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[RC] Mentors - Aaron TurnageI have to second Karen's thoughts on the suggested mandatory mentor proposal. Last year was my first year doing LD/Endurance. My horse (who is 5) and I did 135 miles of LD and one 50. I do NOT support a mandatory mentoring program. By far the biggest issue with this is having two horses (or more according to some of the "group" proposals I've seen Howard mention) that will pace equally on the trail. It can be just as stressful on a horse to go much slower than it's normal pace. Or, a horse can get caught up in the "adrenaline" of going with a group and get pulled along much faster than it should be ridden. I learned the most about endurance and how to pace properly by riding by myself and listening to my horse set his own comfortable pace. Then I know what is comfortable for him and am able to bring him up or down as necessary on an actual ride. All the other educational information is out there and readily available for those who seek it. Go volunteer for a ride. I volunteered for a 100 before I even did an LD. THAT is an eye-opening experience. And I've volunteered again since then and will again this year (Connie are you reading this?). I would much rather support a motion to make volunteering at a ride mandatory before one's first ride than a motion about mentors. And Karen and other people who have posted are right. The mentors are ALREADY THERE! The best thing in a ride/race situation is to hook-up with someone out on the trail, sometime after the first 10 miles or so, who is traveling your same pace. I was lucky enough to have Ted Goppert "mentor" me through my first 50 (or partner as the case may be). He's been doing endurance successfully for 20 years. I had NO IDEA who he was until we had already travelled several miles together and started talking. Our horses were well matched so we decided to ride the remaining 35 miles or so together. They people who I rode the first 15 or so with were equally as experienced but travelling faster than the pace my horse needed for that day. And training rides are a GREAT opportunity! Find local riders near you and GO RIDE! You can learn tons and it's much easier to talk and share ideas under a less stressful situation. Guess what I did this weekend? I trailered about 1.5 hrs one-way to go ride with Karen (Chaton)! It was AWESOME and I had a great time (and I'm coming again!). I've also been lucky enough to do training rides with local endurance vets, 2 different PAC competitors, another 20+ year rider, and many more people who are successful in the sport by their own definition. Just don't lump me with someone I've never ridden with before at the very beginning of a ride and expect me to pace my horse around their schedule. THAT is not to the benefit of my horse, or their's. Crysta & Sinatra (who's doing 50's this year) ============================================================ Far back, far back in our dark soul the horse prances... The horse, the horse! The symbol of surging potency and power of movement, of action... ~ DH Lawrence ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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