I see some talk of a separate organization for LD
riders.
This makes no sense to me. In the first
place, as an equestrian group we are pretty small at best, and don't have much
clout. If we split off part of our members we lose some of our
influence for trails, legislation, etc. Those of us who ride both
endurance and LD would have to join both? Forget it.
Awards? AERC has a huge slate, both
regionally and nationally, for endurance. LD
riders have lifetime miles recorded, and LD horses have miles recorded
now. That's all many of the endurance horses and riders ever
get. Maybe there should be some agreements between
regions for LD BC, or keep this award in regions only. Maybe
more recognition for number of completions, etc., in each region.
How does this take anything from the other distances?
Everyone needs to do what fits for each
rider, each horse, each ride, enjoy it, take pride in the
accomplishment.
Lets not forget the changes that have happened
since AERC began.
"In the good old days" almost everyone who did
endurance was an experienced horseman (universal term, girls, don't get
excited). Almost all of the horses were already mature, hard working
critters. They usually grew up and lived in pastures, often really big
pastures. Both riders and horses were no strangers to long days and many
miles.
Today many riders live in or near populated
areas. Many are new to horses in general, not mind endurance.
They have to start somewhere.
Lots of horses are born and raised in confined
places, and don't grow up with the skills to handle rough going.
There needs to be a way to get out in the world of
trails for both.
Even many folks that have all the knowledge
live far from places to train and condition horses. They have jobs
an families that must come first, and not the time to
condition. There are many reasons to ride the shorter
distances. Don't knock it, just go ride.
If AERC as an organization, and endurance as
a sport for many to enjoy, is to grow, we must make it practical for all to take
part.
LD rides fit perfectly. Even the shorter
"introductory trail rides" that are being included in some areas are a big help
to new riders and horses.
Many rides could not exist without the added income
from the LDs and trail rides.
As far as "racing" the LDs goes, I have
known quite a few folks to finish fast and get BC too, including high
vet score, at a number of rides thru quite a few years with the same
horses. Don't think they are hurting the horses
any.
Up the starting age from 4 to 5??
With nowhere to take the youngsters many will just wait another year to get
ridden and go to rides no better off then some are now.
Let's not even think about another
organization. AERC can fit in all of us.
Keep on riding!!!!!!!!!
|