Someone asked me "What is roads and tracks?" makes me realize how quickly we`re all forgetting what eventing used to be.


Here are the 1988 Ledyard 3-day stats----my first 3 day .

Phase A, 1st roads and tracks, 240 meters/min, a pretty fast trot---3 miles, 151 yards, 20 min, 41 seconds

Phase B Steeplechase, 690 m/m, 1 mile, 1521 yards, 4 min, 21 seconds

Phase C, 2nd roads and tracks, 5 miles, 1047 yards,4 240m/m, 37 min, 54 seconds

Ten minute vet hold

Phase D, 4 miles, 404 yards, 11 min, 57 seconds.

So that`s about 15 miles, give or take, to be done in about one hour, 15 minutes of riding time, or one hour and seven minutes longer than the 2008 Olympics.

How would the horses we breed today have fared? Interesting question.

The dressage was easier, and the show jumping was 3`11

Don`t get me wrong. I love these modern horses, but in a different way, for different reasons. The old ones could be desperate to ride, sort of like being strapped to a heat seaking missile.

Interesting question!

You know, I think people have focused way to long on "show". Now, I did my share of Combined Driving - and never thought much about a 10 k. I actually once told a guy
desperate for electrolites, that he did not need electrolites - what he really needed was a real horse (can that pass Ron?).

My real appreciation of a horse comes from cow work in the Bradshaw Mountains in AZ. Steep and nasty country. A days work is not measured in an hour and some minutes - it is a days work. You are in deep trouble, if your horse gives out in the middle of nowhere after two or three hours - long walk to the trailer.

But then, I am in my own breed becoming a fossil. Nobody works a horse for 8 hours straight.

But that is my idea of a working horse - and I just will hang on to that.

GC

so.... what is roads and tracks?

Long winded I know, but tried to thoroughly explain.
The x-country portion of 3 day eventing used to only be 1 part of a long day. Now it is the only portion.
Day One: First Vet Inspection before any riding allowed
Day One: Dressage [Friday]
Day Two: Speed and Endurance/Cross-Country [Saturday]

The second discipline in the three-day event is the endurance test. The object of the endurance test is to prove the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the true cross-country horse when he is well trained and brought to the peak of condition. At the same time, it demonstrates the rider's knowledge of pace and the use of this horse across country.

The endurance test includes four phases: Phases A and C, Roads and Tracks; Phase B, the Steeplechase; and Phase D, the Cross-Country. Each phase must be completed in a set time. The speeds and distances of the various phases will be decided by the course designer and the organizer and will be published prior to the competition. Once at the competition the Ground Jury may make adjustments depending upon weather and footing and the riders may request that changes be made through a rider representative. The well-being of the horse is paramount at all times.

Phase A of the roads and tracks is a warming-up period, usually done at a brisk trot, for the purpose of relaxing and loosening up both horse and rider. Phase A (3,520-4,400 meters) is ridden at 240 meters per minute (mpm). The time range is between 16-20 minutes and the majority of the pace is at the trot with some canter sections to warm the horse up for the steeplechase. The track will lead directly to the start for Phase B, the steeplechase. This phase is between 1,920 and 2,240 meters long and is ridden at a gallop (640 meters per minute) over five to seven jumps. At the end of the steeplechase, the horse and rider go directly into Phase C, the second roads and tracks. The ranges for this phase are between 4,000-6,400 meters at 160 mpm with the time allowed ranging from 25 to 40 minutes. This phase is very important for allowing the horse to relax and recover and to get his wind back to normal. The pace is usually a quiet trot, interspersed with periods of walking and an occasional relaxed canter.

The end of Phase C brings the pair to the ten-minute Vet Box prior to starting out on Phase D, the cross-country. Here the horse has a compulsory ten-minute rest allowing a panel of judges and veterinarians to check the horse's temperature, pulse, respiration, and soundness. If, in the opinion of the panel, the horse is not fit or sound enough to continue, he must be withdrawn from the competition. At this time the horse is sponged down, the tack is adjusted and he is prepared for the next phase. Those passing the inspection go to the start box ready for the most exciting phase of the whole endurance test.

The cross-country course can range from 3,640 to 4,160 meters and will take from seven to eight minutes at a pace of 520 mpm. The maximum jumping efforts at the one-star three-day event are 30. The jumps are solid, different in style and theme and composed of varying types of materials. Riders will use different paces ranging from canter to gallop. Many of the technical combinations require accurate and steady riding and some of the larger more straight-forward single fences can be ridden at a faster speed. Riders must adjust to their horses' needs. Cross-country courses require horses and riders to be bold and smart and they also test stamina. Each combination of horse and rider must complete all four phases in order, on time and with as few penalties as possible. Phase D completes the endurance test of the three-day event.

Day Three: [Sunday] Show Jumping/Stadium & Third Vet inspection