Re: Limited Distance Rides

[Becky Hackworth <bechack@flash.net>]

I started endurance riding 4 years ago.  I was so in love with the sport
as soon as I got back from my measly 30 mile ride (and already couldn't
walk!), I got an AERC application right then and there from the RM.  I
have been a member since.  

Yes, I also do see the need to restructure the fee schedule for
individuals.  I can sign up 4 of us for $95 for the year (and do!) and
it really isn't fair to the singles to have to shell out $65.  But I
would if I weren't.  I feel the need to support what I beleive in, too.

I don't want to see LD as races either.  They are training for the
rider!  Lets face it, the horses are ready for more much sooner than the
rider.  I started this insanity at 40, and it took my body and mind 3
years of LD to be ready for 50's.  I am so glad I moved up.  I GET TO
SEE MORE TRAIL!  For 3 years I never got to see the second half of the
trail!  Now I do.  

I am with the "if it ain't broke" crowd, but more emphisis should be
placed on BC not time for LD!

Becky Hackworth
Alpine CA
500 miles LD
500 miles Endurance
and the first 500 was the HARDEST!

DreamWeaver wrote:
> 
> >is a By-laws change and will be voted on by the membership.  Some of the
> >newcomers to Endurance are 50 milers.  Why should they have to pay and the
> >LD's not.  The LD riders get everything the longer distances get.  Vet
> checks,
> >banquet, vet exams, awards, etc.  The only difference is that they CHOOSE to
> >ride a shorter distance.
> 
> Hi Maryben:  That is exactly how I feel too.  Almost any sport you take up
> involving a horse is going to cost $$.  If anybody hasn't been to a
> horseshow lately, go check out how much it will cost you to enter a few
> classes and compare that to an entry fee for an LD ride.  I've never known
> anybody to complain of the $10 fee.
> 
> This is my first post on the subject.  I am an AERC member, having ridden
> 1300+ miles this ride season and helping manage one ride I'm ready to state
> my opinion.  (sorry, not ready to be on the BOD yet--no metal parts, I'm
> not qualified!) ;=0  <bg>
> 
> I feel that AERC = American Endurance Ride Conference should support
> 'Endurance Riding'.  If people want to keep track of shorter distances then
> they should do CTR or stick with AERC LD the way it is.  I may be wrong,
> but I am under the impression that those that originally set up AERC did
> not intend for a 25 mile ride to be considered endurance (or a race).  I
> realize that for many people a 25 or 30 mile ride is endurance for them.
> However, it is NOT endurance for the horse.  If it IS endurance for the
> horse, then that horse should not be doing a LD ride. (obviously there are
> exceptions-horse being brought back from injury, etc.) I am totally opposed
> to the LD rides having times recorded and having the "winners" rewarded
> with awards or top ten.  If somebody thinks they are hot stuff for winning
> a 25 mile ride then the AERC (or somebody) has failed in educating that
> rider.  Sure, it may matter to them that they beat "x" number of other
> horses....but if most of those riders are not doing the ride to race what
> is the point?  Who do you impress besides yourself?
> 
> Upon discussing this issue with several friends, most of which regularly
> complete 100 milers and/or multiday rides we feel that many of the AERC
> members are not being heard.  Or perhaps it is our own fault for not taking
> the time to write letters to the BOD to express our views and opinions.
> Many of us are opposed to the LD rides turning into races and I for one
> think that it is stupid to give an (year end) award to somebody that has
> completed 4 LD's in a ride season while another horse may complete 500
> miles doing 50's in the same ride season and get no recognition whatsoever.
> 
> Happy Trails,
> 
> Karen
> West Region
> AERC Member #14149
> & Dream Weaver & Rocky - members too!
>   2555 miles between them :)
>