Re: 100 mile races

SandyDSA@aol.com
Thu, 16 Jan 1997 11:26:40 -0500 (EST)

In a message dated 97-01-16 10:21:44 EST, you write:

<<
Also, while I'm complaining... again, those of you that do, stop putting
down
the new people to the sport. Give us some credit. We're not stupid,
uneducated imbeciles bumbling around the trails. Some of us are truly
trying
to learn as much as possible about nutrition and training and racing AND
equitation... hopefully just like you did when you started out.

Melody >>
Melody,
For this and other various and sundry reasons, we have become part of the LD
COmmittee; we too tired of the aspersiouns cast upon those who, for whatever
reason, ususally JOBS and CHILDREn and LIMITED trails, choose to ride LD.
HAving come from over 2 decades of various breed and open show competition, i
can tell you right now that so far, I have not met a show rider (unacquainted
with endurance) who thinks that 25 or 30 miles is easy. Contrarily, they
think we are NUTS to "waste perfectly good show horses racing them down the
trail"> I daresay the cast majority would find it hard to stay in the saddle
for that distance, and inaddition, would at the outset, at least, have no
clue about getting through a vet check.

So... yes, we believe that LD riders AND their horses (usually young or old
or recovering or the "children" of working parents) be given due respect. I
think about how easy it would be if we didn't have jobs or didn't have kids,
and I daresay it would make it really easy, especially not having to balance
school activities and softball and track and plays, etc. with what WE want to
do. To those who find that they can find the time to prepare for the multiday
and 100 milers, congratulations, really! Please give the others their due
respect - we may see you at the Renegade someday! So so so Melody!
san