We have no obstacles on CTRs, sometimes there
is a horsemanship judge, sometimes there isn't,
but it is totally separate from the ride score.
We have a window of time to complete the mileage,
usually 1/2 hour (for instance, 4-1/2 to 5 hrs is
typical, for a 25 mile ride, including a 1/2 vet check). You cannot
complete too soon or too late without losing points. The ride pace is
generally 6-7 mph. The horses
are judged on their condition at the midpoint
vet check and at the end.
I've ridden a few LD endurance rides, I like the
format; actually you have more time to complete
25 miles (6 hours total) than our CTRs; since I
am pretty new at this, I ride conservatively and
usually complete 4- 4/12 hrs. ride time. I haven't
yet tried a 50 mile (next year); so i don't
race....actually, I see most people don't,
I will probably always ride for completion.
Both CTR (in Ohio) and endurance are great fun!
I don't believe I would enjoy NATRC rules
personally. The obstacle thing and how you
mount seem a bit contrived. We have plenty
of natural obstacles on the trails that the
horse is going to have to negotiate anyway! ;^)
And, I always feel good about managing to
*get on*....
I rode my mare in a 30 mile CTR last weekend,
a little less than 5 hrs. ride time; she placed
3rd middleweight. She was sound, had great
recoveries and wasn't tired - that is what is
important to me in distance riding! :*)
I am going to ride in a LD endurance this
weekend with my gelding, I plan to ride it
about the same, will try to pick up the pace
a bit to see how he does. Actually, I am
so used to looking for that 44 pulse
at 10 minutes it is difficult for me to push
faster. This ride I am going to try to do
that to get a feel for how fast he can
travel to have a 60-64 pulse in 10....
Jude Hall
& Pride's Pure Angel (TWH mare)
& Kentucky Redbud (Racking Horse gelding)
>I have some info on this subject, but others on the list >will probably have
>more. The main difference as I am aware is that in CTR it is not a race as
>in endurance riding. Instaed you are judge on horsemanship and your horse
>is judged on fitness, way of going, obstacle passing, etc. I had a friend
>in Iowa who told me that one time they made her get off and remount with one
>hand behind her back. I don't know what all exactly is done, but I know
>there is a minimum time and a max time. You should not come in too soon or
>too late. ==================
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