And, I agree with you 100%.? I have made my opinion clear to our leaders and I know that many others have, also.? For some reason, they are just not "hearing" that most of us want "a National Champion."??
On the overall winner part - the first to cross the finish line at this event - John Crandell III riding Heraldic - is - in my very personal opinion (non-official)- as close to National Champion as we'll get. The effort, focus, horsemanship, planning, strategy, training, attention to every every detail ... it was no accident that they finished first - and certainly it was John's goal - to be the first across the finish line. Plus I'd venture to say that John's gracious manner, humility, and true desire to help other riders and help our sport, makes him about as close to a national 'hero' as we've seen in a long time. His horse - Heraldic - is absolutely awesome. Perhaps we've got the next Becky and Rio - a team that we can cheer for and be sincerely proud of. I do think we need that.
