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Re: [RC] RideCamp -LDs. - heidiI have several questions. In Endurance News ride results why are the LD rider's weight division and their finishing time not posted? Why are the LD competitors not receiving any points? LD rides are not a part of the endurance point structure. They have their own award systems, all based solely upon LD miles or on BCs. Just some historical perspective on this--at one time, endurance rides were sanctioned for 25 miles and up. It became painfully obvious that too many people were racing the short distances very seriously for points, and that the horses were suffering the consequences--and with the short distance and the limited number of vet checks practicable in such a short span, it was too difficult to maintain adequate veterinary control to protect the horses. So--AERC eliminated ALL rides under 50 miles and defined the sport as anything 50 miles and up. Then various areas began holding unsanctioned "novice" rides of 25-30 miles in conjunction with sanctioned longer events. The whole atmosphere of these rides changed, as they were no longer points races. Instead they became an opportunity for new riders to start the sport, for people to take green horses out in a "ride atmosphere" without going 50 miles, and an opportunity for people to come enjoy the sport without the fitness level or physical expenditure necessary to do 50s. AERC observed this working well and for various reasons evolved the LD program. It is separate from "endurance" competition and does not offer points. For those who only choose to ride LDs, AERC DOES offer separate awards programs for LD mileage and for regional LD Best Condition. I hope that answers your question about why there are no points, times, or weight divisions listed on the LD rides. Heidi ============================================================ I drink a 50/50 mix of rootbeer and soymilk at the vetchecks. ~ Libby Llop ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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