Re: LD Rules

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-09-22 19:27:27 EDT, sbrown@wamedes.com writes:

<< And, yes, the smaller amounts actually did encourage
 people to join. >>

Sue, the main point I am trying to make here is that by giving riders a chance
to sample the sport in a friendly, inexpensive fashion, we get a lot of them
to join.  In my area, I see a whole new crop of LD riders every year that
sample, ride a few rides, and then join.  Some join before they move up to
50's; some move right up to 50's and join.  This is working.  I think the main
focus should be getting people to become MEMBERS.  Treating the new riders
cordially has been a successful way of doing this, and I simply find it an
offensive breach of the hospitality for which our sport is known to start
pushing membership (either join or pay an extra fee) the first time the
novices walk in the door, so to speak.  I have been on the Board in years past
and have faced these issues there, and I am generally pretty open to new
ideas.  I never have liked this one, though, and I think the organization
would do well to continue its open-door policy for new riders.  Lord knows, we
need all of them we can get.  Which is why I also don't understand why the
Board is trying to add more expenses for managers trying to put on "fun"
rides, either--these managers are working their buns off to bring in new
people, which is good for AERC.  At least we get to vote on that issue, and I
hope our membership votes it down.  I have always believed in LD's as a
stepping stone into our sport, and I feel that AERC is making it harder and
harder for me to put on equitable LD's with every move they make.  That's why
we are dropping our AERC LD's entirely next year in favor of a non-NATRC CTR
format--hopefully it will provide more rider education as well as give the LD
riders a shorter distance to ride in a competitive, controlled manner.  Just
my .02...

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)