And how about adding #4: Mandatory attendance
to ride meeting with special emphasis directed to new riders on taking care of
your horse.
I was at Mariposa, and I felt a little puzzled that
there was no mention or reminder to riders to ride sensibly and take care of
their horses.
I have only been doing this sport for 3 years, but
have noticed the difference in the way some RMs structure their ride
meetings. I love the way Ruth Waltenspiel runs her ride and the emphasis
that is placed on taking care of your horse. It is spelled out LOUD AND
CLEAR that if you screw up and your horse needs to go to a clinic, it's a long
drive! And for those not familiar with the expenses involved in
treating a horse, they need to have that spelled out too perhaps.
Failure to attend the ride meeting (for new riders
only) would result in DQ.
