RE: inviting UAE to US to compete

[Rightrider@cs.com]

In response to Bob's post about "easier said than done," in response to my 
post RE the UAE, I can't agree and here's why not. First, I don't think the 
riders from the UAE would feel slighted by an invitation which didn't come 
with airline tickets for them and their horses (maybe I'm wrong, but I would 
certainly rather make the gesture and risk being rejected than not reaching 
out or not feeling like I wanted to offer them the opportunity to expand 
their experience and expertise by testing themselves and their horses on some 
of the topographical challenges offered by competing in the good 'ol US of 
A!)  
    Second, if you ever attended the ROC, you know what a "to do" it 
was.....far ahead of its time for the most part.  Well that "to do" was the 
brain child with most of the done by ONE WOMAN (and yes, I am well aware that 
the path of the ROC did not always run smoothly).  But let's think about 
this, if the ROC was be done by ONE WOMAN, what could a half dozen 
dedicated/inspired women do (oops sorry boys, didn't mean to leave you out of 
this... just kidding - but only about the "woman" part).
    Thirdly, I don't think rides/races such as the Tevis or the OD need any 
additional frills to be perfect.  They are what they are and there is TONS of 
C.L.A.S.S. in both of those events, as anyone who's ever attended or ridden 
them knows.  I'll just point out a few of the "special highlights" of Tevis 
(only because it's in my backyard and I know it well, I'm sure someone out 
there could make a similar list about the OD).  1) Auburn is a gold rush town 
with a facinating history, Old town Auburn is almost right out of a movie set 
(matter of fact it has been a movie set), so is unique and surely of interest 
to foreign visitors. 2) The drive to Robie Park from Auburn is breathtaking, 
the visual, baren, stark, inspiring crags, the equal of any dessert and we 
aren't even talking about the ride back down the mountains! 3) The UEA has 
its Hummers, the Tevis has its volunteers.
4) Where else can you test yourself over the legendary "Cougar Rock?" 5) The 
pre-ride dinner is done in true "old west chuck wagon spirit (if not fact) 
and while I can't remember the name of the group which does it each year, I 
DO remember the caliber of food served is always very good, (and I'm VERY 
pickey, just ask any of my friends).  6) There's no tent or light show in the 
world which can better the towering pines, the smell of the woods and the 
stars that look so close you feel like you could touch them....all a part of 
the "decorating scheme at Robie Park. 7) The Tevis buckle (if you're lucky 
enough to earn one) is copyrighted!  'Ya can't buy it, look out if you try to 
copy it, 'ya to earn it!   
    I could go on, but I won't....haven't even had supper yet.  Knew this 
modern contraption would start robbing me of my "down" time and sure 'nuf.  
You get my point I'm sure. Happy Trails, Donna Snyder-Smith