Equine Endurance Rides: FOF 19
b"Today I\\u2019m sharing my experiences as a horse vet monitoring magnificently conditioned horses as they compete across breath-taking landscapes on long distance races of 25, 50 and 100 miles. Called Endurance Rides, these contests require a combination of physical stamina and mental alertness between the horse and rider over a long period of time. The horse and rider are a team, and the challenge is to complete the course with a horse that is fit to continue. One rider sums up the experience: \\u201cA good rider does not ask of the horse more than is necessary for victory. He knows what his horse is capable of. He knows the horse\\u2019s strengths, he can see and assess his opponents during races, and change his riding tactic in an instant during a critical moment.\\u201d Although the altruistic nature of a loving and experienced rider brings honesty to the ride the fact remains these riders do overstress their horses, sometimes with deadly consequences. That\\u2019s where vets come in. Horses are checked by qualified veterinarians and judges before, during, and after the ride. During each ride are set hold times, which vary in duration from a simple gate-and-go to one-hour rest holds. During these holds, the equine's physical and metabolic parameters are checked. The horse must pass the exam in order to continue on the course. Each horse must also pass a post-ride exam in order to receive credit for completing the course."