finish criteria.

["Sandy Bolinger" <bolinger@bigsky.net>]

I will try this question again!  There is a rule that if a horse does not meet crtieria within 30 minutes at a vet check, that the horse is pulled.  Obviously, the reason for the rule is that it has been determined that a horse not reaching criteria within 30 minutes has been over-riddin for his conditioning and/or is metabolically challenged.  I know if my horse didn't reach criteria in 30 minutes I would be VERY concerned. SOOO...the rule at the finish line gives the horse 60 minutes to reach criteria...Shouldn't the same rules apply at the finish that applies thoughout the rest of the ride???  Most horses that remain front runners throughout the ride and even "race" the last couple of miles to the finish line..recover before 30 minutes have passed...and it seems to me...front-runner or middle of the pack...if your horse does not reover within 30 minutes of reaching the finish then you have over-ridden your horse and/or your horse is metobolically compromised and IS NOT fit to continue.  It seems like such an obvious rule in need of change....I can't think of anything negative that would result in this rule change...only positive results as far as our horses are concerned...without compromising, in anyway, the sport itself.