Re: ROC-picking up the torch

["Lori Hayward" <haywardl@shentel.net>]

VERY WELL Said Ivy!!!!  I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing
to go to the effort to put on these kind of rides!  I thought the Cosequin
was very well run and planned.  And it is one more ride on the VA schedule!

Lori Hayward
LIV2RYD in VA



-----Original Message-----
From: Steelshoes@aol.com <Steelshoes@aol.com>
To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Saturday, December 05, 1998 1:40 PM
Subject: ROC-picking up the torch


>I have been reading the recent posts about the end of the ROC and  I feel
>that I need to make a statement. I usually just lurk, but every now and
then,
>something really jerks my chain.
>After having just qualified my horse with 5 hundreds for the specific goal
of
>riding the ROC, I am very disappointed in losing this opportunity to
compete
>in that event.
>But, know what? I have a new goal for 1999, because someone else HAS picked
up
>the torch. The Cosequin in north west Virginia sponsored by the Virginia
>Trails Conservatory.  Now, before you Cosequin critics start screaming
foul,
>let me just point out a few things in common. Also, I know first hand
because
>I have been to the ROC in Fort Amstrong in 1997 and also the Cosequin in
1998.
>
>Both have qualifying rules for the horse and rider. Actually the Cosequin
has
>a lesser requirment which allows for more people and horses to compete.
>Both have similiar priced entry fees.
>Both have international attention.
>Both have great trails.
>Both have parties complete with dancing and live entertainment
>Both have great camping areas in nice level fields. Both have a barn for
>stabling.
>Both have first class vets. Some of the same ones.
>Both serve great food.
>Great awards. (All finishers at the Cos. got a 180.00 certificate for a
>container of Cosequin--50 milers included. ) They also had a drawing and
gave
>away about 30 helmets and about 30 easy boots. Everyone got something!!
?Even
>those who did not finish!! Me.
>
>Now, what is the problem, folks? For those of you on the east coast, this
is
>in your back yard.  This is your chance to put your money where your mouth
is.
>Usually the ROC was 2500 miles away. How could many except those from the
left
>coast go? Back about 8 or 9 years ago, Susan had the ROC at Land Between
the
>Lakes in Kentucky.  She had a terrible turn out.  Hardly anyone from west
of
>the Mississippi came and only a few top riders from the east coast showed
up.
>Ofcourse, now I now things have changed and a lot more riders are doing
>endurance locally.
>An added bonas of the Cosequin is that they offer a 50 mile race with NO
>QUALIFICATIONS!!!! Those new riders that are bringing horses along can come
>and enjoy the fun, experience the thrill of seeing great horses and riders,
>learn a few things about  endurance by just walking around and observing
how
>these riders are feeding, cooling, vetting through, etc. You can talk to
very
>experienced riders--A chance to compete and learn and be there without
having
>to have a 100 mile horse and not having to travel to the other side of the
>United States.
>
>Yes, I know , there is the old argument about a big money stakes ride. So
>what!! I argue that a check for 7500.00 for a horse trailer for the winner
is
>no different than
>a big check that you can put in your pocket and use for something else. So,
>that argument is old and worn out.  Besides, if you feel a moral obligation
>not to compete in the money ride, you can pay the entry fe to enter only
the
>open AERC ride(no qualifications required)  and not be included in the
>Cosequin Challenge ride that offers the money. So, you can ride the
>unqualified 50, the Cosequin Challenge division or just the  open AERC
>division. Then if you are a member of IAHA, they have a division for that
too.
>OR, you can enter all three at once or the 50. So, there you go.
>
>If this isn't picking up the torch, I don't know what is.
>
>One more little thing that really upsets me.  There is the complaint about
the
>Kanavy's winning the Cosequin and also being involved in the management.
Well
>guess what? If they weren't involved at all, and lived in California, they
>would still top 5 this ride. They win every where they go. They have won
the
>last 3 of the 4 ROC races.  They simply are the best, most serious and
>dedicated riders that I know of.
>
>I hope many more of you will come next year to the Cosequin and have a
great
>time. I did and I am going back!! See you on the trail.
>Ivey Daughtridge
>
>