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Re: [RC] novice class, LD taken seriously etc. - Sky Ranch

Thank you, Heidi.  Your words on this are the best in this thread, I
believe.

To put in my two cents worth, as someone who has NOT yet competed in LD or
endurance in AERC, (it is my plan to start with at least one LD next year,
then 50's) -- here are my thoughts:

I plan on entering an LD ride first to see how I, and my horse, handle the
speed.  I already know we can do 25 mile distance, because I've done it many
times in NATRC, as well as on my own, but I believe it was at a slower
speed, not as much pressure time-wise.

Second, I could care less about any prizes I get -- they're nice, of course!
But they're NOT why I ride, or compete.  I ride to enjoy new trails, to be
with my horse and other horse enthusiasts, to camp, and to LEARN how to care
for my horse on the trail, keeping his P&R down, for example, and to learn
timing/pacing.

Third, I do understand why a 100 miler would believe he/she deserves a
bigger reward or prize.  Seems to me, this could be very easily solved.
Have separate awards for each division -- instead of having one table of
prizes that everyone picks from.  I guess I can't see the difficulty on that
one at all.

Happy trails to all,
Carla Richardson
AERC M34774
Colorado


----- Original Message -----
From: <heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2005 3:21 PM
Subject: RE: [RC] novice class, LD taken seriously etc.



I like words that have precise meanings.  AERC most certainly DOES

consider LD rides to be "legitimate rides"--if we did not, we would not be
offering LD national and regional mileage championships, etc.  What AERC
does NOT do is to consider them to be "endurance rides."

"Legitimate" and "endurance" are not synonymous.  AERC has gone to the
trouble of making a whole separate division, if you will, for rides that are
shorter than endurance rides, and does quite a lot to promote and recognize
the accomplishments of riders who ride shorter distances.


 I agree that times should be printed in the EN--and from others have

posted here, that has already been agreed upon.  Times are already available
(and have been for a long time) for LD rides on the AERC data site.


I admire people who realize their horse is unable to safely complete

longer distances. That does not mean the horses are not as athletic, their
nitch is in shorter distances.


Maybe a 25 mile ride is NOT an endurance ride in a lot of people's minds,

but it still takes strategy, excellent horse care, and an athletic animal to
compete ride after ride in LD.


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