Re: LDs

["David E. Carlson" <dcarlson@theriver.com>]

Monika,

It sounds like you are doing pretty well after such a loss, I'm sure it helps a
little anyway to be busy as I'm sure you are.  I know you've been in all of our
thoughts & prayers & that, yes, Don is looking down & I bet he's feeling pretty
proud of you right now.  How truly blessed you & Don were in your relationship.
I don't know how long you two were together but I think it's wonderful, the time
you had together.  How many of us have non-horsey husbands, whom we love, but
how wonderful it would be to be able to ride together, talk together about
something we both share such a love for.

Karen

Monika Smith wrote:

> Developing the LD portion of the AERC seems to have a haphazard quality.
> And while the BOD has probably spent many hours trying to tussle this to
> the ground, the very basis of LD MUST be revisited and an understanding of
> how it can evolve, separate from, the issue of endurance riding.
>
> Perhaps take a page from a the AQHA, or anyother breed/sport association,
> or affiliation.
>
> Perhaps LD riders should have their own status, ie 'amateur', or even
> 'novice'. And built from there.
>
> If the AQHA could create all these categories, since they recognized that
> the organziation could be very stale if only trainers or PROs rode or
> showed. So, they have gained even more members, cause the new poeple aren't
> competing with the 'pros' and have their own awards and points and so on.
>
> I think carrying a card that says 'LD' would do a lot for people to really
> understand just how they compete; where their concerns lie; and how they
> could see the future of THEIR portion of the organization. That would save
> a lot of grief with the pot shots about which is what or who's more
> important.
>
> And, why not a novice card? With the understanding that you're out of
> novice, when, for example, you've done 50 miles? or a year? And yes, they
> should pay for the privlidge of belonging to the organization.
>
> Does this mean more paper work? you betcha...more awards? you betcha. Why
> not? AQHA has HUGE numbers in its ride program--probably more than ride
> endurance.
>
> All I see right now is a big muddy ball that is creating far tooo much
> confrontation. You can be fair until you lose sight of what this sport is
> about. Change is necessary for any organization and sport to grow. Let's do
> this logically and in a way that allows varied opinions to be incorporated
> in a meaningful and effective manner.
>
> Just my .02 cents
>
> Monika, Koko and Ripp
>
> Personal PS. Thank you to all ridecampers that have given me such needed
> support during this time of grief. I know Don is looking over my shoulder
> and saying that if it's important, DO something. On Friday, Don will have
> his memorial service. If you take a moment at 2:00 pm, MST for a thought
> and prayer to all riders, who loved horses, of all persuation, how have
> gone before before, I would be very appreciative.
>
> Thank you.