LD versus longer rides

[LBHBHNCK <LBHBHNCK@FTC-I.NET>]

I have lurked through most of this debate. For what it's worth, here's
what I feel is important. Limited Distance has much value. It is a place
for "newbies" to learn about the sport before moving up. It is a place
for young horses to get started, and learn what they need to know, and
improve their conditioning before they move up. It is also a place for
people like one of my good friends to participate. She has had back
surgery and will never be able to ride the longer distance, yet she
loves her horse, she loves the trail, and she can be a part of this
sport. There are a lot of people like her out there. All riders and
horses contribute to this sport. All have value, and all are equally
important.  As far as going too fast and hurting horses, that can be
controlled by the veterinarians and or ride management or ... Here in
the Southeast LD rides finshing criteria is a recovery to a pulse of 60
bpm within a half hour. The last ride I attended, I rode the 50 mile
distance with my granddaughter. 28 riders started the 25 mile ride, and
all 28 completed. That's very good, and speaks for the care taken of the
horses. Of the fifty mile entries 23 or 24 started, and 17 finished. 
I think that says a lot for taking care of limited distance horses on
the first really warm weekend here in the humid Southeast. We riders who
care about our horses are resposible for setting the example and the
standards so that the horses come out the winners, no matter what the
distance, and all distances are important. There is a big difference
between an LD and a 50, and a bigger difference between a 50 and a 100.
I have ridden all three and found that I prefer the 50.My body does not
seem to respond very well to the longer distance. I will leave that to
my grandchildren.   Best wishes and happy trails to all of you.

Lucie and Tamar Starofdavid, Christi and Bukkura