[QUOTE=asterix;8378921]
I have a ditchy horse. I would so much rather ride him through a combo with a jump before or a jump after than just a ditch. I do not feel that, at a low height, this adds any significant level of difficulty.[/QUOTE]
Asterix-
This is a prime example of the dichotomy facing the rules-makers.
You and I are experienced riders who are often “bringing along” a young horse.
W tend to think of things from that (horse oriented) perspective, as do many on the Course Designers committee.
The Membership Committee, on the other hand are focused on the new (or at least new to eventing) RIDER. In particular, they want people who come to their first recognized event, at BN, to have a positive experience, and want to come back for more. The object is not to overface the RIDER, and sometimes the green rider gets so focused on the ditch that they mess up the other fence.
So, while WE may think that a jump before or after a ditch makes it easier for the green HORSE, it is also likely to make it HARDER for the green RIDER…
When it comes to the rules, I think it is more important to “cater to” the green riders (who will probably be spending more time at BN anyway) than the green horses.
