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Re: [RC] Fw: from PNER list with author's permission - JANUSTUDIOIn a message dated 5/12/04 10:38:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time, bigcreekranch@xxxxxxxxxx writes: << Dot's last sentence: Bingo! Right on the nailhead. So AERC needs to decide whether LD is to be a race or a venue for training, introduction, and recovery. I can't see how it can be both. That is, if BC is to be awarded via the top ten, then it becomes a race. LD was not originally set up to be a race, but it that's what the majority wants, then that's probably what it is going to become. Barbara >> Why can't it be all of the above? No different from a 50 or a 100? Not all that ride endurance, race. Not all that ride LD, race. Why must LD to be one or the other? The SE has no problem with this at all. Some of us want to compete, some of us want to educate new riders, horses, etc. I won't go into all that again... And please don't bring up how the wild LD riders are all going too fast. All you have to do is look at the times on endurance. Why is it that a horse traveling at 10 mph on LD is going too fast, yet a horse traveling 10 mph for 50 miles or even 100, is OK... and marveled at. Yes, there are yahoos out there, at all distances, they need educating. But to blame every woe onto LD is ridiculous. LD is simply an optional distance that some of us prefer. Offering a BC and top ten or five makes it competitive. What is wrong with that? See above. I see no damage to AERC at all, only a benefit and another option for riders who love the sport. My favorite is when a ride offers two days. That way I can get in 50 miles on a weekend of great riding, and compete with the trail and perhaps even up the time of my last ride, depending on my horse's condition, his mood, the trail, the weather, my achy joints, etc. I work hard to condition my horse so that we can 'compete'. I have a greenie about ready for his first ride. I will be going slow with him as do most others that are bringing along a greenie. The 25 LD option is a wonderful venue for lots of horses and riders. Just because a BC and top ten is offered, doesn't mean everyone out there is riding hell bent for leather... Just like in the 50 and 100.... I can't understand why so many in the West have so much resentment concerning the LD rides. It's really too bad that those who wish to compete in LD in that region can't have any hope of an award for a good ride, on a well conditioned horse, that can do the job. IMO as a LD rider, the options should be the same across the country so as to be fair to all. Janice ============================================================ If you treat an Arab like a Thoroughbred, it will behave like a Quarter horse. ~ Libby Llop ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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