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Hi Flora,
I ride a big, heavy grade mare - absolutely no arab - maybe a little Welch
Cob.  She has done quite a few fast 50's and BC'd the last one.  She has
finished a number of 100's and we went to the 2001 Pan Am in Vermont for the
Central Zone.  Of the approximately 92 starters (mostly Arabs) we came in
38th after running with the top 20 a large part of the day.

Other breeds can compete in this sport - it just takes more work to get them
conditioned.  This mare will probably never come in 1st in a fast 100 but
she will finish.  Her record is 26 starts and 25 completions.  The only pull
was a rider option on a 100 where I used a new saddle and caused a girth
gall that I chose not to further irritate.

In this type of sport, well in most sports, there is never going to be a
completely level playing field no matter how many rules you impose.  So much
depends on the riders ability, the amount of time spent conditioning and the
horse.  If I wanted to do really fast 100's, planning to win as often as
possible, I'd buy an arab or arab cross.  But if you want to go out and have
a good, fun time while still being competitive, any well-conditioned horse
that you love to ride will get you there.

And honestly, I don't want to split into breed divisions...I love it when my
big suburban of a horse beats those cute little corvettes.  There are lots
of different challenges besides being first.

Margie
#12401 on
Gypsy's Spirit



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