Ride Managers' Viewpoint

["LOUISE D BURTON" <FIREDANCEFARMS@prodigy.net>]

I was not going to get into this discussion, but it has taken on some disturbing turns, and I must remind you of THE FINE LINE again.

 

As a ride manager for 12 years, and a member of the RM committee, I don't really know why we manage rides.  I made $100 on my ride last weekend, which is being donated to our local endurance club, so it certainly is not for the money, and believe me, I'd much rather have been riding!  But you who don't manage rides, don't know how often we have thought of just "throwing in the towel".  I don't think you have a clue about THIS FINE LINE.  So, I will remind you once again, IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL, and if you keep complaining about RM, you will find yourself without ANY rides to go to!

 

As for the finish line, if you put it at a "safe" place away from county roads and camp, people complain it is too far to walk to, no one wants to sit there and be the finish timer, etc..so you can't win.

 

I think I can speak for most RM (Notice how none of them got into this discussion) by saying if there was even the remotest possibility of getting sued for putting on a ride, we would not!  Why would I risk everything I have worked so hard for all my life for YOU to ride in a ride?? 

 

 

With all this talk about lawsuits and blame, I wonder how many RM are thinking about cancelling their ride?

 

I, for one, am not, as my riders were the best ever this weekend and I want to thank THEM for their wonderful positive attitudes!  We all had FUN!!

 

Louise Burton, CT Region
Firedance Farms Endurance Arabians
Oklahoma
http://pages.prodigy.net/firedancefarms