Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Joe Long wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 20:25:34 -0600, "E.L. Ashbach"
> <samaia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > Optimal works if you know what optimal is, which obviously you do.  ;-)
> >     
>
> Here we have the crux of the problem ... you seem to feel that you
> know what is optimum for someone else's horse better than they.
>     
    
Joe, please read my posts.  I don't proclaim to know, but I'd bet the Vet
Committee, or the head vet, or ride manager, at each ride feels like they
could give a reasonable guideline for the new horse and rider.  
> > Yep, CTR does, and we do ourselves honor as endurance riders to provide 
> > safety measures for those beginners who don't know what optimal is, and 
> > for any equine lucky enough to be brought to this life by someone who 
> > loves them.
> >         
>
> IMO we do not need Yet Another Rule that takes responsibility away
> from the rider and tells them how they must pace their horse.  No, we
> do not do ourselves honor by doing so ... we change our sport in a
> fundamental way, away from endurance and toward CTR.  Now, CTR is a
> fine sport for those who like it, but so is endurance, thank you.
>         
        
Wow, not another rule?  Is this Joe "minimum rider age rule" Long? ;-)  
> BTW, Kahlil and I began our careers with one 25-mile ride before going
> on to our first 50.  I have never done more than two 25's on any horse
> I've started in endurance before moving to 50's.  The speed I ride
> them depends on the horse, usually mid-pack although in one case in
> last place, and in another first-to-finish.  I do not want you or
> anyone else to tell me how fast to bring them along.
>           
          
Nobody would telling you how to ride any distance, once you demonstrate that
what you *think* your new horse can do, it really can do.  Like I told Heidi,
if you've got to ride your new horse in a 4 hour 50 because it'll ruin that
horse to go slower, take a 1 1/2 hour vet check or something.  It's ludicrous
to be holding up "optimal ride pacing" like it's *the most important thing
in any endurance ride* for a discussion of new horses and riders.  Smell
the roses the first time or two, you'll have years to race, as you well know.
> My own feeling is that as long as you prepare properly and pace the
> 25's properly, one or two is enough before moving to the 50's.  The
> real key is properly pacing the 50's, and again that pace depends on
> many factors and cannot be set by a rule.
>
> I do agree that many if not most *beginning* riders would benefit, and
> their horses would benefit, if they spent some time doing 25's and
> learning the ropes before attempting 50's.  But that is (and should
> be) an individual decision.
>             
            
Let me be clear:  this is a ROOKIE RULE.   It's for NEW HORSES and RIDERS.
 There's nothing magic about new riders or horses doing any particular distance,
it's the speed they ride their chosen distance.
            
Sorry, but I'm not willing to waive the flag of personal freedom and responsibility
with a mob who haven't demonstrated their ability to handle it.  
            
Lisa
>