Replies

I'm glad to know more about it. Bay did that, but he did it without me, so he knows more than I do about it ;~D. Do they mark them down by adding time penalties then? or is there a time plus a score element to it?

I am no expert on the AERC rules - I'll have to check with Tracey to get all the ins and outs. Basically, what I know is that the horses have to pass the post race vet exam to be considered. Then there are weight divisions (they weigh the rider and tack at some races), and the horses get points for where they place in the top ten, depending on the number of miles, and additional points if they are selected best of condition (although this requires that you enter into that portion of it).

If you finished an hour ahead of every one else but came in with a lame horse who was bleeding from rough usage of the bit, etc. you'd be out of the running. If you came in later, in a heavy weight division, with a horse that was sound as a dollar, you would be rated higher than someone at the same time, in lesser condition.

Speaking of Bay, bet if you took him out on a course, he'd know exactly what to do. My old riding mare had run endurance before I got her. The one competive ride we went on, she automatically took the trails marked with the pink ribbon :) - she knew more than me.