The ride briefing is very, very important! Ride managers are not always able to put all necessary rules in writing, as last-minute circumstances may change a trail or weather conditions may dictate altering some procedures along the ride. It is vital that riders attend the briefing or at the very least, if arriving late, talk to someone who has attended the meeting to be aware of any changes to criteria or trail.

It is good if the ride manager could have as many rules as possible in writing, since that provides a clear-cut document if there should be a protest. However, there is no requirement that all of the rules must be in writing, other than vet criteria. If there are unwritten rules, ride managers could also post a board with the essentials for all to see at check-in/rider briefing.

Vet criteria must be in writing

Rules 6.2.1 through 6.2.1.7 explain the minimum vetting criteria. But included in this section is the statement, "Any ride may adopt more stringent criteria, but these must be provided to competitors before the ride in written form." An illustration of this is that a few rides require that horses must recover in only 20 minutes at the vet checks and some others require only a 30 minute pulse recovery at the finish for a 50 mile ride instead of an hour. As long as this rule addition was provided ahead of time and in writing then it is fine. This is only one example of what needs to be in writing since this is a vetting criteria and is tougher than AERC's criteria.

But what about a rule that ride management discusses in the riders meeting that has nothing to do with vetting criteria? Does it need to be in writing? AERC rule 6a-k explains the basic completion requirements that each competitor needs to meet. According to rule 6c, "obeying all the rules" is listed as one of these completion criteria. Ride managers make rules for the safety of the horses and riders and even rides. So often only the ride managers knows the reason for the rules but there is always a logic behind them.

Some rules are for the safety of the competitors and spectators, like a controlled start on a paved road, a narrow trail or before daylight, or restricting crews off the trails or certain roads, not allowing racing out of camp, etc.

Some of these rules are put in place to secure the future of their ride being held in the same location the following year--like not allowing competitors to ride on the front lawns in neighborhood developments, staying off hiking trails, keeping horses out of picnic areas, not blocking local traffic on roadways, no smoking on trails, etc. Land managers are reluctant to allow these events to take place unless their rules and regulations are followed. Some rules are just put into place for the few riders who are not courteous. Examples include no sponging out of the water toughs, requirements for being polite to other trail users, vets and ride help, etc.

So whether it be for the protection of rider, horse, ride or whatever, it is the manager's right to make stipulations concerning these rules being followed, with disqualification as a penalty. If a ride manager decides to disqualify a rider for breaking one of their ride rules, the rider always has a right to go through the protest procedure. Ride managers work hard to give riders a fair ride but you must do your part to prevent misunderstandings. Please attend the ride meeting.