Re: RC: Re: Safe starts at races...

[Dbeverly4@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/22/00 5:16:51 PM Pacific Standard Time, bass@bigsky.net 
writes:

<< The easiest way to have a safe start at a ride (I've found) is to avoid the
 start of the race.  I wait for most of the riders to leave (while I
 continue warming my horse up away from the start area), then I head out. 
 It seems to be easier on my horse (they don't burn so much needed energy in
 the first 10 miles or so), and it's much safer because I avoid the majority
 of the "traffic".  And, yes, you can still compete using this technique --
 I rarely finish out of the top ten.  Hope this helps! >>

That is exactly my philosophy too.  Especially this year when I was starting 
a young horse.  I hung back and actually was designated the "official drag 
rider" at Star's first endurance (LD) ride, the Norco Riverdance -- thanks 
Lynne :)).  We started in the back and stayed there (let me tell you at times 
that was a challenge :).  I did find with Harca at endurance rides that it 
was better to start toward the back (except at Tevis, which is another story) 
and just keep him in his good boy, non-racing, fire-breathing mode.  I think 
on 50s you can start at a more reasonable pace (especially the technical 
rides) and do quite well.  As far as RACING LD, why?

Sylvia