depicted in "The Wager" episode of The Waltons. Race Structure A ride and tie team is formed with three members: two human and one equine (the equine may be a horse, pony, donkey, or mule at least 5 years in age). One partner (A) starts the race on the horse, while the other (B) starts on foot. As the horse will travel faster than the teammate on foot, partner A will get off the horse after a previously agreed upon distance or time and will tie the horse to a tree or other suitable object and start running. Partner B gets on the horse, and trots or canters until he reaches partner A. At this point, partner B can dismount and hand the horse directly over to partner A (a “flying tie”), or he can ride on some distance and tie the horse further up the trail. On particularly challenging sections of trail, the partner with the horse may dismount and lead the horse. In this manner, the human partners alternate running and riding until the finish line. According to the official rules, partners must change possession of the horse at least 6 times, but there is no upper limit on the number of exchanges that can be made. At least two exchanges must take place between each vet check and partners must exchange at each vet check. A team is finished when all three members have crossed the finish line, but the team does not have to cross together. Horses are presented to a vet before the start of the race to make sure they are fit for the event. There is generally at least one vet check during the race, and the horse must be presented for a vet examination again within an hour of finishing the race. Pulse, respiration, hydration levels, gut noises, and soundness will all be examined at vet checks. Vet checks also provide time for the horse to eat and drink. Horse Selection Arabians excel at Ride and Tie, though many other breeds have been successful as well. The most important aspects of a ride and tie horse is that they be conformationally sound and well-conditioned. It is also important that they not be too herd-bound, as these horses sometimes have difficulties getting used to be left tied to trees and having other horses run by them. A team that is interested in being