Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

k s swigart wrote:
> From: "Truman Prevatt" <tprevatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> > It's a race. The WEC is a race. To win at this level - the rider has
> to
> > ride on the edge. If he doesn't he won't win because that is what the
> > competition is doing. There are some might good drivers and mechanics
> in
> > NASCAR, Grand Prix racing, etc., but you still see a lot of blown
> > engines simply because they are operating on the hairy edge.
>
> What this means is that NASCAR drivers are willing to sacrifice their
> engine to win the race as winning the race is more important than an
> engine that can easily be replaced.  And they are right, engines CAN
> easily be replaced.
And that NASCAR drivers are willing to risk their own lives in order to 
win.  But that says nothing about whether it's ok for horse riders to 
risk their horses' lives and health.  We also need to keep in mind that 
there are rides right here in the USA where the completion rate is less 
than 50%, Tevis being the prime example.  Competition by it's nature 
involves risk and competition and athletic endeavors at the highest 
levels by definition involves the greatest risk.  To me, the most 
interesting question is what the real motivation behind the competition 
is.  Ideally, it is to prove the quality of the entrants and to continue 
to improve the breed (including humans)by identifying entrants who excel 
and using them for breeding.  BUT, I think the motivations have more to 
do with money and national pride at FEI levels.  I would like to see a 
discussion as to whether those are motivations for which horses' health 
and safety should be risked.
Laney
> However, it is absolutely WRONG for FEI endurance riders to ride with
> this same mindset; although I agree that there is every indication that
> currently many do..and the format of the event actively encourages it.
> If FEI endurance has a poor public image, it is because it has been
> earned.
>
> kat
> Orange County, Calif.
>
>
>
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