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DreamWeaver wrote: > > >> 1. Eliminate the term "Limited Distance". Sanction any ride over 25 > >miles > >> as an "endurance ride". Any ride less than 25 miles is a FUN RIDE, not > >> subject to AERC sanction. > > There ain't no way that's gonna happen! Pay attention to the numerous > posts pointing out what/how AERC defines endurance. 50 miles or more. Why > would anybody want to change this? If somebody wants to ride endurance, > then they need to enter an endurance ride. Not change the definition of > what endurance is. Lower the standards, in other words. I agree with everything you've said, Karen. The AERC Supports Endurance Racing, and Endurance is defined as 50+ miles. LD events are valuable for many reasons, but they aren't races. I rode LD, loved it, I still do an occasional one, but it isn't a race and it's not endurance. People who race a 25 can slow down a little and finish 50 miles! A competitively fast marathon horse can do 50 miles at a reasonable pace. So folks, if you *can* get a first on a 25, try that 50 on the next ride. Just slow down for the first few rides to get a handle on the challenges the distance adds. But if you can do a fast 25, you can finish a 50 if you ride it smart. If people riding LD want a challenge that isn't preparing to ride or race 50+ miles, the only idea I have is to grade horses A-F based on how well they complete the ride (vet scores), similar to CTR events. Don't lower the standard to make it easier. Rides like Old Dominion and Tevis will always be very tough, not everyone can do them, but we can all aspire to it, dream of it... or even just imagine how wonderful it could be if we had the great horse or physical condition to allow us to compete. It's an extreme sport. What's that Tevis saying? "This ride is not for snivelers!" This whole sport isn't for snivelers! It's about persistence and determination. And stubbornness and willfulness. I wanted to do it bad enough that I took on a 3rd horse, years ago, and couldn't turn down the 4th because he is so perfect for it, and was free... and <sigh> am training a fifth because she's such a good horse. Endurance is 50+ miles. If you're upset about not getting credit for a first place LD finish, maybe it's time for a 50. It sounds like you're ready. Linda - Gilroy CA -- "When you think you're through changing, you're through..." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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