SADDR

["Linda S. Flemmer" <bluwolf@earthlink.net>]

Seasonal
Affective
Disorder of
Distance
Riders

This disease sets in during the initial shortening days and lousy
weather of late fall, early winter.  Riders, with little else to do,
begin to be short tempered (at others beside their crew), grumble, and
easily take offense at other's words.  

This is a progressive disease that spreads to non-distance riders in the
same family.

No known cure.  The disease must run it's course, usually resolving
about 1-2 months before the next scheduled ride in the Spring.  Folks in
the area of a rider affected with SADDR should seek cover and attempt to
grow thick skin.  Under no circumstance should you plan any other
activities for the limited hours of daylight on a weekend without
rain/snow/hail/sleet.  The rider needs that bonding time with their
horse to maintain any hint of sanity.

Take heart - it is NOT a lethal disease, even if the family sometimes
wishes that it was.
***************************

Anyone familiar with this?  I've seen some cases floating around!

Linda Flemmer