Being Judged (was Look for a horse)

["April" <adlee@bigfoot.com>]

Jim,

  I can't speak for "most endurance riders," but I can speak for me, which
is what I was doing when replying to Sandy.  And I will speak for myself
again.  If I wanted to be judged on horsemanship or on all the little things
to get my horse to do something, I would (A) get a trainer, (B) show at the
local shows.

To understand my dislike of judging, you have to understand my personality,
which you may not after this e-mail, but I will try.  I am a quiet, shy
person.  Ok, I know it doesn't seem like it from all my talk on this list,
but that's my real personality.  I don't like people staring at me, which
also may not be apparent since I "insist" on riding bareback.  I don't do it
to get attention, I do it because that's what I'm most comfortable doing,
despite the staring and comments.

I like to figure things out outside of the prying eyes of others.  So I make
some mistakes, that's ok with me.  I'll figure it out and try to learn from
my mistakes.  But I don't want somebody else pointing out my mistakes.  I
don't take criticism very well.  I admit it.  Maybe it's because I like to
think I'm better than I am.  Maybe it's because I'm too sensitive.  Maybe
it's because most  people can't give constructive criticism without sounding
accusatory.  Maybe a combination of all.

So to minimize my own discomfort, I prefer NOT to be judged at horseback
riding.  Not officially.  This may sound selfish.  Ok, it is.  But I can
afford to be selfish in this because it's (A) not hurting my horse, and (B)
it's a HOBBY.  I get judged at work.  I get judged at school.  I get judged
when I go to pick up a &^%$* pizza.  I don't want to be judged at horseback
riding.  So I choose a discipline that does not require judging my horseback
riding.

And I doubt that CTRs is the only way to learn to take care of your horse
properly.  That's as narrow-minded as thinking that LDs is the only way to
get into endurance.

If others like to do CTRs, more power to them.  Go ahead, do it.  But I
doubt you'll catch me at one.

April

PS.  Yes, I can do a lot of things with my horse (including back up between
two trees).  He's a good horse.  But that doesn't mean I want to be judged
on it.


----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Ferris x223 <jferris@cwa.com>


Why is "being judged" such a big problem? I fail to understand why most
endurance riders have a fetish against "being judged". CTR, particularly
NATRC, teaches you how to best care for your horse. Look at the results

<snip>

judge bareback riders?). As to the backing between two trees, this is a
necessary capability that a horse must learn (at least you admit you can
do it!).

<snip>

Sorry for the soapbox, but it really irks me that most endurance riders
won't even try CTR (NATRC). It is still the best learning place for
young horses, even if you want to do endurance. You will learn how to
take care of your horse so that he/she will continue to be usable even
into late age (read high 20's).

<snip>


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