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[RC] [Guest] Education / Competitive Trail Riding - Ridecamp ModeratorMarlene Buttrey Khasa02@xxxxxxI am a lurker. Have been for years and I have learned alot here. I am an active participant in NATRC Competitive Trail Rides, Age 46, been riding, owning, and caring for my horses since pre-school days, nothing better then spending all day trotting out on the trail with my equine partner whom I am totally responsible for, on and off of the trail. Maybe I have some things in common with many of you.... Many of the recent posts concerning education of the rider while on the trail may not work well in a race environment, but are being taught at NATRC Competitive Trail rides. I am not familiar with other CTR groups, and so can not speak of them. Perhaps you have not thought about the educational benefits to be gained there. Perhaps you should consider going to one yourself and thereafter sincerely considering recommending them to new comers of endurance as a place to learn and to safely condition their / our / your horses. If so, you would not be the first. It is not at all uncommon for me to meet endurance riders, some very famous, who have come to compete and condition at our NATRC rides. With all the talk of metabolic crashes, and the need for education for newbie's, (and not-so-new racers) perhaps it is time to consider the educational benefits of Competitive Trail Riding. It is a place to enjoy distance riding and also as a place to learn how to take care of our horses over the long run. Yes, they teach one how to pace your horse. No, we don't race, but open speeds are reasonable, safe, and fun. Yes, your horse is judged by a Veterinarian, who does a through vet check at check in and at check out. I expect to have several metabolic checks done throughout the days ride as this is now the norm. Additional lameness checks each day, and a minimum of two pulse and respiration checks on the trail each day. Obstacles, yes, mostly natural. No big deal if your horse listens and has been taught to do the basics, (back, sidepass, pivot and turn on the haunches). Been in the mountains when my horses needed to do all of that and more to get us out of tight spots. Teaches folks the importance of having a listening, ratable mount. At the end of event you are given a score card that notes the results of these P & R's, vet checks, soundness checks, metabolic checks, and you have the opportunity to discuss them with the Vet judge. Educational, You bet. I am glad that both of our National Conventions will be held in conjunction with one another in Reno. I look forward to attending some of your speaker's sessions and to learning from them. Perhaps you will also consider coming over and finding out more about the "other distance sport" Enjoy the day, and enjoy the trail, Marlene Buttrey NATRC Region 5 member =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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