Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Oh please.... let me set the record straight... this has been going on since
1985.

FACT:  Valerie wore U.S. striped running shorts in the FEI ride in Austria
in 1985.  Criticism was launched about sitting on what looked like an
American Flag & being barelegged.

In Defense:  Many riders rode in shorts & running shoes at that time.  There
was no dress code and that was common & accepted apparel. 

FACT:  I (Darolyn Butler) wore a cherry red, one piece lycra jumpsuit in the
1987 N. American Championship in Va. (not abroad).   

DEFENSE: & FYI, Lindsey Taliferro (a six foot man-for those of u who don't
know him & a fairly sophisticated one) wore black spandex riding tights also
... this was not particularly noted....  on the other hand, the whole
lycra/spandex "thing" was fairly new & no one had been seen riding in lycra
in  a color, other than black or navy,        That red suit still seems to
strike up this wild image 15 years later.  The above two stories merged into
one, both being told about Val & I, depending on what part of the country
the teller is telling from.

OPINION:  I personally feel there should be a certain amount of professional
look in our riding attire at the Intl. Level.  I also feel banning anything
but earth tones & insisting on the collared shirts is obsessive.  To allow
all the bright colored shirts & jackets, both in Endurance & the other USET
sports, & then say .... "OH yes, but only earth tone pants" is just a little
bit weird to me.  Oh... & what about those reining cowboys & their
attire????

Especially since in the last few years, many teams at the world competitions
have been appearing in their native dress in the opening & closing
ceremonies, and their team, in some instances, is attired in somewhat native
apparel, even for the competition. 

Let's face it, Endurance riding is an extreme sport.... like "hot dog"
skiing or ski boarding.... we are a bit of "the outlaw bunch" in the
equestrian world.  Let's have some style of our own.... don't dress us up
like a Dressage Rider (no offense to you guys).  

What really burns me, is we get so obsessive here about following the dress
code rules, then you go abroad and there are riders (riding in an FEI Ride)
in low top running shoes, (no heels, no cages),  khaki loose fitting pants
or jeans, & T-Shirts.  

I personally think we should show up at the world champion opening
ceremonies in White Stetsons, Fringed half chaps, & sparkly red/white/blue
(sequined?) shirts... with FRINGE of course!!!!  The rest of the world would
love it!!!   Ah well, I've often been called a dreamer.... Its late & I had
to wrangle a four hour walk ride today... I guess that's my punishment for
having so much fun running fast the last 5-6 endurance rides.  Good nite
all.
dare

From: "Barbara McCrary" <bigcreekranch@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [RC]   [RC] Horses/Olympics

Now wait a minute!  Darolyn Butler wore something similar to that in an
early FEI ride in Europe and she was chastised for dressing like that.  Some
of the then-FEI bigwigs felt that was totally inappropriate and
consequently, ever since then, riders have been dressed discreetly in shirts
with collars and whatever pants are considered similarly discreet.

Barbara McCrary

----- Original Message -----
From: "Laurie Durgin" <ladurgin@xxxxxxx>
To: <glenn218@xxxxxxxxx>; <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 5:59 PM
Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] Horses/Olympics

> I think it's the skimpy costumes and the bare legs. Maybe if endurance
> riders were all lightweights and wore one piece lycra body suits...  :)
Darolyn Butler-Dial & Mark Dial 
     CYPRESS TRAILS EQUESTRIAN CENTER & HORSEMAN VIDEO SHOWCASE
            Proven Endurance Horses for Sale or Lease.
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Represents:   Sharon Saare Saddles, Professional Choice, Advanced Biological
Concepts,  & KM (Human Electrolytes)
ADVOCATE :THE WHOLE HORSE TRIM (Barefootin")     
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       Ph:  281 446 7232    Fax 281 446 0113  Toll Free (800) 228 8768  
     e mail: darolyn@xxxxxxxxxx <mailto:darolyn@xxxxxxxxxx>
http://home.swbell.net/darolyn/

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