Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

There are many reasons that horse are over-ridden and the idea of a qualification system only addresses the mistakes that might be made due to lack of experience - both rider and horse. (experienced but overzealous riders is an entirely different thing)

 

I've heard many describe Endurance as one of the most physically demanding equine sports, if not the most (Eventing is also very demanding on the horse and rider).

 

For the sake of conversation - do you think that any sort of qualification system would be reasonable - for either horse or rider, or both?

 

Steph

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of GoldenCMK@xxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2003 10:59 AM
To: Ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [RC] another proposal -whoa

Novice division- 25-35 miles (LD)
Intermediate division- 50 - 75 miles
Advanced- 80 - 100 miles

Horses and riders had to qualify in each division before they advanced -
e.g. complete x Novice rider before being allowed to enter Intermediate, and
complete x Intermediate rides before going to Advanced.

This might sound good in theory but it is not punishing people who do not deserve it? What about people who have ridden their whole lives but are new to endurance? Do they really need this?  Are newbies the ones who have horses dying? Personally I have seen very experienced endurance riders making the biggest mistakes. Granted newbies DO need to be educated but you cannot protect horses from stupid mistakes not matter the experience or level because people make mistakes, especially in the heat of battle. I believe many riders turn a blind eye to a problem because they are hoping it is not what they know it to be so they keep on going, sometimes they wait too long to make the right decision.
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