Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I am also not certain how such things would be accepted
by the 
> membership. What if you drive 500 miles to a ride and find out you
left
> you logbook behind and the RM cannot allow you to start? Everything
as a
> consequence. It would be interesting to see if the Australians would
> have implemented a such a system if they were not required to do so.


In Ontario we HAVE to have a log book
in order to register , so just like you don't "forget " your
horse, bridle,saddle or original copy of your coggins or proof of insurance
 you don't "forget " your log book, you cannot start an
endurance ride in Ontario without those things!!:-). This rule came in
a few years ago because  our membership chose it not because it was
forced on us. The purpose of the log book however is not to track miles
but to have previous vet cards available if needed ( I think that is what
it was) so we need to have at least our last 10 vet cards in the log book,
it really isn't a big deal!!! 
Ontario also has 25 mile rides run in
conjunction with endurance rides, however they are simply called mileage
rides and there is a min/max  time allowed and there are NO placing's
just a completion certificate at the end with a ribbon,  so no point
in racing 25 miles!!!:-) this doesn't seem to deter people entering as
there are lots of "mileage" riders at endurance rides even though
they can't "win" anything.
There have also been attempts at introducing
some sort of "graduated" system of entry into endurance here,
either having different levels ( i.e if you are a "Bronze" level
you can participate in certain rides ( maybe just 50's and not 100's) until
you reach a goal say 200 km's and then move to the silver level  and
then the gold. The other thing I liked about this system was that you were
only competing against people in the same level ( at least for year end
awards and I envisioned it one day at an individual ride level as well.)
. Unfortunately it has been rejected by the membership thus far, however
change takes time and just like helmets were eventually made mandatory
(with much fuss) I foresee eventually some sort of graded entry into the
sport  (and look forward to it!!:-)


Chrystal :-)