ridecamp@endurance.net: re: limited distance rides

re: limited distance rides

Sue Cunningham (SCUNNING@fs2.scg.man.ac.uk)
Fri, 7 Jul 1995 09:37:34 GMT+1

In the UK the situation sounds very different. We don't have any
rides like NATRC, all rides are judged just on the horse's fitness to
continue and your time. But there are no placings on shorter distance
rides (20-60miles). Provided you do the ride withing the speed
parameters (6- 7mph for novice horses and 7- 12mph for opens), and
everyone gets the same awards, depending only on their horses'
condition. Going much below or above the speed will mean elimination.
Even with open horses, most people will be aiming for 7-8mph, unless
they are preparing for a race ride.

Endurance races, where placings are awarded are fairly rare, with
distances ranging from 40-100 miles, or longer over several days. With
these the top six (or possibly 10 depending on the numbers in the
class) will get placing awards (usually an extra rosette, and
possibly a medal) and all other finishers get the same distance
award. This year there have been a couple of 'novice' endurance
races, for people with open horses competing in their first race.
These were run under normal race rules, but with a 12mph top speed
limit.

Sue
sue.cunningham@mcc.ac.uk