Ride or Race?

[guest@endurance.net]

Dianna Chapek dmchapek@hotmail.com
Well, since it's the American Endurance RIDE Conference, no other
explanation should be needed.  The ultimate goal of endurance riding is to
complete a marked course of 50 miles or more with a sound, healthy horse
within the allotted time.  Placings are secondary goals for those riders
wishing to travel at faster speeds.  If you don't finish, you can't place.
Every rider who successfully finishes a RIDE is a winner.  Hence, "To
Finish Is To Win".  The goal in a horse race is to finish first.  Period!
The last horse across the finish line in racing has been unsuccessful in
the goal of finishing first, so is considered a loser.  With over 8000
AERC miles (6600 on one horse), I think I can consider myself an Endurance
RIDER.  Have I ever finished first?  No.  I ride mid to back of the pack,
sometimes even being the final rider to successfully cross the finish
line.  Am I a winner?  Definately!!  I endure the hours and miles on my
horse to enjoy the trail, scenery, new & old friends, and most of all, the
companionship with my horse.  Before you put your article out to all to
read, I would suggest that you ride enough endurance rides to have a
better understanding of what the sport is about.  Any distance under 50
miles and longer than 25 is a Limited Distance Ride.  These are used for
training, conditioning, reentry after a layup and by those who are unable
or unwilling to ride the longer distances of endurance.  There are no 15
mile, AERC recognized rides.  Obviously, this is only my personal opinion.
As someone very famous once said "RIDE...Really Ride"