Re: [RC] cold shoulder, different ride times? - Barbara McCrary
AERC time limits have been set for 35 years and all
breeds of horses seem capable of finishing within the limits. If the horse
cannot finish 50 miles in 12 hours, which generally includes about 1.5 hours of
mandatory vet checks, then you are riding too slow. 50 miles divided by
10.5 hours averages 4.76 mph. Some horses can walk that fast, but I should
think all horses can do that by trotting some. A nice easy trot is
about 7 mph. You shouldn't have to ride fast to finish a 50 in 12 hours
overall. And besides, it is very tiring to the rider to ride slowly.
Unless the rider has a physical limitation, trotting most of the ride is much
less tiring than walking most of it. The longer you are on the trail,
being exposed to the elements, the more tired you become.
Subject: [RC] cold shoulder, different
ride times?
Brings up a question I had... I'm not an Arabian
owner. I wonder if the AERC time limits are set so as to favor Arabians? It
seems that the only option a rider on a slower horse has is to finish the ride
as over time and not get a completion - or choose a different sport. Why can't
there be a different level of timing so slower horses can still "finish" and
do a long distance ride under AERC? NATRC is not really the answer - they have
slower times but its a judged ride on horsemanship.
I'm reminded of a good example - barrel racing
- where no matter how slow or how fast your horse is, everyone competes
together. The results are then split into 3 time groups. The rider in the
slowest group "wins" that division. Everyone is given fair chance at winning
something. Even riders in the slow group.
I realize you can't wait all day and the next for
someone to finish a ride... but if the rides were slowed down even by a half
hour or an hour that could make a big difference in other breeds being
"successful" and it might draw more people to the sport. Wouldn't it also be
kinder to the horses?
Where is the "distance riding" event (as opposed
to a race) supposed to happen? if not within AERC. Then we need another
sport. Where are the fun distance rides that you can finish without
having to rush? And how do you define serious? A serious rider
cares about themselves and their horse. Not everyone is suited to be on an
Arabian or wants to be.
Donna
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