From Stephs post it sounds like there were some issues that caused problems
that could have easily been prevented, i.e., poor trail marking, not long enough
holds and perhaps too far between checks. Not sure what they could have done
about the ice in the troughs. Is there a committee or something provided
through FEI that goes out and checks out FEI courses, etc., before the actual
ride? If there is not, maybe it would be a good idea? Also, I still think the
excellent completion rate at the Malaysia ride proved that when every rider
is offered a great incentive to finish, the completion rate goes WAY up.
IN Maylasia they rode according to the conditions to ensure completing...I know
that sh## happens on 100 mile rides but Malysia proved that even in really
terrible conditions, if you ride smart your chances of finishing go way up.
It would be interesting to see what the completion rate is on 100 mile rides for
riders who are riding horses for the very first time just for that ride.
