Jock Safety III

Biggest culprits in race rider injuries? Likely the little dudes at left.

We have the insanity that in year 2010 stirrup manufacturers have yet to produce a race exercise stirrup that allows foot escape in emergencies.? Instead, numerous exercise riders motor down the race track, boots completely encased in the irons, risking stirrup entanglement at the slightest maneuver.

There are rider techniques, of course, reducing risks of getting caught up. Mine is shallow toe placement as opposed to the stupid riding practice of sticking the toe in till iron meets boot heel.

Absent available light entangle proof race irons, and given my suddenly dangerous animal, I've determined to experiment with some iron safety on my own. Next week I'll try some duct tape over the front of the iron that might prevent the toe from slipping in and becoming entangled. Will report how this turns out.

Additional pad protection illustrated last post also would deserve consideration. With the inevitable big fall coming with Rolling Rodney, I'll mosey over to Dick's Sporting goods next week and look at some football pads as my old hips, shoulders and coccyx might appreciate a little padding at the landing. There may be some photos on here soon with myself looking more a full back than race rider, although with weekly reports of serious injury and death at the track, it's possibly more smart than pea hearted for riders to consider piecing together safety equipment to the max.

Training:

Tues. 8/24: Off

Wed. 8/25: 4 x 3f riderless speed to get back into speed work + one mile walk under tack.