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Re: [RC] Letters to the World -- showing - Ed & Wendy HauserWhen considering how to popularize the Arabian and 1/2 Arabian horse as a general purpose riding animal, we should carefully consider the target consumer. I submit for discussion: 1. The target consumer that needs to be persuaded, is not the person who wants do CTR or LD or endurance. If a horseperson decides to try these sports, he/she will use the horse she/he has. Later, if they like it, the virtues of the Arabian and part Arabian will be obvious to them. Last weekend at Ft. Howes, I rode along side of a cowboy on the last loop. He does cutting and decided to try an LD. He came equipped with a nice small quarter horse, roping saddle, lariat, chinks, and cowboy hat. Because he is a rancher and an excellent horseman, he had no trouble with the ride and knew what a reasonable pace was. Talking to him later he didn't see distance riding as a sport he wanted to do. To bad, I thought we might have a convert. 2. The new (never owned a horse before) horse owner is probably looking for a gentile, kid safe (safe and horse are an oxymoron, but lets go with the flow here), horse. He/she probably envisions his child in a 4H or Pony Club show. Arabian halter classes do not promote this image. The moneyed people who control the sport do not really want the game they play so well changed. 3. There are a bunch of horsepersons who do team penning, cutting, and reining. Most (but not all) use Quarter horses. This is an area where more publicity could increase sales of Arabians and part Arabians. 4. Most dedicated trail riders in this country, feel that Arabian horses have two drawbacks. First, they are wild and trustworthy. Even riding along side of your Arabian does not change their mind. They tell you that your horse is the exception. Secondly, most trailriders are cowboy wannabes. John Wayne did not ride an Arabian. I don't know how to change these perceptions. Ed Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower Road Victor, MT 59875 ranch@xxxxxxxxxxx 406.642.6490 ============================================================ Of course things aren't perfect, perfect doesn't exist on this earth. Doesn't mean we won't go on trying to get better at what we do. Besides, if everything was perfect today, what would you do tomorrow? Slamming each other doesn't get anything done. ~ Dot Wiggins ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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