I agree Heidi. I guess in my 62 yr old mind I didn't
state it correctly but I sure meant the same thing. Miles are miles as far
as 25s, 50s, or 100s are concerned. What I meant is that they all add up
and accumulate no matter whether 25s are easier than 50s or 100s.
One does what one can do. Whether one does endurance or competitive too,
they are still miles that one trained for whether one rides fast or slow.
However, there are those who do the longer distances that do look down on those
that do the shorter distances. I say this because I have seen this
attitude. In fact saw this attitude at the OD in the 70s. Have seen
the same attitude almost every year that I have competed. Do I say
something? You betcha, I do. Not right, however one chooses to do
miles, is just fine for that person in whatever capability they are able to
handle. I have done comp, end, 50s, 100s in one day, 100s in 2 and 3
days. Been there done that. Now the important thing for me is just
to ride, get me thru the ride able to do another ride, get my horse thru the
ride able to do another ride. I do what I can do, can't do 100s and maybe
50s anymore but I can still throw a leg over a horse and ride, not quite as far,
but I can ride. And that is my goal. I don't feel that I
contradicted myself, I said what I meant to say. Miles are miles and they
are full of smiles for one that just loves to book down trail on a free swinging
horse. OMG, I ABSOLUTELY hate getting old. And like you, I am sick
of the whining. Get with it folks, ride, take good care of your horse,
learn from your mistakes, and above all, have fun. Isn't that why we all
got into this sport to begin with? As far as I can see AERC has handled
all the basics just fine. Never meant to say that AERC hadn't.
Jeanie who has been at this sport since 1970
