Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Eco Challenge-was FEI perspective

The event in Ohio is not the THE Eco Challenge...might be a VERY scaled down version...And as far as the riding part of the Eco Challenge...There is one person from the team riding and at least one team member has to stay with the horse and rider...both the rider and the person on the ground are carrying impressive back packs on their backs..sooo...the horses never get going fast...a trot, at best..but only as long as the person on the ground can keep up. 

  

----- Original Message -----

From: Sullivan

To: Maggie & David

Cc: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2002 5:22 PM

Subject: Re: [RC] Eco Challenge-was FEI perspective

Yes, I have heard of Eco challenges using horses before.  I feel it is an extremely bad idea, never mind that many participants are non-or new riders, how will they have any idea how to gauge the horses condition?

Karen

----- Original Message -----

From: Maggie & David

To: ridecamp

Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2002 8:38 AM

Subject: [RC] Eco Challenge-was FEI perspective

Speaking of Eco Challenge......

 

One of my riding students announce that her marathon runner husband wants to learn to ride. Seems there is an Eco Challenge going to happen in Ohio in the fall. This one will include the usual running, boating, swimming stuff, plus rollerblading, and HORSEBACK RIDING. A twenty mile section of the course is to be ridden. Husband tells me race organizers are providing the horses.

 

My question:  Has anyone heard anything else about this? Where are they getting the horses? Are they going to be an animal that can 'go the distance'? or just a backyard pleasure horse that may have problems getting 20 miles in?

 

Oh, and on the subject of doing it for the fun of it......he tells me there is major sponsor giving out big bucks for first. But husband is hoping fervently to finish without falling off of the horse.

 

Maggie Pritchard--curious

Foxy--teaching another rookie to ride