[drivingpairs] Re: check reins

You are correct in that when attending carriage driving events some 
people make it a point to "pull the rules" on those who are not familiar 
with what is regulated by ADS.  I find that events not approved by ADS 
tend to "selectively" enforce those rules needed to make their 
particular event work.  (Of course it is understood that an ADS approved 
event is covered by the book.)  This causes confusion among those who 
are not yet up to speed on knowledge of rules.  I would like to see 
events have pre-event drivers meetings to make sure all drivers 
understand which rules are going to be enforced and which rules are 
going to be relaxed for that particular event.  I just attended an event 
where the rules governing a class where shouted out to each contestant 
as they entered the arena (because the strict ADS rules were not being 
enforced.  In fact, there had been some tweeking of the rules to fit the 
event.)  Novice attendees were so very confused.  In the end, no 
disqualifications were enforced because of the confusion.  Not good.

Please understand that not all "games are played" by ADS rules; that's 
my point in leading this particular discussion.  The ADS rulebook is 
only the ultimate at ADS sanctioned events.  You can know the ADS book 
by heart but that won't help if you attend events not governed by ADS rules.
As a long time drafter I have had to change some of the ways I do things 
while attending carriage driving events.  I've even had to educate a 
judge or two on Chapter 21 of "The Book".  That's what I'm supposed to 
do because it's what is required.  But at the same time I feel it is my 
obligation to educate people on how differently things are done in my 
venue. 
Did you know that most people don't know the difference between a 
sidecheck and an overcheck?  I've attended events and have been infomed 
that I can't use "checks" because "The Book" doesn't allow it.  Well, 
side checks are allowed so I have to infom this person that I'm legal.  
That's why I try to join in these discussions and give my perspective.  
The more educated each of us are concerning the different driving 
methods the more tolerant we become. 
Ken

Michael Maurer & Robin Knight wrote:

>I heartily agree with Hardy about being open minded,  but further ,  I find
>that the problem with many of these lists is that people tend to take them
>as gospel rather than looking at the ultimate source of how the game is
>played - "the ADS Rules".
>I have found to my dismay in my own interactions with driving people how few
>of them actually possess,  much less read the current rules.
>
>This idea that check reins aren't allowed by the ADS is not true.  They are
>not allowed at the advance and intermediate level in combined driving,  but
>they are allowed in training and preliminary.
>
>If you read the pleasure driving rules you will find that side checks are
>allowed in all classes and they are commonly used in coaching classes as
>well.  Even standing martingales are a part of the correct turnout for a
>Stanhope gig.
>
>Granted,  side checks are a training tool,  and I am not advocating using
>them or not.  I use them myself in training a young horse if it is
>appropriate,  but my main message is please  "READ THE RULES"   !
>
>They are there to guide you and available on the ADS website even if you
>aren't a member.  I  remember a good friend of mine, Jack Lyndon,  recently
>deceased,  who said he recognised  a real driving person when he found a
>copy of the rule book in the bathroom as reading material.  I heartily agree
>with him.
>
>Mike Maurer
>
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