Tom Ivers' essay

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

I follow much of what Tom writes, just to learn a different viewpoint.  I 
realize that Tom believes that placing first is "winning", and on the race 
track, that is true.  However, in endurance riding on the level across the 
nation, the happy circumstance is that placing first is not necessarily the 
only way to win, and therein lies the beauty of AERC's motto.  We all win in 
different ways, whatever each ride means to each person.  I placed first in 
only one ride in my 30 years of endurance riding, and I was very surprised to 
realize that there was no more satisfaction in that one "win" than there has 
been in numerous other rides. I guess I just don't possess enough competitive 
spirit to care whether I finish first.  I'm out there having a good time on 
my horse and loving the discovery of new territory.  I admire people who want 
to place first and can do so, but it isn't my goal.  To each his own, and be 
proud of it.

Barbara