Ride-and-Run

How does a race organizer keep serious racers (those in it for the prize money) from killing their rented horses? Make at least one person run along side! This provides an excellent opportunity for towing, where the those less blessed (horseless) can either hang on to the stirups and run along side, or (safer) run a long cord around the saddle horn back to the two runners. It's a good idea to have all members of the team somewhat familiar and confident with horses - know how to approach, lead, etc. - and if all team members also know how to ride, you are more flexible in determining who the lucky one is that gets to let a horse do all the work (the one who already has the worst blisters?).