Re: LD question

[TrotALongK <TrotALongK@aol.com>]

I can't remember the initial post that brought up this endless subject. So
somebody PLEASE help me here: Why was it again that some folks think we need a
minimum timelimit for LDs? 
Being still relatively new to the sport of Endurance I've done my share of LD
rides and just recently "stepped up" into the "big league". I admit to have
finished a number of LDs in less than 3 hours - without hurting my horse or
myself . The only ride I've been pulled at so far was a 50. I had FUN doing
fast 30s and 25s and I've always been wondering what's wrong with saying "we
came in third...", no matter wether it's considered "real endurance" or not.

The reason why I started with LD, although I'm relatively young and in okay
shape? At the first ride I had no clue (neither did my horse, a 7yr old
"spunky" arab) what this was all about. We jumped right in and after about 8
miles I jumped off (involuntarly...) since my horse was determined to stay
with the front runners. At the vet check I realized that this would be the
longest day of my life. My horse "hit the wall" somewhere around mile 20 when
Larry Bowers passed us (for those who ride in a different region: No, he
wasn't doing the LD....). In addition to all this my (then) boy friend turned
out to be a total faillure as a support crew. He got up about 15 minutes
before the start and had a major Attitude because this was not about him...
But he took pictures (which I certainly don't need to remember this day). The
most amazing thing though was: I WAS HOOKED!!! But still far from entering
longer rides, at least mentally and logistically if not physically.  

Today I don't think I'll go back to LDs, unless it's due to special
circumstances (i.e. bringing a horse back after an injury). However I agree
with those who have stated that LD should not be CTR. The reason why I like
American Endurance Rides is because of the simplicity. If you ride to
hard/fast you probably won't pass the vet check, no matter what distance!
There are a lot of different reason why LD rides are important (new horse,
novice rider, physical limitation, no time to condition  etc.) and a look at
completion statics should eliminate any need for more restricitive rules.
Whoever disagrees might participate in other, more regulated distance riding
diciplines. But my impression is that those who promote a minimum time in LDs
are actually riders who are usually doing 50s. Talk about educating...

I do agree though with the person (sorry, forgot who it was) who said that LD
rides need a uniform system. I've found myself a couple of times walking my
horse the last half mile without knowing that there was NO PNR at the finish
line (and wondering why others raced by...) 

Kirsten (who just got tiered of being back in camp at 9.30am)