I think that there are several factors that play in the choice of NATRC vs.
Endurance and there is another option. That is limited distance rides. A
limited distance ride is a 25 to 35 mile ride run in conjuction with an
endurance ride (an endurance ride is 50 miles or more). The limited
distance ride as a maximum time defined by 4 1/6 mph, (e.g. six hours for a
25). This speed is actually less stressful on the horse than the 6 mph pace
set by SEDRA. Their purpose is introduction of new riders and horses to
the sport.
When you finish a limited distance ride and have gotten you completition
(anytime within an hour of finishing) you are finished. When you finsih a
CTR you have to go through another series of judging. Depending on the
ride, this can take hours. I know of CTR's where you start was 7:30 with
four and 1/2 hours to finsih at about 12, but you didn't get your final
judging to 3 or 4 PM.
The choice between the two formats is determined by several factors, one
being availability. The personality of the rider is very important. If
you don't like a bunch of rules and have taken up distance riding to get
away from "judging", then you will probably find CTR's more than a little
aggravating. If these types of things don't bother you then the format
might be right for you.
If your horse is high strung, you will probably not enjoy a CTR. A CTR is
ment to be run at a consistant pace. A lot of us have high strung horses
and mares tend to be more excitable than gelding. For the most part
excitable horses are not suited very well for CTR's. The start is a
staggered start, say one horse every 30 seconds. This drives some horses
up the wall and you will spend a lot of time fighting with your horse. In
a limited distance ride you can start out 10 minutes or so (in fact you can
wait an hour if you want) after the pack and you pick your own pace. This
allows you to get a excitable horse settled in. You cannot do this at a
CTR.
My advice is to go to one of each and watch (and preferably help out) and
reach your own conclusions. Whichever one you select, good luck
Truman
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The race is not always to the swift, but to those that keep running.
Truman and Mystic "The Horse from HELL" Storm
prevatt@lds.loral.com - Sarasota, Florida
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