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Re: [RC] [RC] [RC] Racing - Truman Prevatt

The greatest race I've ever seen was the 100 at the old Longleaf in Mississippi in the mid 90's. The last loop was 16 miles on dirt road. Three riders left out on the last loop. It was safe to race there and the ride wasn't big so while everyone not out on the trail was the finish to watch there was no problem.

The three horses represented the last two ROC winners and a hrose that would go on to be two time World Champion. They did that 16 miles (and it was 16 miles) in 40 minutes - that equates to a 24 mph average - and when they came into view there were three across the road headed for home. There was no more than a neck between the three. So while you would like to think it could be sorted out before the finish - it always can't. It also took them about another 1/4 mile to bring them down.

There are a lot of rides where this type of finish would not be possible, and hopefully riders will recogonize the difference. Boy was that one heck of a race between three great horses and riders.

Truman

Nancy Mitts wrote:
That's pretty much how it is here in Missouri as well. You don't even use the word "race" as that is "incompatible with land use management plans" in most areas. Many otherwise great rides would not be held if riders insist on their "right to run to the finish" no matter what.  The overwhelming majority of riders would rather settle things during the first 49 miles than not have the ride at all.
There are many types of timed event (which make them as much of a race as endurance) that have other qualifying parameters.
Jump-offs are races, but you still need to clear the jumps. Barrel racer's have to leave the barrels standing. Endurance Racer's can't just run full out for 50 miles, you can only go as fast as the horse can sustain. Not being able to sprint for the finish the last mile out of 50 or 100 does not change the essence of the sport. My suggestion would be however, for the ride management to declare "no sprinting for the finish" BY ANYBODY if their area is not reasonably safe. That would prevent responsible riders from losing out to the idiots.

Nancy Mitts




From: Truman Prevatt <tprevatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
With the Forest Service at least in the Southern region the Special use Permit grants the ability to hold an organized event on pulic land. It does not buy you any authority over the management and use of that land for the period covered.

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--
We imitate our masters only because we are not yet masters ourselves, and only

We imitate our masters only because we are not yet masters ourselves, and only

because in doing so we learn the truth about what cannot be imitated.

 


Replies
Re: [RC] [RC] [RC] Racing, Nancy Mitts