RE: [RC] The Meaning of Endurance Riding - Steph Teeter
I'd like to see some serious, civil
discussion on the concept of Endurance 'Riding' vs Endurance 'Racing'.
I'm headed back to UAE next week to cover
the Presidents Cup 160km event (Feb 18). In UAE as well as most of the rest of
the world, there is a strong emphasis on Winning, and along with it a focus on
Training to Win. I'm sure there are many exceptions, but as the sport grows
around the world, it is developing more as a competition, a 'race', then as a
recreational 'ride'. Not everybody tries to win at every event - many use
events as training and conditioning - preparation for a time when a particular
horse can excel - do it's best. Riders and trainers are not stupid in this
respect, but there is more definitely an eye on a final goal of winning,
excelling, doing the best ride for a given horse on a given day.
I don't think there are a lot of career
'mileage' riders in most of the rest of the world, at least in my experience and
observation. The horses and riders that are most honored are the ones that do
well at an event, especially if they can have a career of doing well.
Some thoughts...
will the rest of the world eventually be
more like the US? as their riders mature, their experience grows? Will they
value the horse and rider that log thousands of miles as much, or more than the
horse and rider that win championships? Will they compete less and complete
more?
or will we eventually change? as our next
generation of riders grows up with a more global view of the sport
and perhaps set their sites on International competition, championship
victories? or will our sport split, into Endurance Riding and Endurance Racing ?
Are they compatible? AERC seems to try to embrace both styles - awarding high
point riders and horses as well as high mileage and career achievements. is this
sustainable?
thoughts? It would especially be fun to hear
from some new folks out there -
Steph
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Merryben@xxxxxxx Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 10:52
AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] The Meaning of
Endurance Riding
Everyone should read Cyndee Pryor's article about Dave Rabe in
this month's EN. That is what this sport is
about.
