ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] re: I am puzzled

[endurance] re: I am puzzled

ROBERT MORRIS (76031.2347@compuserve.com)
30 Aug 95 22:50:49 EDT

To all concerned:

The subject of LIMITED DISTANCE RIDES was discussed at the AERC Board of
Directors meeting last weekend in Texas. There is much concern among riders as
to the intent of these rides and some of the facts concerning "racing" during
these events. This was discussed by the entire Board and in particular by the
Veterinarians who are members.

It is interesting to read the several opinions as to what the Limited Distance
Rides are for. It is even more interesting that most all of you with your
differing opinions are correct.

The LDR's are to fill a gap that exists in endurance riding. They are a place
for begining horses, begining riders, horses being rehabilitated, riders
undergoing the same, riders not physically or mentally up to 50 or more miles,
riders with limited resources (time, money, horse, desire, ad infinitum).

The LDR's were not intended to be a "RACE" nor does the Board of Directors
intend to let them become a race. We all remember what happend in Oklahoma a few
years back!!! However, each and every one of the Board Memebers realizes the
facts of human nature being competitive , there will be some competition within
each of the LDR events that occur. Our prime intent is to protect the horses
entered!! We also know "SPEED KILLS" ( and we are not talking of the kind you
buy on the street). We also realize that certain factions are using LDR's as
training for the promotion of horses to be sold for overseas sprint races( read
Arab buyers).

To promote reasonableness and to afford some modicum of control, it is advocated
that the pulse criteria, during the ride and for completion, be kept at 54 or
lower and the ride manager utilize the available terrain to the best ability to
keep the LDR's off flat straight roads and move them on to trails if at all
possible. Realize, we did not make any rules to this effect nor did we impose
any restrictions on riders or management. These are suggestions for the populace
to ponder and offer feedback.

I hope that the majority saw the E-mail addresses for the on line Board Members
and that you contact us with your comments. We are all vererans and have thick
skins so don't worry about agreeing with us. Your true feelings are more
important to us.

Mike Tomlinson: CMikeT@AOL.com,(vet)
Dane Frazier: dfrazier@mail.llion.org,(vet)
Bob Morris: 76031.2347@compuserve.com,(Education Committee)
Stag Newman: lsnj@cc.bellcore.com,(AERC VP)
Jim Baldwin: 102461.572@CompuServe.com,(vet)
Dave Clinton: Manager@LanL.Gov,
Courtney Hart:Tamborina@AOL.com(?)(Rules Committee)

Bob Morris
AERC Regional Director Northwest
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID