NC qualifying criteria

[Lucie Hancock <lbhbhnck@ftc-i.net>]

As a ride manager, let me say that it is very imporetant to at least 
break even. The ride I manage is a benefit ride, so noe of the entry 
fees make it too my pocket, or to any of the ohter volunteers that help 
with the ride.

As I see it, to be fair to the riders, any changes in qualifications 
should be made prior to the beginning of the qualification period. That 
is what is done in all other sports. What would happen to baseball, 
basketball, or football, it the rules were changed halfway through the 
season?

I think that the qualifications may have been set too low for a 
championship ride. The newer standards are stricter, and that is a good 
thing. The timing  is the big factor to which I object. I am finding out 
that I am not alone in my opinion. Don't wait until halfway into the 
ride year to tell me that my horse and I have to double everything to 
qualify. That's basically what happened to the qualifications.

When standards change mid-year, there are probably quite a few riders 
who may opt not to go, just because of the confusion. Ride managers must 
break even to be willing to continue, and we put up a lot of our own 
money "up front" to make sure everything is in place the in time for the 
ride. We are all just ordinary folk who enjoy the sport and want to see 
it succeed.

Anyway, that is just one woman's opinion. There are two or more sides to 
everything. And all sides need to be heard and considered for the end 
results to be of real value.
God Bless You All   HAPPY TRAILS TO EACH OF YOU.
Lucie Hancock   who is unable to attend the convention. Maybe next year.