Re: [RC] Where are the 25 mile LD Rides?? - Mary Ann Spencer
Sorry about that. Come to TX, there are LOTS
of ride, almost every month. But to be serious, areas that don't have a
lot of rides seem to be areas that don't have a lot of riders, or enough riders
to put on rides. An idea might be to go and do some volunteering
AFTER you have done a loop or two and compared your self with the others.
No money output and then if someone has the misfortune to loose a horse, like I
did, you are ready to help. It really is NOT that much more prep to
do a fifty. AND your horse get the experience of going to a ride.
Just a suggestion. I may get flamed for this.
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.