Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

The ride managers of the world salute you, Christina.

I agree, no better way to learn the ins and outs of the sport, it 
perpetuates the offerings of rides since they don't run without 
volunteers, and it prevents your horse from the bumps and bruises of 
more clueless initial competition.  (There, Truman, now THAT is a runon 
sentence!)

Lynne


>>
Since I am interested in doing both CTR and ER's but my experience has 
been limited to reading about it, I thought it would be best to 
actually volunteer to see what REALLY happens or doesn't happen at 
these rides. In March I voluntered as the Horsemanship Judge's 
Secretary at the Spanish Trail NATRC CTR. This past weekend, I 
voluntered as a timer, Pulse taker, and vet scribe at the Ponce de Leon 
ride. Both times I was there for the duration: the ride briefing to the 
awards ceremony. They were really good experiences and I learned a lot 
of little things about both sports that you can not get just by reading 
about it, no matter how many different books and website you read 
(which I have done). I realize each ride is run a little differently, 
so I am planning at volunteering at a 2nd NATRC CTR in late May, and I 
am not sure about when for the ER yet. I would encourage all newbies to 
volunteer at rides to see what the sport is really like (without 
actually riding in one!). I think I am so much more ahead of the game 
for when I start competing this fall or next year on.
Christina

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Common sense should also be a part of the decision making process. If you
see someone who doesn't have any, hand them your tool box.
~ Lisa Salas - The Odd Farm

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