Re: Do I still want to do endurance?

["Laura Hayes" <mark@madbbs.com>]

Christian, I do not know you, but hopefully I can offer some insight into
your question.  I have been riding endurance for almost 20 years, and though
I have not competed much in the last several years, I have kept up with the
community and am planning a 'comeback' this year.  My personal goal is to
die with 10,000 miles.  I am not quite half way there.  I have been where
you are.  I understand seeing your good friend becoming older and suffering
what MAY be wear and tear due to a rigorous life.  My old endurance horse is
25 and thankfully, going strong,  as many of them are.  Some horses who are
more competitive than others are more prone to 'wear and tear'  but it could
have happened in any dicipline, or to horses who do nothing.

You mentioned you are pregnant with your first child- I know from experience
that this life transforming experience (becoming a parent) can make you
question and doubt many of your former ideals.  I once rode a jumper clinic
with a Europian Olympic coach and several of my own students.  When he asked
us to do a course on a Prix field that included a bank jump down several
feet, I declined - my students were thrilled, and I was hesitant - he said
that it was not uncommom for a woman who had children, to question such
crazy things....could it be we gain a little more self preservation?  In
this case, it extends to our partner the horse, since in this sport, we are
truly partners.

The great thing about this sport is that you can step back for a period of
time and do other things, and still come a back later, and maybe be less
competitive or set different goals for yourself.  What ever you decide, Good
Luck.

Laura
----- Original Message -----
From: <guest@endurance.net>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2001 12:48 AM
Subject: RC: Do I still want to do endurance?


> Christian Love jlovec@mindspring.com
> You all have heard from me before and many of you from the East know my
horse, Althea (people accuse me of feeding her rocket fuel).  We have been c
ompeting in endurance for five years now.  Here is my issue.  I have now
started to see some wear and tear in her (despite wonderful shoeing,
Cosequin, Adequin, conditioning, great feeding program etc.), dealt with one
mild tie up situation, and have seen some things happening to horses at some
races that I just cannot get out of my mind.  I am considering leaving the
sport.  The pro's of that are: whe will physically not be as stressed, I
will not have to watch stupid people push their horses too hard and then
wonder why aweful things happen, and frankly life would be easier.  The
con's:  Althea loves to go down the trail (and fast!), I love the people I
have met through this sport (the ones who truly love their horses and take
every precaution to ensure their safety and health, and I am an extremely
competitive person who thrives!
>  on the sheer challenge of the sport.  I have not raced since the Fall
Biltmore and actually am now pregnant with my first child.  I have ridden,
but mostly flatwork with just alot of bareback relaxing trail rides since
then.
>
> My point is, am I crazy to be going through this dilemma?  Should I just
buck up and push ahead?  Has anyone else wondered if their horse (whom they
consider a best friend) really enjoys pushing themselves this hard?  And is
it worth it knowing the consequences of arthritis, navicular, or other long
term pounding effects of this sport?  I know I ask my friends who are DQs
(dressage queens) or hunters, some event riders and even some vets who say I
am crazy to put my horse through this if I really want her to last and be
healthy for the long term.  But, what about other endurance riders?  What do
you all think?
>
>
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