Hmmm, okay, this is still going back and forth. Some interesting
points and some I agree with and some I don't. I do sense a little belittling
myself behind some of the wordings, but whatever.
To me, one thing that might just settle this once and for all is to just
have BC in the West as the other regions do. Regardless of the
arguments, why all the other regions and not the other? Seems very
unbalanced and unfair to me. Make it even across the board and no more
discussion about it. Continue with the education of course, fun and
enjoyment of the sport, your horse and friends out there on great trails trading
stories. You and your horse doing what you love? But then this BC
stigma?
I personally do not understand the racing issue as I've not seen it
personally. I started in l995 with LD. It was fun to ride my horse, and I
did learn. I have times that ranged from 3 something hours to 6 or
so. I don't consider any of them raced. I've also moved up to
50's this year and then did another LD by choice as my daughter and I were
bringing along a new horse with a seasoned one. Was fun! We didn't
race and I saw no one doing that at all. I only remember one
particular guy at a ride years ago, and never saw him again in the
region. So hard for me to understand. I have seen racing in 50's.
But mostly by experienced and seasoned horses and riders. I also know of one
person who raced, unknowingly, then backed up, did things right and did
better. Just didn't know better at the time.
But that aside folks, can we just make it balanced across the board for
BC?
Frankly, I'd love to ride for a BC in limited. Furthermore, if
I was ever a lucky enough participant to receive a BC it would be a very nice
confirmation that I rode my horse smart, and learned from my training and
experiences. What is the harm in that?
I wouldn't want a BC for a pat on the back but instead an affirmation,
sense of a successful ride, doing my homework, taking good care of and really
knowing my horse.
What is wrong with that? In 50's and 100's it is a coveted
award. Couldn't it be viewed in the same light for LD? Wouldn't that
be something positive displayed?
BC, Horse of Execellence, whatever...it just may let a new rider know they
are on the right path in their training as well.
And also, I remember being quite "pooped" after my first 25! lol...Then
after my first 50, my husband was pooped instead! Crewing!! hehehehe
I went home, did chores, etc..funny how things change...(just trying to lighten
things up her folks)
My point is we all start out, we all learn, and move on up when and if we
are ready and/or want to.
But the BC...just make it even across the regions. Make it
balanced. IF someone truly wanted to ride for BC, why on earth would they
want to race their horse? Wouldn't they want to display the horse in the
best shape it could be in after a ride? Isn't that what BC stands
for?
