Endurance Riding tests Fitness of horses and Humans

["Keith and Anna" <desautels@cnetco.com>]

This is another press release on endurance riding to be presented at the
confrence.

ENDURANCE RIDING TESTS FITNESS OF HORSE & HUMAN

Schaumburg, IL...  the image of a maganificent stallion galloping across the
prairie in the wind and sunshine has inspired many.  Today, more riders aare
bringing this visoin to live through endurance event, amoung the fastest
growing of the equine sports.

Dane L. Frazier, DVM is an expert on maintaining the health of endurance
horses.  He also rides in these events himself. "Veterinarians are in the
business of caring for the health of animals.  I cannot think of another
sport in which veterinary care not only maximizes the health of the horse,
but also its ability to perform," said Dr. Frazier.  he will talk in detail
about endurance rides at the Animal Welfare Forum, December 8 in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical
Association and cosponsored by the American Association of Equine
Practioners.

"Endurance events are rides that vary in distance, between 50 and 100 miles,
and are completed in 12 to 24 hours," Dr. Frazier explained.  "It is very
natural for horses to move at moderate speeds across flat to roling terrain.
Most of the speed is done at the pace of a trot...generally, we require
about a five mile per hour gait," He said.

Endurance rides test the physical fitness of boththe horse and rider.
Veterinarians play a critical role in overseeing the condition of the horses
throughout the duration of a competition.  Dr. Frazier explained that the
veterinarians examin and monitor metabolic and mechanical data about each
horse at predetermined checkpoints throughout the ride.  If at any point
this data indicates a horse is unfit, it is withdrawn from the competition.

According to Dr. Frazier, completing the race is not enough; horses must be
in excelent shape, even after crossing the finish line. "Most people who
ride endurance horses are amoung the most knowledgeable I've ever met.  Even
if they are not disqualified under the rules of the competition, they will
disqualify themselves," said Dr. Frazier.

Dr. Frazier said that, unlike other equestrian events, endurance riding is
judged by absolutely objective criteria: Physical data and the clock.  "The
single greatest reason people are drawn to this event is that, if they have
done their homework, and prepared, they have a chance to excel," he said.




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