CTR

["russell d calanni" <RUSSELLC5@prodigy.net>]

I have been reading some of the debate about CTR vs. Endurance vs. NATRC. I'm mostly a lurker & am reluctant to say anything, but I feel the need. NATRC IS competitive trailriding. Just a different organization with their own style just like there are other "long distance" organizations out there. I have very limited experience compared to some of you and even after 10 years of limited participation because of time, family obligations, & not an over abundance of rides in my area, I still consider myself a novice. No I haven't won anything to mention except alot of knowledge, had alot of fun, met alot of great people, made some pretty cool new friends & have done whatever I could in my limited capacity to promote a sport I think is pretty neat. I have had horses since I was 10, so I know alittle bit about them.  I think we need to all be alot more open-minded about things and support one another & mostly try our damndest to support this wonderful sport. In the area I live, there is still only a handful of us who ride long distance & we all try to help one another and bring new people in. 

    If there is a ride in your area, support it in whatever way you can. Ride it, work it, encourage it. In doing this, we help everyone who loves the sport of Long Distance (I prefer to call it this) & all its different disciplines, no matter what rules the ride goes by. We all share a common bond with each other, our love of one of God's greatest creatures & the sport we all love no matter what form it takes.Maybe we ought to be asking ourselves "What have I done to promote such a wonderful sport lately?" 

    Just a thought.  

    Kathy & Peeples from W. New York