I am sad that anyone would think this of other people's aspirations and
desires let alone express it. I thought about this and it occurred to me that in
my field, music, it would be incredibly insensitive if I were to adopt this
attitude toward everyone who did not READ music as well as I, PLAY as well as I,
or SING as well as I - and the others I have had the PRIVILEGE to sing and
record with. Then I stopped myself and thought - but compared to a LOT of
people, I am not so hot, either! I am no Celine Dion, no Barbra Streisand. It is
certainly relative, isn't it? So instead of verbally and otherwise stomping on
the accomplishments of others, no matter HOW insignificant "we" think they are,
how about let's cheer for them as we clap for those children who frankly can
CRUCIFY Away In Manger on Christmas - but we applaud their
accomplishments. There are likely as many "dead horses" in the upper levels as
in LD, maybe more, I don't know. Then again, someone please tell me that winning
or garnering a BC in a multi day or a 100 miler is not an "ego builder". What
the heck is wrong with that anyway?
That said, the practicality of doing it at every ride is another
story, something that needs to be worked through by RMs, AERC, etc. But
to say that whatever it took for one to get to even 25 or 35 miles "means
nothing" is offensive. It may mean nothing to..."the elite squad", but it means
plenty to...someone. How about those who either have families or jobs that
preclude their ability to condition to 100s tell those who DO have time, money
and freedom to do so "well, why don't you go get a life that includes something
else" or "that Pioneer Award is sure a dumb award!" we don't you see, because it
is not necessarily true, and even if it were, it is not kind. What did Thumper's
Mama say? "thumper, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".
So let's not discourage my our attitudes or remarks those who are LESS
FORTUNATE, LESS HEALTHY, perhaps partnered with an older horse or a
younger horse, or actually spending a good part of their time making a living.
IMAGINE THAT! It isn't "dumb" to everyone.
San (who doesn't think it is the last word after all:)!)
LD BC is
a dumb award; it does not mean anything, it is not necessary, it promotes dead
horses and beginners racing, it's only purpose is an ego builder for the
rider,etc. It is virtually "unattainable" in regions that have RM's
and/or vets who do not believe in awarding LDBC
