Distance Horse and Rider Development Program

The purpose of the DHRDP is to...
... Reward the Behavior we Want to See,..
..and create a path from grassroots to podium
if that is a goal. Progressive goals and rewards encourage riders to bring horses along slowly, while still being competitive,
A rider focusing on short term goals and awards allows the horse much needed time to develop

. As well it recognizes that long distance is a relative term. While riding 50 or 100 miles is certainly a remarkable acomplishment it may be an equal challenge to go 10 miles if horse or rider is ,returning from injury, is reaching the end of a lifetime career or is 5 yrs old and riding a pony. Recognition and respect for each accomplishment is necessary for continued participation at all ages
Set Speed Rules, support the goals and objectives of the DHRDP in that entry is progressive and the challenge is for the rider who must think about what he/she is doing rather than simply asking (or letting) the horse to go faster farther, higher,.Set Speed rules while impossible to be perfect are designed to challenge the rider and err in favour of the horse,
Because this is a game we play
and nothing more