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<< Well, I was waiting for the ROC to be a topic here. Before we get
carried away with what went wrong, I think we need to look at the big
picture. We, the riders, should be the ones controlling this sport.
We do that through the AERC and supporting rides. If Susan wants to
run her own "game", let her. Read your AERC newsletter, they are
aware of the problems and almost did not sanction the ride. However,
100 mile rides are hard enough to find and we all know that the lure
of the trail keeps us coming back, not the "glitz" that Susan puts
on. I know that riders would still ride her ride even if it was NOT
sanctioned, although it would not be as many. Not sanctioning the
ROC , would it really make a difference?
I was very much in the thick of things and want to commend the FAHA
and volunteers for knowing the rules and acting "professionally".
Even in the midst of chaos, they came up with solutions, and those
solutions were in favor of the rider completing the ride.
Frustration and anger sprung from decisions that did not appear to
favor the rider completing the ride. I think that we all agree that
this is a BIG factor in what we want in this sport. Veterinary
criteria was "stiffer" than we are used to because it was a
championship ride, thus the high pull rate. I am sure that the vets
felt justified in that but it was hard on those of us who qualified
under less stringent criteria. Let's face it, many of the horses at
the ROC were not top runners, they were there because the riders
wanted to participate in the sport and were willing to get to five
rides to qualify, no matter what it took. These riders are the bread
and butter of the sport, just like the training and preliminary
levels of combined driving, eventing and dressage. They are there to
learn, to support, and to aspire. It is very important to any sport
to treat these people well and to encourage them for they are our
future. Not only did they support the ROC, they supported at least
five 100 mile rides to get there. Discourage them and what do we
have? Do we want to send a message to the vets, and managers,
that adding the word "championship" to a ride does not mean a
different playing field?
My final comment is that endurance riders, like wild animals, become
dangerous to deal with when not fed. My deepest apologies to the
poor man who donated the food, which we paid Susan for, and took the
wrath of the riders when it ran out before the last rider was in.
John and Sue Greenall
mailto:greenall@vermontel.com
>>
Here, here!!!! Susan has an e-mail address. I wonder if she is subscribed
to ridecamp. We don't want to tell her she is terrible..she has done great
things for this sport. BUT, she does need to know and should WANT to know
what the problems are. Only good press to correct problems and cater to
riders (within reason).
I could not have said it better myself.
Teddy
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