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Bruce, you consistently put into words, in a way better than most of us are 
able to do, our thoughts.  I'm truly envious of your way with words.  I 
always thought I could express myself fairly well, but I can't hold a candle 
to you.  Bravo!

Barbara

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce Weary" <bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 1:52 PM
Subject: [RC] LD


> Kathy has said it better than I could. But I'll try, anyway.
>   All right, here's the deal.   In all of the discussions I have seen and 
> heard regarding LD riders feeling mistreated and "looked down upon," I 
> have yet to see one instance where the perceived insult didn't extend, not 
> from how they are actually spoken to and dealt with at a ride, but rather 
> as a result of that rider being miffed in some way about the level of 
> awards and recognition they could or could not garner for having ridden an 
> LD vs. an endurance ride of 50 miles or more. Kathy mentioned that 
> recognition and "spotlighting" her is not important to her, and I believe 
> that is congruent with her being comfortable with the status of LD as it 
> was originally intended--an entry level, less strenuous way of exposing 
> one's self to the sport, a place to condition young horses, re-condition 
> older horses or rehab injured ones, as well as a venue for those who no 
> longer prefer the longer distances for whatever reason: aging joints, 
> limited time, limited resources, or whatever.
>  Those who want "more for less," and by that I mean wanting more 
> opportunities for winning, BC's, points, recognition,  their name in 
> lights, bragging rights at the water cooler at work, etc., for only having 
> only gone half  to one fourth (or less) the distance of what our sport has 
> defined as an endurance ride, are going to have to realize that in life, 
> recognition and praise are generally in proportion to the effort given. 
> The same is true in our sport. It's also true whether you have limited 
> resources, PTA meetings, bad knees or you work weekends. Our personal 
> challenges that make it difficult to participate or succeed in endurance 
> riding are not good reasons for "dumbing down" the sport, so that awards 
> and praise can be more easily obtained with less effort. I, for one, 
> object to such an idea.  If this seems unfair, I suggest you run a 10k at 
> a long distance running event, and  then demand a "marathon runner" 
> medallion at the finish line. Tell me what they say. When they refuse, 
> tell them you are a runner, just the same, and you feel insulted and 
> looked down upon. Tell me what they say.
>   Try climbing Pike's Peak, and afterwards demanding membership into the 
> Mt. Everest Club. Tell me what they say. Good luck with that one. Do half 
> the work of your co-workers and demand the same pay. (Okay, I know there 
> are already people getting away with that one. Bad example):>
>  The point here, folks, is that our tiny little group of some 7,000 
> members are a rare and fortunate breed. We have the titanic privilege of 
> climbing aboard our mounts and, with the tap of our heel, or a gentle "get 
> up!,"  feeling the loyal muscle and heart beneath us, convey us anywhere 
> we like, for up to 100 miles at a time. Just because we ask.
>  So the next time you mount up and enter a long distance riding event, ask 
> yourself, "What am I really here for? Personal recognition and  glory that 
> is really earned 95% by my horse, or the chance to see some pretty country 
> with like minded riders, and the spice of a little competition thrown in?"
>  I know how I would answer that one, and how many of you would, too. 
> Bruce Weary
>
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