RE: riding distances

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Janet:

One of the best things about endurance is that there is no stratification of
ability in competition. If you are a rank beginner you can still be a top of
the line competitor. If you are a millionaire you still may be capable of
only finishing in the rear.

All possibilities are open to any and all endurance riders. You do not have
to "qualify" through different levels to prove your proficiency. You just go
out there and do the ride.

I disagree with you that the playing field is not level. It is as level as
can be in any sport. Money is not as important as ability. The winning hors
can have been purchased for $500 as well as $50,000. The use of electronic
aids? The heart rate monitor is not much of an aid! Our horses have racked
up over 26,000 miles in competition 96% in the top ten and we have never
used any electronic aids. They are unnecessary.

You ask is it the horse or rider? I say that it is the horse AND rider! It
is the team of horse, rider, farrier, the vet and the desire of them all to
work together.

I also disagree with you the thought that FEI and possibly the Olympics are
"Higher Level" competition. They are no higher than any other ride. Perhaps
the egos, the pomp, the just plain bullshit associated with them make it
seem so, but on the trail it is still the same horse and rider team.

Believe me, and this comes from experience covering not only local rides but
regional, national and International competition, they are all the same once
you are on the trail. They are the same people, the same horses, and the
same challenges.

You too can be an international competitor if you so desire.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

-----Original Message-----
From: Janet Benke [mailto:qhjanet@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2000 9:11 AM
To: ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: RC: riding distances


We tend to get stuck in the arguments about limited distance and endurance
based on the number of miles.  Here's another perspective, and it should
engender discussion:  There are different levels of competition and ability
in endurance (racing).  It may be that the separation will evolve more
toward amateur/semi-professional/ professional, similar to other equine
sports (I'm thinking rodeo at this time, but dressage also comes to mind).
Also, there are sports which have different levels, or leagues, as in
softball/baseball.  (I know speaking about such in relationship to endurance
is heresy or apostasy, but I'm struggling to find a good analogy.)

For instance, some folks use electronic aids; some don't.  To me, there is a
considerable difference, one which at some point could differentiate
professional from non.  This is NOT to say that a top competitive rider
couldn't, can't, or shouldn't ride without monitors; it simply is not a
level playing field when the mix in the field is so diverse.  A top
competitive 100 miler is not in the same league as a consistently mid field
25 miler; nor is the top 100 miler in the same league as a consistently
tailender 100 miler.

Is it the horse or the rider?  The rider makes the choice on distance based
on an assessment of the horse's capability and the DESIRE of the rider to go
further.  This is similar to track racing, except the owner may be the
"jockey."

To conclude for now:  As we consider Olympics and other high level
competitions for endurance (yes, there is FEI), it is apparent that there
are levels of competence and competition in endurance racing, and that, it
seems to me, is ultimately more significant that the length of the ride.

Janet B (and Handsome, oh no you don't I'm happy in the pasture; China,
Yikes, it's a tiger whaddya mean its a water pump); and Spike, okay let's go
what's that, ok I'm ready, no what's that, ok I'm ready, whew, faster
?????OKKKAAAYYYY!!!)


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