Endurance (Not Speed), Patience, Skill
Keys To Winning Horse Race

By Mary Ann Wasserman
For Prime Times

Lambertville - Jonathan Rudinger likens the adventure of endurance riding to a sense of being on the edge.

"The adrenaline rush is similar to competing at a road rally without your speedometer working," Mr. Rudinger said.

He competes with Gant (as in Elegant), an Arabian, on timed 15- to 30-mile rides in Michigan, Indiana and southern Ohio. The bay is a reserve champion, coming in second at a race sponsored by Harry Hughes Youth Center, Swanton, Ohio.

Several weeks prior to the contests, Mr. Rudinger will tone his own muscles and his gelding's by walking, trotting and cantering in five-minute intervals. A registered nurse, he pauses to check Gant's respiration.

Contestants are sent off at intervals in groups, usually at a trot. Routes are marked.

"Winning is based upon a point system," Mr. Rudinger said. "Areas of interest to the judges include condition of horse, arriving at the finish point at a certain time and passing a dehydration test."

Spot checks are staffed by veterinarians. They are located along a premarked trail at the three-quarters point and on the way back. The average horse walks 4 mph; there is a prescribed range of time a horse can arrive at the finish point.

"The well-being of the horse is all important," Mr. Rudinger said. "At the check points, the horse's skin is tested for hydration, by tweaking an area. The skin should not remain tented. Hooves are examined for cracking and if an animal is sore, they are pulled out of the ride, automatically."

In the past, Mr. Rudinger has neglected to see a marked turn and has had to trail his way back.

A benefit of an endurance race is an aerobic activity for the rider.

"My excitement is transmitted to Gant, so we both enjoy competing," Mr. Rudinger said.

Other factors that make racing dicey is the horse cantering in unfamiliar territory, shying from an object along the trail or tripping. A rider can be knocked off by a limb at any given moment while going through a woods.

"You have to be focused and in good shape and then everything comes together," Mr. Rudinger said.

An equestrian since age 6, Mr. Rudinger also is trained in dressage, a highly executed technique of riding in which the horse performs high stepping, floating gaits.

Four years ago, he became interested in endurance riding as a way to further socialize with people. There are no age restrictions and no other special equipment is needed, other than a saddle and bridle.

"There is so much pride in the race," Mr. Rudinger said, "and Gant is a very confident horse."

Some participants in endurance rides feed their horses supplement electrolytes. Mr. Rudinger feeds a simple diet of pellets and hay. He treats Gant to apples and carrots regardless of the race finish.

"He's a show stopper," Mr. Rudinger said. "I have been offered trucks, trailers and trucks and trailers in exchange for him,"