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[RC] - The ColesI too am a "heavy" at 210lbs. While I don't do 50's or 100's, mainly because I Event, I have done many CTR's and a few LD's. My horse has always finished in the top 3. And, like you, I am currently facing the same discrimination from some Olympic level coaches as I prepare to move to Preliminary level next summer. What turns my crank is that all people see is a fat person. There are PLENTY of skinny people out there who are unfit, and really crappy riders. Unbalanced, clinging, back pounders. I work hard all year to improve my riding position through dressage lessons from a VERY well qualified coach. I take pride in being super careful about my horses back, and making sure that when he does get tired that I try to keep him centered under the saddle rather than let him pop his ribs to the right and start increasing his fatigue through poor carriage. The only sweet revenge I have is to know that I am a balanced rider, and an effective one, and while my winnings, in eventing and distance, have proven that "fat" people can ride, I still feel a need to prove it as well. Perhaps I have a damaged psyche... Even though I know that these National level coaches have made their comments in an effort to improve my riding and fitness level (I do understand their foundation of statement), and hence be able to help my horse when we are nearing the last leg of the cross country course and he is getting tired coming into large solid fences, it still stings nevertheless! Perhaps this is just what I need to finally start a serious effort at becoming fitter for my horses sake....... DL Jeff and Donna Lee Cole Turning Point Stables Browns Flat, NB =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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