Christina Trakehners2000@xxxxxxx
asks ==========================================
When is it okay to
move from CT to LD, or a better question would be do you start your horses in
CT or LD? What would be the major difference for me if we went
to LD's?
Hello,
Whether to start your horse, who meets
the age criteria, in CT or LD is a choice predicated on many things...the
choice is usually based on location of rides, etc.
The "major difference...if (you) went to LD's" would be
in LD's you're given a trail, and (depending on the length of the LD) a given
time to complete it. You are given vet checks where your horse must
recover to a given pulse criteria and meet other veterinary parameters before
you are allowed to continue on the trail...all in a certain amount of
time. The time to meet the criteria is not difficult, again depending on
how you proceed on the trail.
One difference you'll find is in AERC-sanctioned LD
riding, there aren't many "official" folks telling you how to do this or do
that...YOU are responsible for figuring it out and applying what it is you know,
learn and desire.
Now, there ARE plenty of "unofficial" folks at
AERC-sanctioned rides who will share with you what they believe you should
know...some are tolerable, some are not.
Ultimately, it is just riding your horse as if you cared
about him and don't really want to endanger him or anyone else.
Eventually, if you apply reason, restraint and restrict the ego (just a bit),
you'll find yourself at an award ceremony and be surprised that they actually
give out "awards" other than the experience of getting to enjoy your horse on
trails marked by ride managers who'll typically provide some food and goodwill
as you enjoy the day.
