Finger pointing and facts

[DebiG54@aol.com]

In a message dated 03/25/2001 11:24:57 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
Coujurs1@aol.com writes:


> I don't know what it is about the UAE that makes people run there mouths 
> (or in this case fingers) about stuff they have no idea about.   But some 
> facts need to be set straight.  


Hi Nina:

Since you seem to be pointing YOUR finger at me, let me reply to your 
comments.  I never said the US riders in that race weren't the best the US 
had to offer at this time.  I said "horse/rider teams."  There's a 
difference.  You're right about those riders being most recently involved in 
international competition.  But, in some of the cases, the horses they rode 
were not horses that would be considered qualified by normal international 
racing standards.  You and I both know the fitness and seasoning of the horse 
matters more in a race like these desert races than the current fame or 
standing of the rider.  In my opinion, there is too much emphasis on the 
rider all of a sudden in this arena.  A good, experienced rider can make a 
difference in a race, but the horse should be equally qualified and up to the 
task.  

I don't want to keep arguing about comments of mine being misinterpreted or 
misquoted.  But read what I wrote again.  I stand by every word of it.  As 
far as the attrition rate...it doesn't make sense to me to use another race 
or several races that had high attrition rates as an example of why it's OK 
in this race to have around 40 per cent finish.  Two wrongs don't make a 
right.  When horses are pulled from a race, there's always a reason.  And 
that reason is physical damage has been done to the horse.  Period.  
Sometimes, recovery is quick, but sometimes recovery is slow, painful or 
never occurs.  I am sure the standards for pulling horses were high in this 
ride.  That's a good thing.  But the fact remains that well over half the 
horses left the event injured or sick.  That is not a good thing.

There has never been a time I was pulled from any race, no matter what the 
level of competition, that I didn't take it seriously.  Damage was done, and 
damage is cumulative.  There are moments and mistakes I would like to take 
back.  Life doesn't work that way.  When I opened my mouth originally, I 
simply felt compelled to point out the results of the "Worlds Most Preferred" 
race and provoke a little thought about those results.  I never intended, nor 
do I think I have, pointed any fingers at anyone in a hostile way.  I am 
personally not promoting mass hysteria in regard to the UAE either.  Also, I, 
too, feel the facts need to be set straight.

Debi Gordon