Re: NATRC Shoe Rules Lifted

[VMAXEPT Roger Rittenhouse <vmaxept@cococo.net>]

I was waiting for this post. Was getting ready to post my own.
I am sure some of these comments will get re-posted to the CTR list.
I am not on that list anymore.

WELL I will say: GREAT SUPER ABOUT TIME.. YEAH!!!

It looks like enough NATRC riders and the BOD finally are thinking about
the better care of the horse. I have filled out every survey from our
local R5 to comments direct to NATRC and some of the BOD members.

I have been riding NATRC for the past 3 years.. this will be my 4th
year.
Coming from ECTRA CTR and NE Endurance background, the two issues I had
real problems with were the electrolyte rule and the shoeing rule.

BOTH are now gone. HOWEVER the shoe rule change is only for a year, but
after it gets set no-one will want to go back.
I suspect the regular NATRC riders will not change a thing. This will
only really affect those riders wanting to do both CTR-NATRC and
endurance. However how many have been knocked out of a few rides because
of a stone bruise, and you can get one a walk.

I have always supported the concept that I care for my horse in the
manner that I think is correct- that is in the best interest of my
horse.

I spoke out on these issues at the NATRC rides and on the CTR list  only
to be bashed around and flamed.. and accused of NOT knowing what I was
talking about. 
I kept up the comments and talked with enough riders in R5 and on the
list privately to gain support for these issues.

We we pleased with the electrolyte rule change last year. I was able to
insure my horse would maintain a proper electrolyte balance and
hydration.

We has planned this year only working 2 horses in NATRC. Only compete
the 2 older ones.
Our younger horses were slated to go only endurance ld25 and later the
50 milers.

We had to choose between our shoeing program and our type of
competition. We live in the mtns and have to condition on many rocks and
stone roads and rough trails. We could not in good conscious or good
horsemanship work our horses on these trails at the level we needed- to
get them in condition for 50 milers or for that matter a 2-day 60 CTR.

I normally condition my CTR mare with easyboots over her shoes for
protection here.

We have problems with the soft mud in the spring and last year these two
ended up with stone bruising and abcesses.
Our only fix was to go with full pads or the EQ Sneakers. We had to do
what we felt best.
With that done, we clearly expected to only participate in endurance
this year with these two horses.

This new ruling will now allow us to compete these horse in both
disciplines. We always were able to do this while members of ECTRA.
It will be great to now be able to compete ALL our horses in CTR as well
as endurance.

Hopefully this new ruling will permit and encourage other endurance
riders with young horses to try NATRC. 
IT REALLY is a good sport. Just have to understand the judging rules and
horsemanship issues- and none of that is big deal..you dont have to
sidepass..I ride CTR for the horse condition score only --and if my
style of horsemanship is what the judge is looking for -we have done
well.  SO-
The ONLY major points of concern have been resolved.

It is no surprise that the NATRC ride attendance has been off over the
past few years (at least here in R5).
I hope this change will encourage more entries from the endurance
riders.

NOW I have to re-work my ride schedule..

Again a great thank you to the NATRC BOD and the members who supported
this significant change to the rules.

Roger Rittenhouse