There are many riders who ride the ride year after
year, and can only wear one buckle at a time. So, they have the option of the
lesser entry fee, and they will get a certificate of completion. If you do ride
and complete, and did not pay the entry fee for the buckle, you can then
purchase it later for a bit more money, than if you had signed up to get it when
you first entered.
If you WANT a buckle, then pay the full fee up
front. I look at it like this. If you decide to save money on the entry fee, and
enter for a certificate only, but really want a buckle, then you have already
set your mind up that you might not make it through the ride. And you need to
have your mind focused that you WILL finish.
I have my first buckle from last year, and upgraded
to the sterling buckle, instead of the German Silver one. Bruce, I suggest you
do that too this year after you get yours. They really are a bit prettier.
Then, engrave your name, and your horses name, and the year on the back. So when
your family sells your stuff many, many years from now at some yard sale, and it
ends up on ebay, at least folks who bid on it, will know who won it.
<wink>
Jonni (hoping for buckle number 2 this year.
Like potato chips, I can't stop at just one)
