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Re: [RC] [RC] RideCamp -LDs. - Howard Bramhall

I did not know that, Heidi. This is why listening to one's elders is so important. You might learn something from them. All this time on Ridecamp and this is the first time I've ever heard anyone say something like this. Wow!

So, 25 miles used to be endurance???? Is that what I'm hearing? Just incredible how some put that distance down, when, in the beginning, it was considered worthy to be called endurance.

I say, bring it back. Bring it back. Make it all inclusive. Go back to the beginning.

I'm still convinced, that if done correctly, less miles is so much easier on the horse and, their welfare. This is the distance that should be looked at with honor (by all) instead of scorn (by some). It's why this distance is so popular and has the fastest growing segment of riders within AERC. Less worry.

cya,
Howard (bring it back)


From: <heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <Equssairs@xxxxxxx>
CC: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <cancer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [RC]   RideCamp -LDs.
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 07:44:37 -0600 (MDT)

> I have several questions.
> In Endurance News ride results why are the LD rider's weight
> division and their finishing time not posted? Why are
> the LD competitors not receiving any points?

LD rides are not a part of the endurance point structure.  They have their
own award systems, all based solely upon LD miles or on BCs.

Just some historical perspective on this--at one time, endurance rides
were sanctioned for 25 miles and up.  It became painfully obvious that too
many people were racing the short distances very seriously for points, and
that the horses were suffering the consequences--and with the short
distance and the limited number of vet checks practicable in such a short
span, it was too difficult to maintain adequate veterinary control to
protect the horses.  So--AERC eliminated ALL rides under 50 miles and
defined the sport as anything 50 miles and up.

Then various areas began holding unsanctioned "novice" rides of 25-30
miles in conjunction with sanctioned longer events.  The whole atmosphere
of these rides changed, as they were no longer points races.  Instead they
became an opportunity for new riders to start the sport, for people to
take green horses out in a "ride atmosphere" without going 50 miles, and
an opportunity for people to come enjoy the sport without the fitness
level or physical expenditure necessary to do 50s.

AERC observed this working well and for various reasons evolved the LD
program.  It is separate from "endurance" competition and does not offer
points.  For those who only choose to ride LDs, AERC DOES offer separate
awards programs for LD mileage and for regional LD Best Condition.

I hope that answers your question about why there are no points, times, or
weight divisions listed on the LD rides.

Heidi


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