Having ridden this 25 mile ride - which turned out to be over 30 miles - with
xeveral friends, who were also on definite Limited Distance horses, I feel
compelled to convey to you that this ride is NOT a moderate or beginning
level ride. The terrain is pretty rugged, not unsafe, but the access for
vehicles over the last half of the 30 plus miles is non-existent, and the
water availablility was not nearly sufficient. This was a much tougher ride
than was advertised, and after having RECEIVED a completion award (we were
TOLD at the ride meeting that we would be allowed the additional appropriate
amount of time to complete, considering the extended mileage), we found out
that MANY riders were NOT given completion points as was promised. Since
receiving the most recent issue of EARC News, and seeing no indication of the
correction, it is necessary to pass this on. This is a bad example of how
this fine organization works. One of our clients who now has the mare who
completed her firstr ide there refuses to become a member, and is now looking
into other sports. I think this is a shame, since all that caused this
decision was a lack of following through on the part of ride management. We
have had no indication in any form that the proper adjustments were made.
Since my personal mount is our now 22 year old mare, this is not about points
to me, but about credibility and fairness. Yes, I understand how tough it is
to manage a ride. It seems to me that the EASIEST part of it is to come
through with this type of promise and obligation.
Sorry this is rather long, but I do believe that anyone planning on going to
that ride had better be aware of the fiasco last yera, and also that this
ride would be better described as a prep for Tevis, not an easy beginning
level ride. We wold still like to hear something form the ride manager about
our completions and the adjustmenst in advertised ride length - from the
manager. Please don't make all 12 of of us file protests. That is really
stupid.
In the end, all of the ones who were treated so are NOT going back to that
ride. Sad, since it IS a beautiful place, and quite accesible. I am concerned
that the ride was accepted in 1997. If you go, good luck!
s