Re: RC: "Weighty issue"

[Linda Cowles <lindac@gilroy.com>]

BMcCrary27@aol.com wrote:
> My personal opinion is to drop weight divisons entirely! ....
> I also feel that a lot of a horse's ability to finish in top position is in
> that horse's head, and the rider's.  This sport could be simplified by
> dropping the weight divisions.  Of course more divisons means more awards
> (happy riders, unhappy AERC bank account).
> Let the horse compete on his own merit. ....

I agree with Barb and San... I translate this into personal terms. 

I dote on my horses - they are my psuedo-kids! - but I occasionally let
others ride them competitively. The criteria I use to assess a rider is
based on the stress they place on the horse. Rider weight isn't
significant unless it's excessive or much more than the horse is
conditioned to carry.

The rider factors I consider are (off the top of my head!):

  - rider balance and ability
  - rider endurance experience (quality and quantity)
  - rider attitude and sensitivity
  - rider ability to assess the horse and 
    make a responsible decision

Most people I know use similar criteria to determine if someone else can
ride a horse they value.

**IF** there is any change in this area, I'd support having weight
divisions dropped - not complicating it more. 

  -- Linda

-- 

  Linda Winfield Cowles               408.847.3531 - Home
  Lion Oaks Ranch                     408.390.0728 - Cell
  5355 Hecker Pass                    kadence@ix.netcom.com
  Gilroy CA 95020                     lindac@gilroy.com



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