Ridecamp: [RC] Dana And Jackie LD

Hooray to Dana! Very well said. I, like you am totally confused by this
whole thread. LD's are a race. Period. LD's are good for many reasons that
have already been stated. There are more LD's usually entering than
"Endurance" entries. Point already made. There are fools that over ride
their mounts in ALL divisions. Again, point already made.

When us newbie/oldie LD'er pay $60 bucks to support and join a sport that
interests us, why shouldn't we be awarded something? You know, for lots of
us old broken up bodies and newbies to this sport, LD's can be very enduring
for both horse and rider.  Maybe we should do away with the word "Endurance"
for every ride.

Did everybody start out doing 50's or better? What is the average age of the
"Endurance/Limited Distance" riders? I would have to say it is most likely
mid forties. I know of lots of people getting into this that are much older
and participating for the first time, me included.  So what is the argument?
Like you Dana, I just don't get it.

Jackie, I just did my very first LD ride/race. I wrote a story about it last
week, I hope that you read it, if not email me privately and I will share my
experience with you. I had a blast. I came in "LAST PLACE" and the grin on
my face and the pride that I had in both my fabulous 41/2 yo horse and the
way that I rode him made me feel like I took first place. Over 50 riders in
this LD, with I think 44 finishing.

I had lots of 50 milers passing me and they were all very courteous,
everyone was very courteous in all groups. I have no problem telling people
that I am new to this. I think it helps them to be a little more tolerant
and I was given tons of great advise. Even the Vets were extremely nice and
kept asking me if I was having fun.

The volunteers at the Vet check got a big hoot out of me leaving for the
home stretch and going the wrong way, Yes, I was embarrassed, so what? gave
them a story to talk about the mis adventures of a greenhead.

I and my horse have worked for the last six months very hard to prepare for
this ride. I listened to many seasoned riders. I took my time, focused
totally on my horse and his welfare, maybe I did stop too many times to let
him eat and rest, but I want to keep doing this sport and I want this guy to
last me a long time. When he is six, hopefully he will be able to do an
ENDURANCE ride. But for now, 25 miles was plenty of endurance for both of
us. I raced the clock and came in with only eight minutes to spare.

I didn't nor do I care that I came in last. I am very competitive. I have
literally boxes of ribbons and trophies of when I showed other livestock all
over the Western United States, I beat the biggest of the big. I have four
more rides planned for this season, if I come in last place in everyone of
them, I will just be happy to know that I did it, and I rode the ride to my
horse's best interest. (Plus, getting in last won my horse a bag of carrots
:~) )

Jackie, don't let anybody get you down. Go for it! If you have a chance, go
to a couple of rides and volunteer, I did that and learned a lot and became
more comfortable with the whole scenerio, plus I made some wonderful and
long lasting friends that I was able to get tons of advise from for my big
moment of Last Place Glory. I can't wait to get to the next ride.

amber, Ruch, Oregon



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