Though I have not yet competed, doesn't mean I don't enjoy the thrill of the competition and admire those with stamina and discipline to train themselves and their horse properly.
From my observation, the TEVIS is like the Kentucky Derby - BIG RACE, an honor to be in it and ride to WIN, notplace or show. Some riders condition, train, mentor both horse and human to not just cross that finish line, but enter with the sincere forsight that they are GOING to WIN - or nothing else matters. I believe in any racing type sport - TB, NASCAR, CTR, Cycling, etc., you have your "cream" of a few that do have the real potential to WIN, and the rest are going to test their skill - knowing full well that to them, crossing that finish line - ALIVE - is an honor.
To those riders who enjoy the competition for reasons obvious or unknown to others, it is the FREEDOM of choice to enter and compete that is still very important to them. The most pertinent thing I have gathered from BOTH sides is that no one wants to see our trusted equines being pushed past their potential to where it causes pain or death. 90% of all posts are health related anywhere from food, feet, heart, hydration, stamina... even saddle fit!
The greatest thing you can leave someone is a part of yourself, so they can learn from you and pass it on, generation to generation . That is how a "legacy" is created. I would hope that in the future these posts are directed to leave a "good" part of yourself to help those just tuning into the sport (or RC) to come away feeling GOOD - and be able to say who made them feel good or educated them a little more. Whether your experience is of hard knocks or the scientific kind, it is of value to all, to sort through and absorb as much as possible - and maybe even come to some sort of conclusion or breakthrough. BUT without the name calling and sarcasm; because, unfortunately, that is what most people will remember about you.
