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Re: [RC] President's Cup Race (in my opinion) - Maryanne Stroud Gabbani


As probably the most nasty and vocal critic of the UAE "endurance" scene, I can appreciate Steph's point of view. First, it is definitely news, it is definitely happening, and whether or not it is a trend that will change the face of endurance forever or just a passing fancy of some rather wealthy riders remains to be seen. Second, if someone would pay for me to go to an interesting country on the other side of the world, I'd usually jump at the chance as well. My caution is always that people remember when they go that they are part of a show and as such are not seeing a lot of the reality around them. I have to admit that you couldn't get me to take one of my own horses over there for love or money, knowing what I know about the way the races are run....on the other hand, I would have a snowball's chance in hell of being invited as well. I appreciate Steph covering the UAE nonsense for us. I like to know what's going on, the good, the bad, and the ugly. And I'll bet anything that Steph appreciates the sort of ride that SHE puts on all the more for her experience.

Maryanne Gabbani



I'll give you my candid reasons for involvement with UAE events.

1. as an Endurance news website: I try to present to the world, what is
happening in the world. The Pres Cup is an extreme endurance Racing event -
money, press, betting, groomed flat track. Not the sport that we nurture
here in the US. My personal opinion is that events like this are bad for our
sport. ...But Endurance Net is a news medium, and the Pres Cup is
newsworthy. Everyone will have their own opinions as to whether it is
bad/good/indifferent for the sport of endurance. My goal with Endurance Net
is to provide the information - let people know what is happening out there,
as well as at home. Once you know, you can do what you will with the
information. (it was not an accident that I put the Pres Cup banner below
Frank's comments)

2. as a rider: When I received an invitation to ride in the World Cup
(Dubai) with Khruschev, I didn't hesitate for a second. Everybody has a
price, mine is the thrill of adventure. I ate their food, I dined and
lounged in tents set up in the middle of the desert - carpets, hubbly bubbly
pipes, the feel and smell of mid-Eastern air. I spent 3 weeks in an exotic
foreign country with my husband and one of my sons. I rode across sand dunes
among the camels - this was AWESOME! I met some very fine people. It was a
most incredible adventure, I don't regret it for a second, and I would do it
again.

Steph

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of KimFue@xxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 10:02 AM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] President's Cup Race (in my opinion)


This is only my opinion and as I reread what I wrote I know it sounds harsh.
I apologize for not being able to put my opinion in words that are softer
and less offensive. I know I may be sorry I ever posted this to a public
list but I am just so tired of the endless propaganda campaign that is being
waged to promote the UAE style of racing through e mails I receive and
advertizing on both endurance.net and Endurance News.

Sandy wrote that she would like to see Americans interviewed at the
President's Cup. Any American that is over there to be interviewed
obviously agrees with the "President Cup Concept" or they wouldn't
participate in that venue as a rider, vet, or trainer. When the best US
riders accept invitations to race they are in essence telling the world that
they and unfortunately the USA (they do represent US endurance riding even
if it is not "formal representation"because the home country is mentioned
and many of these same riders do represent the US at FEI events) that this
type of racing is OK. It is amazing what a lot of money and hype and hoopla
can cover up....this is really not that much different than a back yard jack
pot race (fast courses, betting, and big purses) wearing the clothing of an
Olympic style event. I may not like this style of endurance riding and I do
not think it is good for the sport but what I hate even more is the
hypocrisy of so many riders that choose to participate. I wish those riders
would just come out and say we are here for the free trip, the perks, and
the purse. But instead I have heard so many praise UAE and the racing
system created in the middle east. I would bet that these same endurance
riders would condemn this type of riding if it popped up in the US without
the "big bucks" backing it. In my eyes, the top riders around the world
are invited and bought only to bring legitimacy and prestige to an event
that would otherwise be condemned by most of the international endurance
community. I could stomach this a lot better if every one were just honest
about what is going on. There are many equestrian sports that become
corrupt from big money....this type of endurance racing would not be the
first.

Kim Fuess


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Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

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Replies
RE: [RC] President's Cup Race (in my opinion), Alison Farrin