Tried to send this earlier, so now will try to attach my response to Roger
that was supposed to go to the whole board. In case it doesn't work, I don't
want anyone to have the impression I'm knocking NATRC. I think it's a
terrific organization and agree with Roger's comments. I was just looking
for feedback on the P&R issue so I could give it to the National Board and
perhaps get that particular aspect modified. Thanks to all who have
responded! Hope this attached filed come through!
Sue
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Subj: Re: [endurance] NATRC and water
Date: 96-02-03 15:23:58 EST
From: BZDGULCH
To: Rgarlitz@txranger.com, endurance@moscom.com
=0D
Hi guys--
=0D
I didn't really want to start a debate either, just interested in some ot=
her
viewpoints. The reason all this standing in one spot for 10 minutes sta=
rted
was because the Open horses were so good, none were losing any P&R points=
,
and the judges couldn't find enough other stuff on metabolics and
legs/soundness to separate the really top horses. Many of the judges don=
't
like to take off points for Manners, but since that's part of NATRC (havi=
ng a
well-mannered horse to take you safely and soundly down the trail), I don=
't
understand why some are so hesitant to score manners.
=0D
Roger is correct that if there is water before the P&R you can water ther=
e,
and you certainly are allowed to water after the P&R. My point was that =
if
there is a water trough or pond at the P&R and there hasn't been any wate=
r
before the P&R, you aren't allowed to water or sponge your horse with the=
water available at the stop (although you can use the water you have carr=
ied
on your horse in water bottles while you're standing in line) until after=
your 10 minute P&R has been taken. You're forced to stand in a line. Se=
ems
to me if the water is available you should be able to do whatever you wan=
t
with your horse in that 10 minute time frame, and when I started doing th=
is
in 1973, you could!
=0D
Enough of my soapbox on this issue.
=0D
Roger's points about NATRC are excellent. It's a great way to learn abou=
t
caring for your horse over long distances and camping overnight. This ye=
ar
my daughter is old enough to ride with me, and we'll be doing all competi=
tive
trail for her benefit and to give my new mare experience at a slower pace=
than is required on endurance (LSD and all that jazz). So didn't mean to=
offend anyone, I love NATRC and wish more people would try it. I've gott=
en
to the point these days that I want my horse to do well, the Horsemanship=
part is automatic and common sense, so I don't worry about being judged. =
If
I place well--terrific, and if I get dinged for something I don't agree w=
ith,
I'm philosophical and figure it's that judge's opinion and I shouldn't ta=
ke
it personally! I go to have fun, and see trails that sometimes aren't
usually open to the public.
=0D
Happy riding to you all--wish the weather would dry out, the mud is way t=
oo
slippery today.
=0D
Sue
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