Ridecamp: [RC] Politics and endurance

On an aside to the WEG. I really enjoyed my long distance participation in
this ride thanks to John and Steph. 
A few points on the raised topics . Politics are not welcome on this list -
some people seem to forget this is a public forum for endurance riding and
there are actually many international participants on this forum who do not
appreciate the political ideas of a few of the posters- we are here to learn
about endurance - not how you see other countries and there people from your
limited exposure to them. I must admit, seen from my perspective, some of
the posters here do not give a good impression of some Americans to
outsiders- thankfully they are only limited and  any adult with a bit of
savvy will understand that and not paint all of your countryman with the
same brush!  For many, many years you guys have been leading the endurance
world in studies and knowledge and results - endurance is what it is because
of the USA- be proud of that !!! We all have learnt from you and continue to
do so- we are appreciative of your generosity of knowledge- don't belittle
yourselves!
The UAE have bought 65 our our horses in a year- that has contributed a
large amount of money to our economy and also incidentally raised the market
on GOOD riding Arabs in this country- swung the whole perspective away from
the expensive showy useless halter types that have been the bulk of the
market for a long time- a good thing in my eyes. Also , because of the money
to be made- endurance riders are more professional about the sport, 100
milers have increased ten fold and the interest in the sport has blossomed.
Yes, some may say that their are negative aspects to this- race to win, push
a horse to perform so you can get big bucks for it, etc etc. This may be-
but only a minority will do this- the rest of these newbies into the sport
are just enjoying it and their horses, with no aim other than to compete and
complete. We all cannot be international riders and big race winners, but
for many years we sat in isolation with no hope of ever been involved in an
international sport, did our own thing and envied those overseas who could
compete and be at the forefront of competition and scientific, nutritional
and equine studies. Now we are part of it- and our riders, horses and sport
are benefitting directly from that! Keep a cool head- use what will benefit
the sport and the horse- lose the rest!!! 

Regards,
Cindy Budler
Afrox Fabrication Marketing
Germiston
Gauteng
Ph : 011 876 1179
Fax : 011 873 5902
E Mail : cindy.budler@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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