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[RC] more 100 milers? - Dot WigginsThe demographics of AERC's riders has changed quite a bit since the "'good old days" Then most of the members/riders were already experienced horsemen/women. Many were riding and working with horses most of the time. They knew how to ride, select horses for the work, and see that the horse was ready for the efforts asked. Starting on 50's, or even 100's was well with in range for most. Today we have many who have ridden very little, or at least not for years, live where it is difficult to find places to ride, and have life/work issues that conflict with reaching goals on horseback. One way to get a larger number of riders that may go on to longer distances is to increase the pool to draw from. That can be a accomplished by encouraging folks to come out and ride at any distance. I know quite a few people that first came to a "'fun" ride and got hooked. Some have become pretty successful at the longer distances, including 100s. I certainly don't want the "fun" rides to be integrated into AERC records or awards. I'm not sure it's even a good idea to list them on sanctioning forms. But they are what they are often called, introductory events and serve a valid purpose. The more riders we showcase the sport of endurance to, the more potential long distance riders will be out there. They have to start somewhere. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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