GPS SPEED STUDY (COMPLETED)

Spearheaded by former international event rider, John Staples, and Dr. Reed Ayers, an upper level event rider and a research assistant professor at the Colorado School of Mines (Department of Metallurgical and Materials Science), this study monitored horses and riders on the cross-country course to determine the speeds at which the courses are being negotiated. Some surprising data came to light as to the excessive speeds some riders have achieved in order to complete courses inside the time. Thanks to the research done by Staples and Ayers, many coaches were able to use the data to educate students on the importance of pace. A copy of the GPS Speed Study presentation made at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Convention can be found here.