runs on a tight rein.  To signal time to slow down, the jockies
stand and see-saw the reins.  You'll never see any harsh bits on the
track...but you sure do in speed events like barrels.  

You can call it anything you want, but it you accidentally smooch to a
race horse...and you don't do a back flip out of the saddle when he takes
off, chances are you're going to "pull" to try and stop him, and as you
approach the sound barrier, you're going to swear he's "leaning" into
that bit.

Angie

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