Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Bob and Susan,  

Sorry but I most definitely would have a problem with that for many reasons.  If I had more time, the list would go on and on, but here are a few.

The ride manager would be presuming way too much, like they can play God, and know more than any rider there what is best for the horse.

Example;  I live 30 min. from the Camp Far West Ride to be held this weekend.  I have a farm covered with horses and other livestock, and no help to feed this weekend.  I condition at this place regularly, and I condition my horses on some 8 and 10 hour rides which I trailer home from as soon as I get back to the trailer for much longer rides.
I will not camp at the ride, but pull in early in the AM and leave when I feel I need to each day.

I hate it that I now must justify my actions to anyone because I am an adult in a free country, and I have owned a herd of horses for 40 years now.  AERC, and some riders who are of the mentality that everyone must do as they do to be right, or "Horse Lovers" should not be making rules to extend further than the ride.

Back to my situation;
My horse has passed the finish vet check!
I rode and was aware of my horse so I have an even better idea of his condition than a vet might.
My ranch is only 30 min. away, where the horse has food, water, friends, familiar surroundings, observation and if there were a need, I can get my vet to come quickly.  This is all better for the horse than being tied to a trailer.
Remember, I trailer my horses for all of there major conditioning rides.  Most trips are of more than an hour, some 3 hours.  I have regularly trailered home from a ride, after completion or if the drive is too far, the next day.
I have also trailered 4 horses to St. Joe Missouri to participate in the XP 2001.  My horses have had no trouble trailering.
I have hauled horses from Virginia to California.
I am an old lady, and I still believe that I have personal rights, responsibilities, and that I know what is best for my animals and myself!  Yes, they are my animals, not my children.  So, stay out of my business!
I know I am not alone in my views.  Many of my riding friends have similar opinions.  Many have stated their personal limits on the invasion of their privacy, and or regulations of their dress and tack.  We can always ride our horses as we have done, and we will train many of the horses you may be riding in the future.  
We joined AERC because it was not like horse shows with tack and dress requirements.
We joined because the nit picking rules, requirements, speed control and "One right way" of NATRC was offensive to us.
We ride because we do not need to camp over 1, 2 or 3 nights.
We joined because we do not want to ware helmets.
We joined to see beautiful trails.
We joined because AERC tracks mileage, and we can set goals and observe improvement in our horses.
We joined because some of us are competitive and want to race to see if we can condition the best horse for that day.
We joined to get the finish reward.
WE joined because we want to get National recognition, and have things to show our friends as a brag. 
We go to rides, as we shift from one of these categories to another, to see and spend time with the friends we have made through the years, and to still do what we love, ride our horses.

Now, I admit that life has changed in these United States a great deal during my life time.  We have succumbed to the concept of "Mommy Laws."  That there is someone out there who knows better how to direct our lives than we do.  The younger generations have not ever experienced a World without seat belt laws, traffic cameras on the corners and the watchful eye of "Big Brother."

Well, you can pretty much tell where I stand, with the founders of AERC who felt that less rules and regulations were better.
Just mark the trails, count the miles and let me ride. 

Lynge