Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Bruce wrote:
But consider the
other "layers" of competition taking place:

Dabney adds:
As so often, Bruce has hit the nail on the head here.  I'd add that some 
riders  compete for BC or the equivalent...

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce Weary" <bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <Ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2006 8:22 AM
Subject: [RC] Riding Vs Racing


>     Steph--
> I am considered an old-timer in this sport, but I thought I'd throw in my 
> views on the "riding vs. racing" issue. Feel free to delete at will. I 
> don't think the racing component of endurance riding will ever disappear. 
> And, for those who know me, they might be surprised to hear that I don't 
> think that's a bad thing. In fact, the influence that sensible competition 
> has on many of us can be very constructive, even good for us and our 
> horses. Let me explain. Worldwide, the percentage of horses and riders who 
> aspire to compete at the international level and at speeds that would make 
> many of us cringe, is quite small. There are certain factors that keep 
> that percentage small-- finances, time and commitment being the big three. 
> But at the amateur level, I don't see it as simply a matter of "either 
> race or ride to complete." There are many different races going on at any 
> given endurance ride, most of which are taking place at a reasonable level 
> of speed and effort on behalf of the horse. Certainly there is the race 
> for first place. But consider the other "layers" of competition taking 
> place: Many of us hope to finish before another particular rider. Sort of 
> a fun "grudge match". Some try to top ten without the rigors and stress of 
> going for first place. Others ride to beat their own ride time from last 
> year. There's those who ride to do as well or better than another breed of 
> horse. Some try to beat opponents in the same weight division. Some ride 
> fast enough to gather enough points for a year end award. Riding to finish 
> before time runs out is a race for many. A sprint to the finish after 
> riding conservatively all day is fun for friends riding together. And 
> there are those, like you, Steph, who, through dedication and sheer will, 
> manage to capture the Turtle Award in the face of strong competition. ;)
>   These types of "racing" at endurance rides still call for prudent 
> conditioning and campaigning, and still get our blood pumping, but with 
> markedly reduced risk to the horse. Our equine friends have shown all of 
> us, time and again, how much they can give, how many years and miles they 
> can travel with us happily aboard, if ridden sensibly within the confines 
> of competition outlined above. The horse in in this "dance" with us. We 
> are at each other's risk, and yet we are each other's caretaker and 
> benefactor.
>   About a year ago, I gave my reasons for why I won't likely ever be seen 
> competing at the international level. I'm happy where I am. Here, for your 
> review, are those reasons once again. Please forgive my repetition.
>          TOP TEN REASONS I WOULDN'T DO WELL AT THE WEC:
>     #10) Sand sticks to my anti-chafing cream and gives me a rash.
>     #  9) I drink coffee before a ride, and when nature calls, I would 
> feel like a 200 lb cat in nature's largest litter box.
>     #  8) Moving ribbons to throw off the competition takes time. You need 
> tree cover for that.
>     #  7) My Mercedes doesn't have 4-wheel drive.
>     #  6) Regarding the webcast: My mother and most of my friends have 
> never SEEN me wear tights. I'd like to keep it that way.
>     #  5) I worry about what the locals would do to an American male of 
> Norwegian descent caught checking on his horses in the middle of the 
> night,
>   wearing nothing but Calvin Kleins and overboots. I lose sleep over this 
> one.
>     #  4) There's no KFC in UAE.
>     #  3) No one there knows the words to the Bonanza theme song, and I 
> HATE singing alone.
>     #  2) I couldn't be gone from home that long. My wife might run off 
> with the pool man, and I just couldn't bear that. I would miss him 
> terribly.
>     And the #1 reason is:  My pearl handled six-guns and fluffy chaps put 
> me at a weight disadvantage. (Really attracts the babes, though)
>
> Bruce Weary
>
>
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>
> 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!!
>
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=



=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

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!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=