oldie

["jcmiller" <jcmiller@jackpine.com>]

I have been in this sport for 30 years.  SIGH.  In the 70s and 80s, folks
were real serious about winning and points.  Also beer seemed to be more
popular in those days.  I never could understand how some riders could be up
until 2 in the morning, get up at 5, fly past their crew for water for the
horse and a beer for them.  It was beyond me how they even stayed on their
horses.
So one of the biggest differences that I see now is that beer on trail is
not quite so popular and staying up late isn't either.  There are still
those who want the win and aren't very nice about getting it, and then there
are those who want to ride and do the best that they can for that day.  If
it is a finish, they are happy with that.  But in 30 years, I can honestly
say that I still love this sport, I enjoy the folks for the most part that I
meet,  I love booking down trail, I love the new knowledge that I have
gained to take better care of my horse, but most of all, I love that special
relationship that I still get with my horse.  I have had the fortune to form
4 special relationships with horses thru the years.  I wouldn't give that up
for anything.  This is a constant that has stayed with the sport thru the
years.  Jeanie