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RE: [RC] Where are the 25 mile LD Rides?? - Ranelle RubinGreat perspective..I think maybe if that is the opinion of some, there may be an opportunity for education here! What if there was a mentor "pacing partner" for all first time riders?? I know if someone were to ask me, and the cost was little to nothing to me, I would be happy to take a first timer through on an experienced horse..good for all concerned... I know I personally have only done one LD ride..and that was a tough 30..Gold Country...first ride for a 6 yr old many years ago. Ranelle -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Brian & Sara Minsk Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 6:30 AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Where are the 25 mile LD Rides?? I live in New England and I am a newbie. I was looking forward to participating in my first 25 mile LD rides with my 5 year old mare. Unfortunately, there are ZERO offered in New England and only one in New Jersey in November. There is a 30 mile ride in Maine but that's it. No 25 mile LD rides! It doesn't seem fair that AERC supports this level for newbies but there are no 25 mile rides in my region. I see that lots of other regions have A LOT of 25 mile LD rides. I wonder how difficult it would be to a just add a 25 mile ride to the 50s that are already here. I haven't participated in any endurance rides yet but I have volunteered at two rides. I found the volunteer experience really invaluable and I would be willing to volunteer at a 25 mile ride too. If I volunteer at one maybe a new volunteer would volunteer at the next one so I would get a chance to ride. I have asked experienced endurance riders their thoughts on the LD rides. I am a little offended by their replies. They think that LD riders will yahoo through the course and burn out their horses. That's not fair!! Just because I want to start with a 25 mile ride doesn't mean that I will be hell bent on screaming my way through the ride because it is short. I believe that to finish is to win and I want to learn things like pacing etc. However, I think the 25 mile rides would allow me a more realistic chance to reach my goals and learn rather than throwing myself and my horse into 50s. People have essentially said, "If you can't run with the big dogs than stay on the porch". I think that is a bad attitude to have. I think AERC should encourage all of us no matter if we are just starting out in 25 LD rides or riding for our country in International events. I have also been told to go join a competitive trail association. Well, fine. If AERC doesn't want me then maybe I will and I might not come back! Why not help new riders grow in the organization instead. Sorry to complain. I'm a little disappointed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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