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RE: [RC] Attention Newbies, slowbies, etc. - Jonni JewellAngie posted: The object is for the rider to concentrate on learning to know their own horse, not the competition...just yet. We might be able to pull some people back who have chosen CT as the place to start their beginning horses if we have appropriate incentives to grab their interest. <<< Sitting here thinking on what "goals" I have for my newest horse, and that part of your post caught my eye. I have always preferred to start the horses in competitive (NATRC) rides. I Like the over all atmosphere of the rides better for the horses new to the sport. Because no one is racing, you are usually not passed as much by quicker horses, all are at basically the same pace on the trail, and you can easily find a two day ride to attend (which I am also preferring for the new horses). The other options I have been looking at are multi day rides, but they are harder to find in many areas. I like the concept of the horse learning he might have to go again the next day, as it seems they learn real quick how to take better care of themselves along the trail. Those long, slow days, spending hours out there seems to teach them to eat and drink better, and at the multi day rides, in most cases, the atmosphere is laid back and easy going. (any time the call for "the trail is open", and all the riders casually walk from camp is good in my book!) If I can get my guy relaxed, caring for himself etc. early on, then him learning to deal with a ride with a race atmosphere is much easier later on. I tried starting my other horse last year at a LD ride (he had done 1 NATRC ride previous) . Waited until I thought all the other riders had left, then casually walked from camp, and about 1/4 mile out, we were passed at a gallop by a group of riders who were "late". My poor horse, who had been perfect up until then, went on brain fry. Not what I was wanting to deal with. The rest of the ride he drank poorly, and learned nothing about taking care of himself. My "youngster" will be 7 next year, but had a late start at being saddle br oke, and though mature in age, physically he still needs his body to condition to the sport. My gut keeps telling me this horse has the potential to be real good at this sport, so I want to bring not only his body along smart, conditioning it properly, but his mind as well. I want this horse to be able to be my partner on the trail not just for a few years, but many,many years. I am not sure what AERC could do as an organization to pull those riders who prefer starting new horses in CTR's to come to endurance with them instead. Not sure many of us care enough about incentives or awards on our walls vs. a horse that will be with us mile after mile, year after year..... I think this subject is making a few folks think about their horses, and their goals with them. I hope there are more who are saying to themselves they want them to still be going down the trail years from now, and take the steps to make that happen. Jonni =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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