Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [Guest] LD and finish time

Betty's comments here pretty well sum up my own feelings on this matter.
The rider in the back of the pack is the most apt to be on an out-of-shape
horse--and is the VERY one who should not be encouraged to "step on the
accelerator" to "beat the clock."  One of the beauties of LD, as we now run
it, for the sake of the horse's safety, is that the rider of the
less-than-fit horse at the back of the pack has to ride smart to get a
completion.  And I'd hate to see that concept be changed.

Heidi


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ridecamp Guest" <ridecamp-moderator@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <guest@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2002 8:45 AM
Subject: [RC] [Guest] LD and finish time


> Betty Washburn washburnb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> At this fall's Biltmore a belgian draft finished the LD trail
> but missed the time of pulse-down by only a minute. Her owner
> didn't consider this a failure; merely part of the learning
> curve on how to better pace the ride and improve on their
> conditioning.  They completed well within our current LD
> parameters at their next ride. (Biltmore was their maiden
> ride).
>
> This owner's philosophy  - to me - exemplifies the essence
> of our sport: facing the challenge through preparation and
> strategy; finishing the trail sound and making incremental
> improvements to face the challenge again....and again....
> and again.
>
> Rather than diluting the nature of the challenge with a
> parameter change (and the sweetness of accomplishment),
> it seems to me to be preferable to keep the LD finish
> as it is now.  Because it is for safety, right?
>
> BTW, if y'all ever want to see a really buff draft with
> that "distance runner's look", come to a SE ride.
>
> Merry Christmas to all,
> Betty
>
>
>
>
>
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 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
 Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

 Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

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