<< Frankly, although there is a need and a place for LD rides, I hate them
they
way they are run..I don;t like AERC policy on them. I see and hear of too
many riders who barg about "winning" a 25 miler..doesn't mean anything good
in my book..most of the riders and horses who do this aren't the least bit
fit or know anything about fittness..
When I ran rides I gave ribbons to everyone who completed the LD ride..they
said very simply "To Finish is to Win"..blue ribbons for all.
Teddy >>
I'm afraid I fail to see why some people are offended by Teddy's post. I
think she has a very valid beef with the way Limited Distance rides are
organized by AERC. Somehow, it's just not clear enough to many limited
distance participants that it is not a race but a ride. There is just too
much gray area. Some rides make a big deal about placing, some don't
recognize placing at all, some award best condition, etc., etc. If placings
were removed from the limited distance category all together, perhaps that
would end some of the racing. Just recognize finishes... alphabetical order
perhaps?
As to best condition, I'm not sure what the answer to that is. It's a nice
award, but if you have to finish in the top five or top ten there will again
be those who feel the need to barrel through the ride to accomplish that.
No matter what, better clarity on the part of AERC regarding limited distance
seems to be in order.
Susan
Kentucky