Re: Ride Time vs Hold Times

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message: Bonnie Short: "Re: Trailer Question"
• Previous message: Chris Martin: "4 sale Khemosabi/Maalik Grandaughter"

>I suppose the answer is that AERC should have guidelines suggesting
>maximum hold times for ride distances.

The fixed, absolute maximum ride times are an example of the AERC
making a rule in response to an abuse, that IMO has caused more
problems than the abuse ever did. About ten years ago a couple of
highly motivated individuals were competing with each other for the
AERC Mileage Championship, and persuaded some ride managers to make
unusual accomodations for them ... such as allowing 24 hours to
complete a 50 mile ride. The AERC responded by clamping on the fixed
ride times, nailing it in a box, wrapping it with iron straps and
covering it with concrete.

I tried several times while a Director to get some flexibility in this
rule, to allow ride managers or vets some discretion in extending
maximum ride times, but never succeeded.

For some rides, 12 hours for 50 miles is more than enough, and it's
adequate for most rides. But there are some, IMO, due to severe
weather conditions or trail conditions, where 12 hours is *not* enough
and the result is pushed and over-stressed horses (and unhappy
riders).

-- 

Joe Long
jlong@mti.net
http://www.mti.net     Business
http://www.rnbw.com    Personal

• Next message: Bonnie Short: "Re: Trailer Question"
• Previous message: Chris Martin: "4 sale Khemosabi/Maalik Grandaughter"

Home Events Groups Rider Directory Market RideCamp Stuff