RE: [RC] The Meaning of Endurance Riding - Bob Morris
Title: Message
Steph:
Not sure that the opinions of an old man are
what you are looking at but here they are. I will assure you that some of them
are not politically correct. So, if non-PC statements are offensive they can
easily be deleted.
My views are based on, as well as biased by,
the results of observing endurance competition since 1977.
The topic under discussion, the
concept of Endurance 'Riding' vs Endurance 'Racing', is interesting from the
view point of the differing social entities engaged. I speak mainly of those in
the United States but also, as almost an after thought, those of other
countries.
In the US we have three distinct types
of competitors. Those DRIVEN to succeed (type A business types). We then have
those who will try hard but will inevitably be middle of the pack finishers
because of a lack of commitment. The third type of competitor are the ones out
there for the fun, the companionship and the trail. Of course there are those
who blend between the classes, there are no distinct lines of demarcation.
These describe the US competitor but then
there is a definite classification of "foreign" competitor that does not fit
these classifications. (one of the faults of assigning classification) Let us
call this the Euro/Arab type even though the extent of this type is well beyond
those geographic bounds.This competitor is used to engaging in the so
called "sport of kings". It is their born right or destiny. Equestrian sports
are not for the commoner but for the privileged. It is
expected of them to win. Second place does not
exist.
So, how does this set of classifications
relate to Endurance competition in the USA?
There will always be the "Type A"
competitor. They will always strive for the top, but in contrast to their
Euro/Arab counterpart, they will have the welfare of the horse always in the
back of their mind, tempering their extreme competitiveness.They will not
knowingly harm the horse in order to win. Thus, on the WORLD scene they will
seldom win in total international competition.They will compete and give their
best efforts but will always consider the welfare of the horse. Their
counterparts are willing to win even if it means the horse will not
compete again.
So, Endurance 'Riding' vs. Endurance
'Racing' We will continue to have the endurance riding, long may it live, but we
will still experience the endurance racing, in our own form providing for the
horse. As for all out ENDURANCE RACING, I am afraid that our horse first
attitude will leave us on the fringes of that scene though we will give it our
best effort.
As you are aware, it is not easy to have
philosophic discussions on line. Perhaps this could be discussed at the RC
breakfast in San Antonio.
