Ridecamp: [RC] Comments on LD

<How about a 4 yo racing a sub 2 hour LD?  Do you want to
<wait for statistics on this?  How about if such horses just
<never come back and thus we don't see any "statistics"?

<This is my concern with the AERC supporting LD race mentality
<and the current minimum age.

IMO-that would eliminate other breeds.  Others breeds are fully grown and
mature at age 4, and ready for LD.  I've known Arabs that grew another 1/2"
in their 5th year.  We would have to have a "minimum age" for every breed
out there.  And what about a half Arab, did he take after Quarter horse
mama or Arab daddy?  It would really be a genetic nightmare.  I could only
see submitting x-rays of the knees to "prove" a rider was not riding a
horse too early.  I know I would not appreciate that expense when my horse
means more to me than doing a fast LD, as most people in this sport do.  I
have yet to see anyone not putting their horse first, be it 10 years ago or
in the few rides I've done so far this year.

All in all, peer pressure is the biggest motivator.  As I've never seen
anyone "racing" a baby, I guess I have a mental vision of it happening, and
folks saying something to the rider.  If the rider ignores everyone's well
meaning advice, they're not going to be really comfortable hanging out in
camp where no one cares to speak with them.  Either that person gets some
common sense or I bet we don't see them at the next ride.

JMO

Stephanie


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