Re: Do I still want to do endurance?

["Russell Calanni" <russellc5@prodigy.net>]

Hi,
I understand your dilemma, but do understand that there are endurance horses
out there that do last to a ripe 'ole' age and sound.  But what I wanted to
"suggest" to you is there are  distance sports out there that would involve
less "wear n' tear" on you friend.  I love distance riding myself. I started
with limited distance at endurance rides and have found myself leaning more
towards competitive trail.  I don't know what your challenge is, but I
always enjoyed the challenge of the trail itself.  Yes the pace is faster
"regular" trail ride, but it's not a race. ECTRA competitive trail rides are
slower then Endurance and more prevalent in the East. I discovered North
American Trail Ride competitives and  have found them to be more of what I
thought competitive trail riding was, but have enjoyed both.  I like speed,
but do like to be able to see alittle scenery and enjoy the mental
challenges as well.

Well I hope  you don't mind my "two cents". Just thought I'd give you some
food for thought.

Good Luck, Kathy and Peeples (my trail buddy)
----- 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
competing 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 thriv!
> es!
>  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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