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Re: [RC] How long did it take to get to your first ride? - Becky Huffman----- Original Message ----- > Right now, I can't change my work situation. I know I can't be alone in the lack of time I have to ride and condition my horse, and having to constantly adjust my priorities. I would love to hear from those of you who have had to put off your competive goals for a while, and learn how you stayed motivated during that time. Hi Karen. I think there are a lot of people in similar situations, and I don't believe there is an easy answer. I jumped into endurance riding with all six feet in the 80s and have never looked back. There were years I managed to make a lot of rides, but the ride results don't reflect the rides I missed with a fit and ready horse in the pasture for a long list of reasons, truck, house, family.... . There are people who ride more miles a year than I have career miles, but I've stayed involved to some extent even when I couldn't ride. Outside of endurance, we've (re-)built an old farm, had two kids, and established a solid breeding program, just to name the tip of the iceberg,. - within the endurance community, I've taught/managed clinics, volunteered at rides, I'm a trainer and do sometimes compete others horses, I've managed to make at least a few rides most years. In 2000, I lost a horse to clostridium that I'd raised from a foal and brought along as my main endurance horse - that was a huge setback for me, more than everything else combined, and I've been the last five years bringing up my next horse. One thing I've had to realize is that it's more of a lifestyle than just riding the long miles of trail. It's a sport that's always going to 'be there' for me, at whatever level I can be involved. Set realistic goals, for each year, and over the long term. If something happens that make them unrealistic, adjust them. I'm not saying to set them too low just so they can be accomplished, but they do have to be attainable. Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas www.TheOriginalSeries.com "Of the long years of peace ... there is little tale." JRR Tolkien, The Silmarillion =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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