I can recall several West region rides that had :LD
or newbie rider clinics the afternoon before the ride (Lari Shea was great for
doing this; add in Dr. Ridgeway and you had just the best info and advice
around.......). Most rides I ever attended had rider meeting night before
and went over the map....then people asked questions about vet checks, what
would be provided and I always remember the RM pointing out a trailer that would
go to the vet checks, for riders to place their stuff....
if the RM's don't put a small effort into making
things understandable for newbies.....they won't be back.
If they are made to feel like second class
citizens, or bozo's, they won't be back.
Junior riders appreciate recognition (even the ones
on the LD rides)....it is very easy to get "stuff" from a discount store; kids
like getting ANYTHING. I remember the one year Theresa Haney managed CFW
and had little first aid kits from U.C. Davis for the juniors.....and all kinds
of donated awards for the kids.
One year at a ride where i knew a number of junior
riders would be; I bought up about 15 flashlights (cost a dollar each), and a
friend made labels with the ride and year....I donated those for the junior
riders (otherwise all they got was certificate).
But....I do remember a just scathing lecture from a
vet to the LD riders at a WEst ride. I had entered intending to do the 50
and looking forward to it. By the time we got to camp and set up...I was
starting to feel feverish and by nighttime it was obvious I was heading into a
bad cold/flu......so I opted to drop to the 25, which I felt I could handle
(good decision as it rained that day). Anyway, the vet talked about
criteria for the 50.....then proceeded to give a tirade against LD riders, and
all kinds of threats and warning that the vets 'better not see you in for
treatment", and "you folks better know how to do your own P & R", etc.
Told them they better not be out on the trail if they didn't know what they were
doing. Had this been my first ride, I would have been extremely offended
and scared, and who knows if I would have gone to another ride. As far as
this ride, the ride management went overboard at the vet checks to provide food
for horses and riders and blankets for horses.....
But......like Paddi said, if the sport wants to
attract new riders....it needs to be welcoming.
Karen (hopefully my 5 year old will be
recovered from kick to knee...heading to AERC ride in Sept after 2-year hiatus
from sport.......and taking two local newbie riders through their first ever
ride-LD) 2-3 more riders from our county giving it a try, 2 more
newbies......
