Re: [RC] World Endurance Forum - In Summary - D'Arcy Demianoff-ThompsonThank you, Steph, for this post. This is by and far the most encouraging bit of news I have had in a long time regarding this industry. Just this morning when I woke up and reflected what I was going to do for the day. I had this fleeting thought of "what is this all for?" I expressed concerns to myself that the horse industry in the United States is rapidly changing. That local, county, and state over regulation of this industry has phased out a lot of horse related businesses (boarding, qualified trainers, and research money). That my own horses, with exceptional foundation bloodlines, are getting old. Their rare bloodlines and getting more so each year. It is a strange feeling thinking you might be at the tail end of your career. It is even more strange to feel that you haven't left anything to make the world a better place. So, with all of those thoughts in mind. Reading Kevin Myers analysis of WEF. I feel, as an equine collective body, we have all left the place a little better. Our passion for the industry and the sport as so many express through Ride Camp and many other lists is an encouraging thought. Maybe not encouraging enough to want to continue breeding but encouraging. Kevin struck a nerve when he stated, "My resolution, which I will think about when I am riding my ten-hour 55-mile ride in Scottsdale next weekend, is to think of ways to play a collaborative role in the evolution of this great sport." Isn't that GREAT food for thought. Then I went outside and fed my horses! As a surveyed the line of broodmares knowing they are some of the finest stock in the world. It didn't matter what I had left. What matters is what I am going to leave! What sacrafice am I willing to make to insure a better future for all of those that come behind me. Then it struck me - in the final analysis the old addage "what you put in is what you get out!" Has never seemed more true, for me, today! I will have an opportunity this month to work with a number of youth from the ages of 6 to 16. Then it comes back to the root and foundation of any industries success, doesn't it, education! I suppose one could say It is there that my path has been written. So, please wish me the best and pray that I do us all proud. God Bless one and all. D'Arcy L. Demianoff-Thompson liberty4640@xxxxxxxxx =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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