Thanks - I am anxious to start, and from
what I've seen on the list, I think I will have a lot of help on the trail and
at camp. I have met several people from Colorado already that have helped
me a lot. Believe me, they're going to get questions from me if I need
more advice! (hear that, Betty and Ken, and Tracie?)
Carla, this was exactly the way LD was
planned in its formation, but somehow it's become a battleground.
Career LD riders want something different than that which was planned in the
beginning, and herein lies the controversy.
Oh I don't know if I should say anything - I
really hesitate. Since I haven't even started a ride yet. But
that's my intention, and I'm a member of AERC, so ... I guess I'm as
qualified as anyone to speak up about something I know very little
about.... (ok, don't get your panties in a wad, that is a joke, not
directed at anyone in particular!)
Aren't the rules of AERC defining an
endurance ride as a distance of at least 50 miles?
I think it is wonderful that LD's are there
for us, for WHATEVER reason. As a training and/or conditioning ride,
for new and/or young horses, or for riders or horses who aren't
as physically strong, for people with less time, or just for
fun! But I don't expect the same rules to apply, as for an endurance
ride -- that is, a 50 miler or greater distance.
Am I wrong, here? If LD riders
really want to change the rules and definitions, then address the
board. But that would mean changing the very definition of endurance
in AERC, wouldn't it? If so, I'm NOT for it. LD's have
their place, and I certainly don't look down on the LDs or LD
participants, but it's just not the same as doing 50 + miles.
And never will be. Just my opinion.
