Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I've read all the posts about this raging topic, and I think this gal 
Corrine is onto something!

Indeed, why does weight matter at all, when taken into context with the 
"finish is to win" philosophy?

It doesn't.

If you are training your horse and riding it at the rides to the best 
of your combined abilities, weight doesn't matter.  It's just another 
varible which can separate the "men from the boys" so to speak. Weight 
shouldn't matter during a ride, and it shouldn't matter for BC. Like 
she said, it's about horsemanship.... and to me, BC is the only award 
that means anything.  Because it's about doing the best job you can 
with your horse on that day. All variables considered.

Weight catagories only makes sense as Corrine says... if everyone rides 
with the same weight.  And granted, in any weight class, those riding 
are competing with others in the same weight class, but , as Julie Suhr 
points out... it sure takes away from the importance of any standings 
if there are so many catagories.

Another thing to consider is whether or not we want this sport to 
change into something much more monitored... or not.  Do we want a 
governing body to tell us how much weight we must carry in order to 
compete?  Which saddles, bits and headstalls we can or cannot use?  How 
many waterbottles, which saddle pads?  I sure as hell don't.  If I 
can't ride my horse well and safely using my own judgement and 
knowledge of that horse, I won't be at a ride. It's my call. I'm 
responsible.

At some point there will probably be enough rules and regs to keep 
everyone and their horse from ever making a mistake. Then it won't be 
the same sport at all, will it?  It'll be more like FEI or CTR, and 
while I don't have a problem with those governing bodies, I personally 
don't want to ride like that.   I would like to see fewer rules, and 
more horsemanship.  If it gets to the point where the rules take away 
my ability to be a horseman, I won't be there to see it.  I'll be 
riding hard, fast, and heavy somewhere in the mountains, relying on my 
judgement and skill as a horseman to see that my horse and I get home 
safely.

Julie


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