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►Speedy
season they frequently ride with the Piedmont Hunt, using the hunt field as a means to school and condition horses.
In the hunt field youngsters learn to run in the company of other horses. They also learn to jump with confidence and to listen to their rider’s commands. Vanning to and from the hunt teaches a young horse about shipping and will prove very valuable for travelling to race meets in the spring.
The hilly hunt territory also serves as an excellent means to exercise and build up young and old horses.
When the hunt season comes to a close in March or April the hunt races, or pointto-points, frequently become the next step in conditioning youngsters for steeplechase races.
“I love it here in the spring,” Speedy says with a smile. “You can ride so much. On Saturday you can race at Warrenton and then on Sunday at Potomac.”
The point-to-points test the young hopefuls or recovering veterans to see if they are ready for the sanctioned meets. Flat races at the hunt meets may also test horses that are aimed for the race track.
“Point-to-points are a lot more low-key than the sanctioned races,” says Speedy. “You don’t have to ask so much of the horses. It is a good way of getting them fit and teaching them to enjoy racing.”
During race season life becomes hectic for horse and rider. Both must stick to strict diet and exercise programs and the riders must lead a fairly regimented life. ■
However, when the racing is over or
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