Re: RC: Re: Pony Power, Little Big Horses? -- SAY WHAT? and LD

[CBell6006@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/6/99 12:12:57 PM EST, OasisArab writes:

<< but along those same lines it seems to me that the endurance riders are 
doing the racing thing on 50's. Times are comparable 2 -2 1/2 hrs for LD and 
4-5 for 50 what is the difference? maybe all distance placings based on BC 
  >>

Bill,

The main difference is that it generally takes quite a bit more training to 
"race" a 50 than it does a 25.  There are several more vet checks for the 
horse, so more opportunity to pull an unfit horse.  However, I do agree that 
racing 50's is not the way to build a 100 mile horse.  As Angie McGhee 
stated, she didn't do fast 50's until her horse had successfully completed 
several 100 milers.  "Racing" in any distance should not be done until the 
horse has a solid base of several years of LSD work.  Unfortunately, LD 
usually attracts the newbies to the sport and I am concerned with what they 
are learning when racing in LD is rewarded.
Yes, "BC" is rewarded in all distances in CTR. 25, 40 or the 3 day 100s.  
It's not that I have a problem with racing in Endurance riding.....just in 
the LD rides, which were designed to be a "training ride."

Cindy Bell
AERC member SE region
Wameco..finally got to race a 50 at Hahira after 6 years of distance riding!


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