I think it all boils down to this:
West region RMs don't support the idea that LD BC should be judged from the top
10. This promotes racing, which is contrary to the philosophy of LD
rides. If BC is judged from the entire roster of entries, it's almost
impossible for the vets to judge some of the LD rides in the West, as there may
be as many as 75 riders. So.....what to do? We don't offer an LD
ride, but I'm sure other RMs would welcome some bright new ideas as a solution
to this dilemma.
Welcome back to the world of LD in the West region. I'm in the same
boat - haven't done any rides since 2001. Life just got in the way. Planned on
getting back into it this year, but it didn't happen. Plan on trying again
next year. And, yes, I'll be doing LDs. Not sure I could hold up to a 50 any
more. It's tough coming back after not doing rides for a number of
years.
There are a few vets in the West region, who will judge AERC LD BC at the
RM's request. Unfortunately, they seem to be few & far between.
This has been an ongoing debate for quite a while, especially since AERC does
now award Regional LD BC. The majority of West region (and Pacific
Southwest region) rides do NOT award AERC LD BC. Kind of strange isn't it,
especially in light of the fact that the West region has the most
members.
There are a few outspoken vets and RMs in the West region who
believe that LD is ONLY a training ride. What baloney! Other regions have been
giving AERC LD BC for years, and don't seem to be having any problems with
it. The 'Horse of Excellence' award can be a very nice award,
however, IMHO, this does not help prepare a horse & rider to
show for BC in a longer distance ride, should there be a desire to do
so. Sort of like comparing apples with oranges.
It's been suggested to just go to rides which do offer AERC LD BC. The
problem with that is there aren't enough rides within the region which do so.
Bottom line is if a West region rider wants to try for the regional LD BC,
they have to ride out of region. What a crock!
After retiring my endurance horse over 10 yrs. ago, I quit doing
endurance. However, persistent friends persuaded me to "get out there"
again. I found LD's tremendous fun. Most of us, in North
California, west region, are middle aged gals riding for the pure
pleasure of seeing new trails, making new friends, and catching up with old
ones. We are experienced riders, not "newbees", and most have
done 50's at one time or another. We do LD's because some of these
older bodies ain't as tough as they used to be, or because we're starting a
new horse, or because our "main" horse is laid up and we're riding our "old"
one....My point, LD is fine the way it is. EXCEPT For The
FOLLOWING:
I did, in the past couple of months, three LD rides. At
///////ride, under terrific vet /////////, I was awarded "Horse of
Excellence" and have a lovely blue blanket that says so! At the
L.O.V.E. ride, I was awarded BC for the LD. Different head vet.
I just recently realized that there is such a thing as Regional LD
BC.!! However, Dr. ///// and
Dr. ///////, west region, don't believe in BC for LD. I have
no problem with that IF there was NO AERC AWARD for reg.BC.
But, there is such an award. So, my "horse of
excellence", aka BC, is NOT recognized as a "real" BC. Because
there IS an award for reg. BC LD, I am not adverse to getting an
award. Heck, I like presents, too. But, if I was a real
competitive person, and actively trying to get reg. BC,LD, I
would have to stay away from rides that Dr.s ///// and //////
are head vets. These are rides that I really enjoy doing.
I am thinking some sort of standardization needs to be
implemented, or is this an award that should be eliminated?
renie 1673