LDs have always been a "race" for some. So is
Endurance. Either can be a Race or a Ride, depending on the horse,
the day, the trail, or the rider. No one should be limited to a
special slot just because of the distance they choose to ride. (Only
if you are a newcomer, or riding a new horse, or you have
some limiting factor should you be on a LD ride?
Perhaps Barbara's (and others) thoughts here are
what might make some LD riders feel they are looked on as a special case, not
quite up to par.
I'm sure this isn't what's meant, but it can
be looked at that way.
And I will say again "NO, I do not think LD
and Endurance are the same, nor do I think they should be lumped together.
However they are a part of the same sport and as far as possible should run
under the same patterns."
And I agree with Barbara's conclusions about
LD BC.
Subject: Re: [RC] Fw: from PNER list with author's
permission
Dot's last sentence: Bingo! Right on
the nailhead. So AERC needs to decide whether LD is to be a race or a
venue for training, introduction, and recovery. I can't see how it can be
both. That is, if BC is to be awarded via the top ten, then it becomes a
race. LD was not originally set up to be a race, but it that's what the
majority wants, then that's probably what it is going to become.
Barbara
As to LD BC----How can you do a valid
evaluation between horses when one finishes in 4 hrs and another in 6
hrs. The time factor needs to be considered, the work/stress
factor is not the same.
