I have, personally, heard OVER and OVER that if I REALLY want to do
endurance, I should get an Arab. Yes, now it feels more like good natured
kidding-it did NOT feel that way at first. I have known an experienced vet
to say that "Only Arabs and 1/2 Arabs complete all 5 days of this ride" (He did
cheer me on and told me he was very proud of me when we DID do all 5 days, but
hearing that comment on day 2 really did hurt, even later realizing that he
meant it more as a consolation to a rider whose horse had been pulled that
day). I feel like a freak in a sideshow at times because of the attention
my horse has received at times (Of course, I'm not that upset, I've been an
oddball most of my life, so I rather enjoy it). I have had people come try
to SELL me an Arab "Since you seem to like this sport you need to buy a
real endurance horse (yep, actual words)." That is a roundabout way
of saying "I don't believe your horse will REALLY keep doing this" to a person
who is tired but proud of their non-Arab. Why do you think so many
ridecamp newbies ask "Is it POSSIBLE for my horse to DO endurance?"
I see it at times when I see/speak with folks who are riding
an Arab but they tell me that their "Pleasure" horse is <insert gaited
breed here> - they never thought to TRY it for endurance because they
were told "Only Arabs excel at it." There IS a breed prejudice there, I'm
sorry. And yes, I KNOW that on average Arabs ARE great at this sport and
at the top-and I'm proud for you. But look at the little things....AERC
tracks pedigree of Arabs doing endurance, but no other breed. Your OWN
last comment, if I wanted to feel persecuted, could be translated to "Gaited
breeds are great if you CAN'T ride an Arab (meaning, a REAL endurance
horse)." I RARELY top ten with my horse. I am not asking for
speed...not sure if I ever will. I LOVE being out on the trail with a
definite GOAL, and I LOVE knowing that I have the ride vets to help me get a
TRUE picture of how my horse is doing. Endurance is for me, no bones about
it...and I personally think my non-Arab does great at it.
I hope this doesn't sound aggrieved-I love Endurance and the folks I meet
out there-I really do. So many folks have encouraged me when I was
tired/scared/confused and, most often, Lost on trail <grin!>. I have
gotten great advice, and I DO feel accepted. I just think that some of you
have been on the "inside" of the Arab bias and have never realized the
UNINTENTIONAL slant of what gets said. The "exceptions" to the "Arab rule"
often pop to your mind quite quickly because they are an anomaly in your own
mind. It brings to mind the stereotype of the white family who are so
quick to point out their black friend, patting themselves on the back for being
"openminded." I AM proud of how quickly you all tell anyone, "Yes,
Endurance is for ALL equines." I just wish you didn't HAVE to....
Faustina & Romeo
(and yes, I own 5 Arabs...I just don't know if I want to ride any of them
100 miles)
Why do people who ride non Arabs have such a
chip on their shoulder? To each his own, no body cares, unless they see a
horse that,s skinny & overworked. That tends to get everyones attention. I
love gaited horses, I,m seriously considering buying one because I,m getting
to old to ride Arabs. I,ve been told gaited horses are
perfect for older riders, handicapped folks or those just plain to scared to
ride Arabs jvm
