Controlled Starts vs Non Controlled

["Cheryl Newbanks" <horsetrails@inficad.com>]

Hi All, 

I've been giving some thought to the controlled start vs non controlled
starts in LD rides. My first ride was a non controlled start and I believe
due to that fact the whole character of the ride was effected.  Actually
due to the non controlled nature of the start my first ride was actually
more like a race!  My horse got really fired up and I had trouble rating
his speed.  There were 40 horses and they all left at the same time like a
bat out of hell at a full gallop.  We actually got to the 6 mile marker in
20 minutes, faster then I wanted to go on a first ride.  

But my next ride was a nice controlled start, we had 2 leaders that we
walked then trotted out to the 1 mile marker together. Everyone actually
got to know one another, my horse was very calm and controlled, and the
whole mood of the ride was more relaxed.  I learned more from that ride
then I did the first one.  

Things I learned:  1st ride, pretty much what goes on in the vet check
because that was the only place we slowed down long enough to look around! 
2nd ride: rider cordiality, rating my horse so I have more horse left at
the end, reading ribbons (actually had time to see them!).  Differences in
my horse: 1st ride a maniac, he got tired the last 8 miles, got A-'S and
B's on his vet card.
Second ride: Straight A's on his card, I found out that when he isn't
emotionally tired from trying to pass the head horse that I've got tons of
horse left at the end of a LD, I can put him anywhere in the pack and he
will accept it.  He dropped less weight too then the first ride.  All in
all the second ride was a much more educational and pleasant experience, it
felt more like our motto "To finish is to win".  

So I'd be interested in hearing from you ridecampers what you think of
controlled vs non-controlled, what you're experience has been with the two?
Personally I think ALL LD's should have controlled starts.  After all
aren't LD's a great tool for learning what to do and what not to do?  Also,
what about the people who don't have a good base on their horses and they
leave out of there like a bat out of hell and end up getting pulled 1st
check?  Isn't a controlled start another means of protecting our horses
from our own ignorance?  Yeah I know, that is the rider's responsibility,
but not all riders always take the responsibility to educate themselves on
conditioning, feeding, etc...  WE'VE ALL SEEN THOSE RIDERS!  So OK it could
be said that a controlled start may be a way in preventing the injuries to
horses that give our sport bad Press!

So come on gang, this list had been endurance topic deprived lately so lets
stir it up give me some feedback!


Cheryl Newbanks
horsetrails@inficad.com
Just In Time Ranch
Buckeye, AZ