Re: ridecamp-d Digest V98 #988 "Is this what Y'all think?"

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/2/98 3:16:14 PM Pacific Standard Time, bkwranch@cmn.net
writes:

<< it is my opinion that LD should never be a "race to win"....I don't
 really consider the distance "introductory" like I do the fun rides, but I
 consider the limited distance a training distance for both the horse and
 the rider.  I personally don't like to see top ten finishes given as I
 think that encourages the racing; >>

This is what LD was designed for, but there has been a good deal of pressure
from LD riders for greater recognition. They claim AERC is treating them like
"second class citizens", so the board voted to add some year-end LD awards to
recognize their accomplishments. With awards will come speed. But of course,
some were racing anyway, so maybe it won't be any worse than before. If it
proves to be damaging young horses, then perhaps the way to prevent this is to
increase the minimum age of the horse.

BMc