Re: Pulled at the finish and ego, etc.
Luke Steele (luke.steele@fujitsu.com.au)
Fri, 6 Dec 96 14:55:31 EST
In Australia we do not have 'grades of lameness' in our veterinary
assessment. A horse is either sound and fit to continue or is lame. Any sign
of lameness is grounds to pull the horse whether at an intermediate check or
the final one.
I had my horse pulled at the end of our first 50 miler. She was defininately
lame. Other final check pulls were for recovery. We have a 60 bpm criteria.
The recovery were entirely my fault, no excuses. Gave me something to think
about.
At our last ride, an elevated ride of 160 km, we retired at 115 km. Nikita
was quite sound and energetic at that point, but I thought it prudent to
quit with our distance credit and a sound horse. Retiring meant I forfeited
the possible 10 points we would have gained for completing. Out on the third
leg I was wrestling with my conscience. To take my mare out over the very
stony roads again for another 45 km and risk a lameness, or retire with a
sound horse that had completed 1614 km this year. I also realised I was
close to the lead in the National Heavyweight Rider title. The 10 points
would have given it to me. I made the decision in favour of my beloved
horse, rather than let my ego push me on. I phoned the National Pointscorer
a few days ago and we worked out from results available that I am 3 points
off the lead.
Nikita is sound and happy, won reserve at the Arabian show last weekend in
the 'Led Horse Suitable for Endurance' and is (apparently, haven't got final
results yet) National Heavyweight Horse and Heavyweight Distance Horse. I
think I am second National Heavyweight Rider. Retiring at the last ride
meant I missed No. 1.
Did I make the right decision to pull before the end of the last ride? I
look at Nikita happy and healthy in the paddock having a well-earned rest,
and can only say 'Yes". No amount of prizes would have made a difference.
Regards from Australia.
Luke Steele
luke.steele@fujitsu.com.au