LD
elammal@erols.com
Wed, 29 Jan 1997 14:32:30 -0500 (EST)
The current discussion about 25 milers, awards for them, etc., makes me
yearn for the days when the Competitive Trail Rides were not only considered
a stepping stone to the longer rides, but were considered the only way to
introduce a horse and/or rider to the concept of distance riding. The rides
had both a minimum and a maximum time which was designed to require some
modicum of conditioning - 4 - 41/2 hours for 25 and 7 - 71/2 hours for 50.
Because time then was not a factor and pit crews were not allowed, nor was
dismounting and leading, conditioning became the criteria was the name of
the award. What an education! The winners of the 25's were as much admired
as those who did the 50's.
Awards are important for even the lesser distance rides, for without them,
no one would have a standard by which to measure the conditioning program,
nor would one be penalized for a thoughtless ride, except through gossip.
By the way, we've known horses to collapse after a 50 and a 100. The longer
distance doesn't protect the horse - it's the character of the rider that does.