Re: RC: Time to meet criteria at the Pan Am

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated Sun, 26 Aug 2001 12:11:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Michael Maul <mmaul@flash.net> writes:

> I thought it might be interesting to look at a key parameter in the 
> ride - how long it takes your horse to meet criteria at the hold.
> 
> This is a function of the horse, the rider, and your crew.
> 
> Assuming  the hold info is accurate - here's how the first and second place riders
> did.
> 
> The firat place horse consistently was faster - gaining a total of 11 minutes in
> 6 holds.

You're so right, Mike--a great many rides are won or lost with recovery times.  It pays to select horses with genetic potential for good recoveries (in addition to other necessary attributes) and then work to hone that ability with fitness, strategy, and efficient crewing in the check.  And at something like the PAC, it isn't difficult to see how precious those minutes can be.

Heidi