In a message dated 97-01-27 16:46:22 EST, you write:
>> I think you've just insulted a lot of beginners and experienced riders who
train hard to compete and have fun at the limited distances.
I also beg to differ on your point that "most of the riders and horses who
do
this aren't the least bit fit or know anything about fittness." Some of
these folks might know a hell of lot more than some of the most experienced
people out there and they might also be more fit. Maybe "some" is a better
word than "most."
I like your awarding of ribbons.... kind of like the t-shirts and
certificates. I thought it was nice for Terry to award BC for the LD at
Warner. Lynne, from the middle of the pack, was acknowledged for
conditioning and piloting her horse to the finish in great shape. Hey, she
probably had a lot of fun too! Didn't you Lynne?
Maybe a little too sensitive,
Melody<<<
Sorry, I certainly did not mean to offend the many great freinds (and those I
don;t know) out there who do LD...I, too have much fun on them..but I am
riding where my horses is ready, be it 25,50 or 100. It just gripes me to
hear someone brag about "winning" a 25 miler and that they are going to now
sell their horse to the arabs for big bucks..this is NOT just one person, but
several. We all work hard to do what we love..some (a greta many) have their
hearts in the right places (or we wouldn't be having such a battles about $$
on rides). We have all been hit by the D.I.M.R. bug, but add money (ego is
bad enough), and the cure is a long way off...
Teddy
Teddy,
There are always the few - - - just as long as they don't become the
majority. I think the limited distance is great, also slightly demeaning to
be called "limited distance". Not many "back yard" horse owners, or
horseowners who keep their horse at a stable can or do make the time to
condition a horse (or themselves) to do 25 mi. in a decent time. Most can go
out and do it - but fewer do it well.
I still wish the AERC promoted more "elevator rides". That way, if you are
using the 25's as a stepping stone to the 50's, & it was a great day - you
could just step-up & do it!