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The competition rules for this event were very interesting - a  
different way of doing a multiple day race. I actually like the  
system a lot.

Basically there were 2 categories: Binomial (one rider, one horse)  
and General (a team of 2 horses and 2 riders, or 2 horses and 1 rider).

For all riders there was a minum weight requirement - 70kg (155 lbs).

The overall winners would be determined by cumulative time. Fastest  
times over the 8 riding days would determine the winners.  Horses had  
to pass vet inspection each evening before the next day. Every horse  
that passed the vet inspection could start the next day (even if  
eliminated on a prior day).  There were also winners and awards for  
each day in both categories, which keep the excitement up and kept  
the media/press involved.

Bonus points and time penalties would also be awarded.  First place  
each day would be reduced by 10 minutes, second by 5 minutes, and  
third by 3 minutes.

Rather than eliminating from the competition any horse/rider pairs  
who did not complete the phase, or didn't ride on a given day, time  
penalties were given.

Penalty = stage limited time (pre-determined minimum time to complete  
for each day) plus time penalty

- If a rider does not start = 120 minute time penalty.
- If a rider starts, but retires before the 1st vetgate  = 90 minute  
penalty the FIRST time
- If a rider starts, but retires before the 1st vetgate  = 120 minute  
penalty the SECOND time
- If a rider arrives at, but the horse does not pass the 1st vetgate  
inspection = 45 minute penalty
- If a rider starts the second phase, but retires before arriving at  
final vetgate = 30 minute penalty
- If a rider arrives at final vetgate but horse does not pass  
inspection = stage limit time (minimum allowable time)
- If horse is eliminated due to metabolic reasons or non-recovery =  
120 minute penalty
- If jury does not permit rider to start = 120 minutes

So there is a definite strategy to the competition. If the horse or  
rider is having problems, or won't be able to meet minimum stage time  
limit, or is eliminated at a vetgate, or simply needs a day off -  
they are not eliminated from the overall competition.  Basically this  
keeps everybody in the game. Rather than pack up and go home, they  
can adjust their their strategy during the course of the week and  
continue to participate - and enjoy - the event. It's pretty  
brilliant really.

The other thing I really like is that the days were challenging but  
not grueling - riding 60k (35 miles) is very different from riding  
85k (50 miles). And they had a minimum time limit of (more or less)  
11k/hr (about 7mph) which means you still have to move along. It's  
not a trail ride, it's still 'endurance'. This was adjusted a bit as  
the event progressed if there were unexpected problems, or really  
difficult terrain, but basically it was a shorter distance but with a  
faster time requirement.  The pulse recovery criteria at each  
vetgate, including the finish, was 56 beats per minute, within 20  
minutes maximum to recover.  This helped control the speed and  
maintain the sanity.

With shorter distances and faster speeds the days were very well  
suited to media and press -  a critical factor in an event of this  
magnitude. The expense of hosting this event was formidable, and w/o  
sponsors it simply couldn't be done. And sponsors need the media -   
and having an exciting race, completed in a reasonable time on a  
daily basis, with the excitement and challenge of winning the entire  
competition of 500km (300 miles) building each day - this is  good  
for the event, and ultimately good for everybody!

The event also had cash prizes. The daily awards had no cash prizes,  
they were basically donated by the host 'town' or community. But the  
overall winners - first/second/third received considerable sums 7000,  
3000, 1500 EU respectively. Plus an overall Best Condition award of  
1000 EU.

I think this may have prompted a few enthusiastic riders to go too  
fast too soon - but in the end the overall winner was one who rode a  
very smart ride - cautious when it was called for, faster when  
terrain permitted - steady pace, yet keeping an eye on the end game .  
Very very cool.

Steph





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