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[RC] [Guest] Fort Valley - Ridecamp Moderator

smuncy" <smuncy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Fort Valley

Ok, I generally lurk and read ( and chuckle, shake my head, take some useful info and ignore the rest ), but on Fort Valley ride feel the need to comment..... unfortunately, I did not attend this yr: but am very familiar with the set up and running of this ride as a board member with The Old Dominion, and as a past ride manager.

1) OD bylaws stipulate a vet check within 5 miles of the finish of a ride - Hickory Lane Vet Check is the best site for one using the trail we used this yr. It was not set up to Guarentee a race to the finish. And the agrument can be made that a field into the finish or camp is no safer to "race" into, than on the road. ( People milling around, etc, ...)

2) I have no doubt that there was a race, either for 300 or 500 yrds or for the mile and half: Jeannie raced 500 yrds, Danielle 1 1/2 miles. It is nature of sport, and individual. However, I will say that the road being raced on is wide enough for two cars, and has an adequate shoulder.( Plus both riders know the area well )

3) Knowing both riders in question - I believe they were aware of the risk and also aware of others they were approaching, and if they felt that there was a problem - ie, someone loosing control of their horse ( the pleasure riders or 25 milers finishing ) they would have taken necessary steps to avert this - ( as Tom alluded to, both are very experienced, and not yahoos.)

4) I am sure this will discussed at the upcomming board meeting and ride recap............ we appreciate your concern. Would you care to have a voice in the running of the ride in the future, we do need people who are interested on the trail committee and on the board.

5) As stated the sport we chose has inherent risks, we who compete accept that.Whether these risks are part of the trail, or our own behavior, or someone elses' - what about the person with unruly horses at ride that jeopardize others? Yes, a horse can be easily spooked. Why riders/handlers should keep their ears and eyes open when working with horses. Sorry, I just don't quite agree with what I read as an alarmist viewpoint.- And yes, I too have 'raced' down that road.

On the subject of "automatic" sanctions on a rider who has misfortune, whatever, to loose a horse. Can only think of expression.......... 'but, there but for the grace of God... go I .(?) / NO, I have not almost killed my horses, just an expression. Agree some are over ridden, and if that is truly found to be on purpose, that's a diiferent story; however, firmly believe many are a cascade of circumstances that on any other day would probably not have had a dire outcome. Much of these are revealed in hindsight examination............... Anyway back to the shadows.

Stephanie

BTW: next meeting Nov 8.



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